Ultrasound Preparations
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam. Other preparation depends on the type of examination you will have.
The following tests DO NOT require any preparation:
- Breast
- Scrotal
- Thyroid
- Transvaginal
- Vascular
The following tests require preparation:
Abdomen
- Nothing to eat 8 hours prior to exam
- Patients may take medications
Abdomen & Abdomen Retro Complete/Limited
- Nothing to eat 8 hours prior to exam
- Must have full bladder prior to exam (see drinking instructions below)
- Patient may take medications
Abdomen Retro Complete/Limited
- Must have full bladder prior to exam (see drinking instructions below)
- Patient may take medications
Aorta/AAA
- Nothing to eat 8 hours prior to exam
- Patient may have water and may take medications with water
Kidney/Bladder
- Must have full bladder prior to exam (see drinking instructions below)
- Patient may take medications
Pelvis Non-OB
- Must have full bladder prior to exam (see drinking instructions below)
- Patient may take medications
Pelvis OB
- Must drink 32 oz of water 45 minutes prior to exam
- Patient may void (Note: if over 35 weeks, no prep)
Pelvis with Transvaginal
- Must have full bladder prior to exam (see drinking instructions below)
- Patient may take medications
Renal Artery with Doppler for Stenosis
- Evening prior – dinner should be light and consist of clear liquids only (jello, broth, tea), no dairy
- Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to exam
Renal/Kidney
- Must have full bladder prior to exam (see drinking instructions below)
- Patient may take medications
Drinking instructions
- 2-6 years old – 8 oz of water 30 minutes prior to exam
- 6-12 years old - 16 oz of water 30 minutes prior to exam
- 12-18 years old – 32 oz of water 30 minutes prior to exam
- 18 years old - 32 oz of water 45 minutes prior to exam. Male patients, 18 years and over, 24 oz of water 45 minutes prior to exam.