Ultrasound testing helps in the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases and conditions, including stomach problems, gallbladder or pancreas problems, and abdominal pain.

During the procedure The sonographer gently presses the transducer against your stomach area, moving it back and forth. The device sends signals to a computer, which creates images that show how blood flows through the structures in your abdomen. A typical ultrasound exam takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Ultrasound imaging of the abdomen uses sound waves to produce pictures of the structures within the upper abdomen. It is used to help diagnose pain or distention (enlargement) and evaluate the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, spleen and abdominal aorta.

The black-and-white images show the internal structures of the abdomen, such as the appendix, intestines, liver, gall bladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, and urinary bladder. A complete ultrasound of the abdomen evaluates all of the abdominal organs.

Abdominal ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It is used to look at organs in the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. The blood vessels that lead to some of these organs, such as the inferior vena cava and aorta, can also be examined with ultrasound.

You must not eat or drink for eight hours before your exam. Water and taking medication is okay. If ultrasound pelvis is also being done, for female patients, please drink 32 ounces of water one hour before the scan.

Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound You must have a full bladder when you arrive at the clinic. Make sure you drink four eight-ounce glasses (960 ml total) of water or juice 75 minutes before the exam and don’t urinate.

Ensuring that your bladder is full will help get the best images which will be used to rule out possible complications. Additionally, when we can see the baby clearly, we can easily determine how far along you are and hear the baby’s heartbeat.

PELVIS, KIDNEYS, BLADDER: You need to have a full bladder for this scan. 1 hour before your appointment empty your bladder and drink rapidly (within 5-10 min) 1 liter of water. Finish drinking 50-55 min before the scan to allow enough time for the bladder to fill.

Most often you’ll need to have a full bladder (where urine is stored) before the procedure. This means you must drink a lot of water before you arrive for the test – usually about 32 ounces or four 8 ounce glasses.

Drink 32 ounces (four glasses) of water one hour before your examination time. You can go to the bathroom to relieve yourself, as long as you keep drinking water. If you are also having an ultrasound abdomen, please do not eat or drink for 8 hours before your exam.

Preparing for an Ultrasound

• Eat a low fat dinner on the evening before the examination- (no fried, fatty or greasy foods and no dairy products)
• Nothing to eat or drink for 12 hours prior to your appointment.
• If there are medications that you must take, only drink a small amount of water when taking the medications.

A full bladder is very important for the ultrasound exam. Empty your bladder 90 minutes before exam time, then consume one 8-ounce glasses of fluid (water, milk, coffee, etc.) about an hour before exam time.

Expectant mothers that are full-figured should consider scheduling their 3D/4D ultrasound between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy. If you are expecting twins or multiples, the best time for 3D/4D ultrasound is between 22-27 weeks.

Here are some things we ask our clients to consider before having a 3D/4D/HD ultrasound and ways to help get the best pictures possible:

1. Know who is scanning you!
2. When to do an ultrasound.
3. Drink plenty of fluids.
4. Eat before your appointment.
5. Have a glass of fruit juice.
6. Wear loose clothing.