Center for Pediatric Imaging

Preparing for Ultrasound Studies

For studies of the abdomen:

Birth to 1 year: Nothing by mouth for 4 hours prior to the exam
1-18 years: Nothing by mouth if morning appointment; Nothing by mouth for 6 hours prior to the exam if afternoon appointment

For studies of the pelvis:

All ages need to drink large amounts of fluid beginning at least 30 minutes before exam

For studies of the kidneys:

Patients should drink as normal. If there is a specific concern about the bladder, such as incontinence or frequency of urination, then the child should drink large amounts of fluids at least 30 minutes prior to exam.

All other types of ultrasounds do not require any special preparation.