An analysis of referrals for primary diagnostic abdominal ultrasound to a general X-ray department.

Abnormalities were found in 30% of examinations. Comparison of outpatient and family practitioner referrals in cases of suspected gallstones (24%:27%) indicated the value of GP access. There was also evidence, in the absence of a dilated common bile duct, that there was little value in extending the examination of the gallbladder. In post-cholecystectomy syndrome, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is shown to be the investigation of choice. Abnormalities revealed in lower abdomen examinations were related only to pelvic organs and in this group examination should therefore be confined to this area. Pick-up rates of 15% were found in patients with left upper quadrant pain and a number of miscellaneous conditions. There is a marked increase in positive findings in the presence of a palpable mass.