General Ultrasound

Ultrasound (or Sonography) is a non-invasive medical procedure that helps radiologists evaluate soft tissue and organs to exclude or confirm abnormalities. It uses harmless, high frequency sound waves to form an image (sonogram). The sound waves pass through the body and bounce back to form a picture of the internal structures. It is not invasive and involves no radiation.

Exam Preparation:

Abdominal Ultrasound (including gallbladder, liver, aorta, spleen, pancreas)

Clear fluids only after midnight, no smoking, no chewing gum, no carbonated beverages. You may drink water, apple juice, clear tea or coffee.

Renal Ultrasound

• Do not void 2 hours prior to the exam

Combined Abdominal & Pelvic Scan

• Nothing to eat or drink from midnight the night before until completion of the examination plus

• Follow instructions of pelvic scan

 Pelvic or Obstetric Ultrasound

• Your bladder must be full for this type of exam.

• Finish drinking 32 oz. (about 4 glasses) of water 2 hours before your appointment time.

• DO NOT void after you drink the water.

 All other scans requires no preparation

Ultrasound FAQ’s:

Q: Why do I need a full bladder for my ultrasound exam? 
A: For ultrasound studies of the pelvis ultrasounds the full bladder acts as a window into the body. It pushes some of the organs (like gas within the bowel) away, and allows us to see much more clearly. A full bladder is absolutely essential for these examinations.

Q: Why do I need to be fasting for my abdominal ultrasound? 
A: Fluid and gas within the stomach after eating interferes with the ability of the ultrasound to see the inner organs. In addition, many foods contain fat which cause the gallbladder to contract which results in poor assessment of that organ.

Q: Can I still take my medications before my ultrasound test? 
A: Yes, but it is best to take these only with a small amount of water and nothing else.

Q: Can I take my preschool children into the ultrasound room during my examination? 
A: Ultrasound is a medical procedure. No guests are allowed in the examination room during the exam.

Q: Can you tell me the results of my ultrasound examination at the time of the scan? 
A: No. The technologist who performs the exam is not permitted to provide or discuss results, under British Columbia's professional guidelines. The examination is checked by the supervising Radiologist (doctor) before you leave. X-Ray 505 will send a full report of your examination to your doctor within a week.