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.