• Ultrasound
• Registering for your appointment

How to Prepare for Your Ultrasound Exam

Preparations will vary depending on the kind of exam you are having performed:

For any ultrasound please plan on arriving 15 minutes prior to your appointment for patient registration.

1. Abdominal ultrasound
   • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight (or at least six hours prior to your exam).
2. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound (scheduled together)
   • Nothing to eat at least six (6) hours prior to your exam.
   • Drink 32 ounces of fluid one hour prior to your exam. Please do not empty your bladder.
3. Pelvic ultrasound
   • Drink 32 ounces of fluid one (1) hour prior to your exam. Please do not empty your bladder as a full bladder is necessary for your exam.
4. Hysterosonogram
   • Drink 32 ounces of fluid one (1) hour prior to your exam. Please do not empty your bladder as a full bladder is necessary for your exam.
   • Your exam needs to be scheduled 7-10 days following the first day of your menstrual period.
   • Please abstain from sexual intercourse following the first day of your period through the day of your appointment.
   • Please take a home pregnancy test the morning of your exam to confirm your pregnancy status.
5. OB (Pregnancy) Ultrasound
   • Drink 32 ounces of fclear luid one (1) hour prior to your exam. Please do not empty your bladder as a full bladder is necessary for your exam.
6. OB (Pregnancy) Ultrasound-2nd Trimester Only
   • Drink 24 ounces of clear fluid one (1) hour prior to your exam. Please do not empty your bladder as a full bladder is necessary for the exam.  
7. Renal (kidney) ultrasound
   • Drink 16 ounces of fluid prior to your exam. A full bladder is helpful, so if possible, please refrain from emptying your bladder.
8. Guided biopsy of the Breast, Thyroid, or Soft Tissue
   • Please refrain from aspirin products five (5) days prior to your exam.
   • No other preparation required.
   • Prior mammogram and ultrasound needed.

The following ultrasounds do not require any preparation:

• Carotid
• Breast
• Scrotum/Testicular
• Thyroid
• Venous Doppler (DVT)