Before attending your ultrasound scan the sonographer or doctor will inform you to follow some steps so that the images from the ultrasound scans can be improved. Here are some examples:
• if you are having a scan for your unborn baby or for the pelvic sector then you may be asked to drink water to fill up your bladder and not go to the toilet. However, if you are very urgent and have to go to the toilet then continue drinking straight after to fill up the bladder again.
• if you are having a scan for your digestive system, liver and gallbladder then you may be asked to fast for around 6 hours before the scan. This could mean that you are not allowed to eat but are still allowed to drink, however you may be told not to eat or drink for the hours told.
• if you are having a scan for your pelvis/KUB then you will be required to drink 1 litre of water 90 minutes before the the appointment and to hold your bladder as best as you can.
• if you are having a scan for your abdomen the you will be required to fast for 6 hours with no food and no milk. However, you can have black tea, coffee and drink water as normal. If you are diabetic then you can have dry toast, crackers and take any medication as normal.
Depending on the ultrasound scan that you are going for and the body parts that are being examined you may be asked to remove some clothing in order to carry out the scan more effectively.