30/07/2024
Common questions before ultrasound testing .
Q 1.- How much fasting is needed for Ultrsound abdomen ?
Ans- It depends upon which area needs to be seen .
For Gallbladder stones to be ruled out - minimum 6 hrs fasting is needed so as to give time for gallbladder to fill with bile and expand , so it is visible during the ultrasound scan examination.
If you fail to fast, your gallbladder will be deflated, and the sonographer will not be able to clearly see inside the gallbladder lumen to exclude or confirm gallstones.
If however, the scan is to merely check your liver, let's say for example to exclude or confirm fatty liver or cirrhosis, failing to fast will not affect the diagnosis.
For pelvic scan - no need to fast .
For kidney scan - no need to fast .
Q2.- Can I drink water before an abdominal ultrasound?
And - Yes, you can drink as much water as you like.
Q3. - Is it OK to drink coffee before an ultrasound?
Ans You can have black coffee or tea (no milk). You should, however, avoid fizzy drinks as these increase the amount of abdominal gas.
Q4. How do I Prepare for the pelvic scan ?
Ans - For the transabdominal pelvic scan, you are required to have your bladder full. The reason for this is that, as your bladder is anterior to your uterus and ovaries, it is being used as an acoustic window (a window to see through). When your bladder is full, will push out of the way the bowel that can obscure your uterus and ovaries.
This is the same reason that you have to fill up your bladder during the early pregnancy scan.
Q5. What can be done if I am not able to make my bladder full ?
Ans - Doctor will advise you transva**nal ( through the va**na ) scan if your bladder is not full or you are not able to wait to make your bladder full
