POAC funding is available for Upper Abdominal Ultrasound when gallstones are suspected, if pain persists despite analgesia or has recurred within the past 1–4 days.

If any of the following red flags are present, discuss with the surgical team and consider acute hospital admission:

• Pain not controlled with analgesia

• Jaundice

• Suspected acute cholecystitis

• Cholangitis

• Acute pancreatitis

If pain fully settles with analgesia, consider ATD/e-Referral for non-acute ultrasound.

Refer to the flowchart and HealthPathway below for full clinical guidance.

Ultrasound preparation:

No food for 4-6 hours, small amounts of water or black tea/coffee (no milk/sugar) allowed.

Continue to take medications as normal.  If diabetic, please check with doctor.