General | Renal ultrasound: From acute injury to transplant kidneys (cont.)
Tracks
Rm 5 | Virtual
General
| Saturday, May 30, 2026 |
| 2:40 PM - 3:20 PM |
| Rm 5 | First Floor |
Speaker
Mrs Melita Robert
Advanced Sonographer
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Transplant kidneys
2:40 PM - 3:00 PMBiography
Mrs Melita Robert |
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Melita is a Senior Sonographer at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and at I-MED Radiology in Brisbane. She completed her medical ultrasound training at the Queensland University of Technology. Her interests include renal/liver transplant imaging, musculoskeletal and breast imaging.
Ms Simone Spence
Ultrasound Education Specialist
Zedu Ultrasound Training Solutions
Food for thought - do our abdomen protocols, and reports need to change? Abdomen ultrasound in the era of GLP-1 receptor agonists
3:00 PM - 3:10 PMPresentation Synopsis / Abstract
Introduction:Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are increasingly prescribed for diabetes management and weight loss. These agents delay gastric emptying and are now commonly encountered in routine abdominal ultrasound examinations. Traditionally ‘Upper Abdomen’ ultrasound reports mention stomach and contents only as a limitation. Is it time we updated our protocols and actually report ON the stomach, rather than it simply being a cause of imaging limitations? Optimal fasting is imperative for upper abdominal ultrasound for visualisation of the liver, pancreas, biliary system. Delayed gastric emptying associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists results in gastric distension and increased bowel gas, compromising ultrasound visualisation. Historically, stomach contents have been reported as a limitation to image quality rather than a clinically relevant finding. Sonographers can learn to evaluate and diagnose stomach and gut related information and incorporate stomach assessment into routine protocols.
Methods: This presentation discusses the mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonists, their utility and complications. An overview of stomach and contents evaluation with ultrasound and discussion of how ultrasound is increasingly being utilised perioperatively to evaluate aspiration risk.
Conclusion: As GLP-1 receptor agonist use becomes more prevalent, traditional fasting protocols and reporting practices may require revision. Recognising gastric contents as a diagnostic observation rather than solely a technical limitation represents an important evolution in abdominal ultrasound practice.
Take-Home Message: Sonographers are well positioned to assess gastric contents, contribute diagnostic insight, and communicate findings within multidisciplinary teams. Updating protocols and reports to positively document stomach contents may improve examination quality, clinical relevance, and patient care.
Methods: This presentation discusses the mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonists, their utility and complications. An overview of stomach and contents evaluation with ultrasound and discussion of how ultrasound is increasingly being utilised perioperatively to evaluate aspiration risk.
Conclusion: As GLP-1 receptor agonist use becomes more prevalent, traditional fasting protocols and reporting practices may require revision. Recognising gastric contents as a diagnostic observation rather than solely a technical limitation represents an important evolution in abdominal ultrasound practice.
Take-Home Message: Sonographers are well positioned to assess gastric contents, contribute diagnostic insight, and communicate findings within multidisciplinary teams. Updating protocols and reports to positively document stomach contents may improve examination quality, clinical relevance, and patient care.
Biography
Ms Simone Spence |
Zedu Ultrasound Training Solutions
Simone is an ASAR-registered Sonographer with 25 years of experience across clinical, corporate, and educational sectors in ANZ and the UK. As an Ultrasound Educator at Zedu Ultrasound Training Solutions, she is dedicated to the professional development of the sonography workforce and the advancement of Point of Care (POCUS) clinical use. Her recent work focuses on delivering advanced clinical skills training for Sonographers and Clinicians, ensuring high standards of practice across both traditional and emerging imaging environments.
Her background includes senior roles in Product Management and Clinical Applications for global manufacturers, supported by an extensive clinical foundation in general ultrasound. A published co-author and RMIT graduate, Simone is committed to driving innovation, mentoring the next generation of practitioners, and upholding clinical excellence within the global ultrasound community.
