Ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. It does not use radiation, which makes it very safe and widely used. Ultrasound can show soft tissues, fluid-filled structures, and blood flow. It’s commonly used to look at organs such as the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, bladder, uterus and ovaries, testicles, and thyroid. It can also check pregnancy, guide certain procedures, and evaluate things like cysts, masses, inflammation, or blockages. Ultrasound is helpful for spotting fluid collections, gallstones, kidney stones in some cases, and assessing blood vessels through Doppler imaging.​​​

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How do I prepare?​

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Abdominal ultrasound:

 

Do not eat 6 hours prior to the exam time. Continue taking your home medications as prescribed by your physician. Diabetic patients should consult with their physicians and request an earlier appointment.

 

Abdominal and pelvic combined ultrasound:

 

Do not eat 6 hours prior to the exam time. Drink up to 1 liter (32 oz) of water 1 hour prior to your appointment time. Do not empty your bladder until the exam is completed. If you are beyond 28 weeks pregnant, you do not have to fill your bladder.

 

Obstetrics, pelvis only, kidney and bladder ultrasounds:

 

Do not eat 6 hours prior to the exam time. Drink up to 1 liter (32 oz) of water 1 hour prior to your appointment time. Do not empty your bladder until the exam is completed. If you are beyond 28 weeks pregnant, you do not have to fill your bladder. All other ultrasound exams: For all other ultrasound exams other than the ones specified above, there is no special exam preparation required.a