Medical Imaging: Ultrasound - Before You Arrive

Please make the following arrangements for your appointment, depending on the area of focus for your ultrasound.

Abdomen 

Includes gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, aorta, liver, spleen:

  • You must stop eating and drinking (no food or liquids) from midnight the night before your test until your test is complete.

Pelvis / Bladder / Appendix

  • A pelvis, bladder or appendix ultrasound requires that you have a full bladder. You must drink 4 to 5 (8 oz) glasses of water 1 hour before your exam and do not empty your bladder.

Obstetrical - early pregnancy (less than 14 weeks)

  • An obstetrical ultrasound requires that you have a full bladder. Drink 6 (8 oz) glasses of water or clear fluids 1 hour before exam and do not empty bladder.

Obstetrical - late pregnancy (14 weeks to 40 weeks):

  • An obstetrical ultrasound requires that you have a full bladder. Drink 3 to 4 (8 oz) glasses of water or clear fluids 1 hour before exam and do not empty bladder.

Transvaginal

  • After the procedure is explained to the patient, a probe will be inserted into the vagina by the technologist to obtain the required images.

Transrectal biopsies

  • The patient must be pre-medicated and discontinue any blood thinners 1 week prior to test. This procedure is booked by urologist referral only.

No preparation is needed for

  • Carotid Doppler
  • Thyroid
  • Venous leg Doppler
  • Breast
  • Testicles
  • Hips
  • Extremities
  • Kidneys only

When do I find out the results?

The radiologist will send a report to the doctor who sent you for the test. He/she will give you the results.

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