Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to look at organs and structures inside the body. During pregnancy, doctors use ultrasound tests to examine the baby. Unlike an X-ray, an ultrasound does not involve exposure to radiation.

How the test is performed

The ultrasound technician will position you on the table, apply gel on your skin (over the area being imaged), and then press on the skin with a hand-held transducer to obtain the necessary images.

How to prepare for the test 

Preparation varies by type of ultrasound. It is very important for you to know whether you should eat or drink before the test:

  • Abdominal ultrasound (liver, bile ducts, spleen, pancreas, gallbladder, aorta)  – Do not eat or drink for six hours prior to the test. Medications may be taken with water.
  • Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound – You may not eat for six hours prior to the test but you must arrive with a full bladder. Finish drinking 1 litre (36 ounces) of water one hour before your appointment.
  • Pelvic ultrasound (including transvaginal) – You must arrive with a full bladder. Finish drinking 1 litre (36 ounces) of water one hour before your appointment.
  • Pregnancy ultrasound –You must arrive with a full bladder. Finish drinking 1 litre (36 oz.) of water one hour before your appointment.
  • Prostate ultrasound – You must arrive with a full bladder. Finish drinking 1 litre (36 ounces) of water one hour before your appointment.
  • Renal ultrasound (kidneys, ureters, bladder) – You may not eat for six hours prior to the test but you must arrive with a full bladder. Finish drinking 1 litre (36 ounces) of water one hour before your appointment. Medications may be taken with water.
  • Other – no preparation required.

How the test will feel

Most ultrasound examinations are quick and painless. If you are having a pelvic or endovaginal ultrasound you may have some discomfort because of the fullness of your bladder.

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“I would like to extend a sincere thank you to all the physicians, nurses, nursing aides, dietary, environmental services, lab, and diagnostic imaging staff, and many others who helped so much to make my stay in March so much easier for me. It was a worrying time for me and my family. There was not a single staff member at any time who did not make me feel more at ease and well cared for. I am still finding ways to cope with my condition and slowly but steadily improving with the regular support of my doctors and remain cautiously optimistic, but it looks like a long road ahead. I learned a lot while I was being cared for, particularly about the value of those small instances of human kindness. I wanted to express my appreciation for all the dedicated work everyone at KDH does.”

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