Most ultrasound examinations require no preparation.
However, there are some exceptions:
- For some scans, such as a gallbladder ultrasound, you will need to fast for at least 4 to 6 hours. Drinking of water is allowed and do continue with your routine medication if required.
- In a pelvic ultrasound, the scan may require a full bladder. Your doctor will let you know how much water you need to drink before the exam. Do not urinate until the exam is done.
- Follow the instructions from your doctor or sonographer in the case of young children, which may need additional preparation.
Before the scan
- Wear loose comfortable clothing. A 2 piece outfit or clothing is preferred. If required, you will be asked to change into an examination gown.
During the scan
- Generally, external ultrasound is done with the probe moved over the skin where lubrication gel is applied. The sonographer moves the probe against the skin to capture the images of the area being studied. The probe sends sound waves into your body, and that bounce back and sent to a computer, to create the images.
- Ultrasound is usually painless. However, in scans of the pelvic area where a full bladder is required, it may cause a little discomfort.
- A typical ultrasound scan takes from 30 minutes to an hour.
After the scan
- An ultrasound scan is usually carried out as an outpatient procedure.
- After the scan, you can go home and resume normal activities.
- Your ultrasound scan will be reported by a radiologist and possibly discussed with your referring doctor.
- We will send a finalized report to the clinic or doctor who arranged the scan, who will then discuss the results with you.
- It usually takes 1-2 working days for the results of an ultrasound scan to be ready.
- An urgent report on the same day is possible but an additional fee will be charged.
Find out more about Ultrasound >