| If your doctor has ordered an abdominal | | | | from 1-1/2 to 2 hours before the scheduled test. |
| ultrasound as a diagnostic measure of your | | | | Don't skimp, and don't overdo it. Drink exactly as |
| medical symptoms, you will need to follow | | | | much as you should. If this poses any kind of |
| preparatory directions carefully to get a clear, | | | | problem for you, call the doctor before the day |
| accurate ultrasound for the technician's reading | | | | of the test to explain your concerns, and he or |
| and your doctor's interpretation. Those who have | | | | she will advise you how to proceed. If you are |
| had ultrasounds previously may have an idea of | | | | drinking a lot of fluid to prepare for the test, be |
| what to expect, although each test is different | | | | prepared to have a strong urge to urinate. Yet |
| and may examine differing parts of the abdomen. | | | | you should try to avoid using the bathroom if the |
| An ultrasound of this area might check your liver, | | | | directions indicate this. You will be able to do right |
| gall bladder, spleen, kidneys, bladder, urethra, and | | | | after the test, usually in a bathroom located in the |
| reproductive organs, among others. | | | | test room. On the day of the test, wear clothing |
| Discuss with your doctor during the consultation | | | | that is easy to remove, especially on the lower |
| what the test is for. Ask him or her about how | | | | half of your body. Tight-fitting jeans, a girdle, or |
| to prepare, although the nurse may explain this | | | | other snug garments may take a little longer to |
| after your examination, or by a set of printed | | | | take off and put back on, but it will be up to you |
| instructions that you will be given upon leaving the | | | | whether to wear these or not. Avoid wearing |
| office, or that may be mailed to you by the | | | | body creams, lotions, or powders, as these could |
| ultrasound department as part of your | | | | interfere with the ultrasound scanner. You can ask |
| confirmation and preparatory packet. Read over | | | | the doctor ahead of time if you really want to |
| the written steps carefully to be sure you | | | | wear something like this. |
| understand each one. A simple misstep could | | | | During the ultrasound exam, the technician may |
| compromise the test's integrity, or force you to | | | | take a personal medical history or ask questions |
| reschedule another time and follow the | | | | about your symptoms. He or she is not permitted |
| preparations precisely. | | | | to read the test in progress or give you an |
| Typically, you may be asked to neither eat nor | | | | indication of findings. A specialist will review test |
| drink after midnight. Sometimes you may be | | | | results and contact you doctor with his or her |
| allowed a sip of water with needed medication, or | | | | impression, and your doctor will relay this |
| even an eight-ounce glass of clear liquid. For other | | | | information to you, along with a plan of |
| abdominal ultrasound examinations, you will have | | | | treatment, if one is needed. |
| to drink three or four glasses of water anywhere | | | | |