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Preparation Guidelines

Instructions for Scans

  • NOTE: INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO SAME-DAY/STAT PATIENTS.
  • Abdominal Ultrasound: Please fast for 4 to 6 hours prior to your exam. You are encouraged to drink clear water only.
  • Rationale: Fasting helps minimize bowel gas, ensuring high-resolution images of your internal organs.
  • Pelvic Ultrasound: Drink 32oz of water 1 hour before your scan. Do not empty your bladder until the exam is complete.
  • Visual rationale: A full bladder serves as an acoustic window, allowing our technologists to capture clear images of deep pelvic structures

Pelvic Ultrasound Preparation

  • Hydration Requirement: Complete drinking 32oz of water 1 hour prior to your procedure.
  • Note: Do not empty your bladder. A full bladder is essential for clear imaging as it acts as an acoustic window.
  • Comfort: The full bladder displaces gas-filled intestines, providing a clear line of sight to the uterus, ovaries, or prostate.
  • Exam Component: This exam may include an endovaginal component using a sterile high-frequency probe for high-resolution diagnostic images.

Pelvic Evaluation

  • Uterus: Checks the size, shape, and position, looks for fibroids or polyps, and measures the thickness of the uterine lining (endometrium).
  • Ovaries: Evaluates size and shape, and checks for ovarian cysts, tumors, or signs of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
  • Fallopian Tubes: Inspects for fluid buildup, swelling (hydrosalpinx), or ectopic pregnancies.
  • Cervix: Looks for structural abnormalities or masses.

Abdominal Ultrasound Preparation

  • Fasting Requirement: Please fast for 4 to 6 hours prior to your exam. You are encouraged to drink clear water only.
  • Bowel Gas Reduction: Fasting helps minimize bowel gas, ensuring high-resolution images of your internal organs.
  • Breath Holding: During abdominal scans, you may be asked to hold your breath briefly to capture precise organ snapshots.
  • Preparation Rationale: Proper preparation ensures optimal visibility of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, ducts, abdominal aorta, inferior vena cava, and spleen.

Abdominal Evaluation

  • Major Organs
    • Liver: Checks for size, fatty liver disease, cysts, tumors, cirrhosis, or signs of hepatitis.
    • Gallbladder: Looks for gallstones, inflammation (cholecystitis), polyps, or blocked bile ducts.
    • Pancreas: Evaluates for pancreatitis, cysts, or tumors.
    • Spleen: Measures size to check for enlargement (splenomegaly) or structural damage.
    • Kidneys: Checks for kidney stones, cysts, tumors, infections, or fluid backup (hydronephrosis).
  • Fluid and Blood Vessels
    • Abdominal Aorta: Screens for a bulge or weakening in the main artery (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm/AAA).
    • Ascites: Detects abnormal fluid buildup inside the abdominal cavity.

Schedule Your Abdominal or Pelvic Scan

Ensure your health with precision imaging. Book your upcoming ultrasound appointment today.

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