Preparing for Your Ultrasound Exam
Please leave any personal belongings (jewelry, glasses, etc.) at home when having an outpatient exam performed at any of our facilities to avoid misplacement.
Preparations for Ultrasound Exams
All preparations for procedures are dependent on the type of procedure you are having. This information will be communicated to you from the department performing the procedure or the physician that ordered the procedure. Some patients will also get a letter with specific instructions in addition to a phone call.
Abdominal Ultrasound
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, or if the test is scheduled in afternoon, for 6 hours before the test.
Elastography Ultrasound
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, or if the test is scheduled in afternoon, for 6 hours before the test.
OB Ultrasound
Patients less than 14 weeks pregnant will need to fill their bladder with 24 oz. of fluid. A full bladder is needed for this test.
Pediatric Ultrasound
Pediatric exam preparations are dependent on the age of the patient. The department or scheduling office will give you the prep when making the appointment. If you have any questions, please call the scheduling office or the department where you will be having the exam.
Adult Pelvic/Bladder Ultrasound (Transvaginal and Transabdominal)
Drink 24 oz. of water at least one hour before your appointment. You will need a full bladder for this test.
Transrectal Ultrasound of the Prostate
You will need to purchase a Fleet Enema kit and follow the instructions in the kit two hours prior to the exam. Contact your physician for any special instructions.
Ultrasound-Guided Procedures
Ultrasound-guided procedures include:
- Radiofrequency Ablations
- Biopsies (Breast, Liver, Renal, Thyroid, etc)
- Aspirations (Breast, Lymph nodes, Thyroids, etc)
- Drainages (Acites Abdominal fluid, other areas where large volumes of fluid have accumulated due to infection or disease)
Other Scans
Many ultrasound exams do not require any special preparation, you will be told at the time of scheduling what your specific prep is or if you have one. This information will also be listed in My Lifechart along with your appointment information (place, date and time). If you have any questions on your exam prep please call 401-444-7770.