If you have an upcoming ultrasound appointment, you may be wondering what you need to do before your exam. Does an ultrasound require fasting? Should you drink water? Can you take your regular medications? What should you bring to your appointment?

The answer depends on the type of ultrasound you are having.

At Wosler Diagnostics, ultrasound services are available across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia. Understanding your specific preparation instructions ahead of time can help your appointment go smoothly and ensure you are ready for your examination.

What Is an Ultrasound?

An ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging examination that uses sound waves to create real-time images of structures inside the body. Depending on the type of examination, ultrasound can be used to evaluate areas such as the abdomen, pelvis, kidneys, thyroid, scrotum, blood vessels, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.

Wosler Diagnostics provides diagnostic ultrasound services at multiple locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia, with examinations interpreted by radiologists and reports securely sent to the referring physician.

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Does Every Ultrasound Require Preparation?

No. Ultrasound preparation depends on the specific examination you have been scheduled for.

Some ultrasound exams require fasting, while others require a full bladder. Some examinations require little or no preparation at all.

Your requisition and appointment instructions should be your primary guide. If you are unsure about your preparation requirements, contact the clinic before your appointment.

How to Prepare for Your Ultrasound Appointment

1. Check What Type of Ultrasound You Are Having

The first step is to know which examination you have been scheduled for.

Common ultrasound examinations include:

• Abdominal ultrasound
• Kidney, ureter and bladder ultrasound
• Pelvic ultrasound
• Obstetrical ultrasound
• Vascular ultrasound
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound
• Thyroid and neck ultrasound
• Small-parts ultrasound
• Scrotum ultrasound
• Abdominal aorta ultrasound

Different examinations have different preparation requirements. Wosler Diagnostics provides preparation information based on the type of ultrasound being performed.

2. Follow Fasting Instructions When Required

Some abdominal ultrasound examinations require fasting before your appointment.

For example, Wosler’s preparation information states that an abdominal ultrasound may require no food or drink for approximately 6 to 7 hours before the examination. Chewing gum is also discouraged before or during the examination.

If you have been instructed to fast, follow the instructions provided for your specific examination.

If you take prescription medication, follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or imaging clinic regarding whether and how to take it before your appointment.

3. Drink Water When a Full Bladder Is Required

Certain ultrasound examinations require a full bladder to help produce clear images.

For some pelvic, obstetrical, renal, or related examinations, Wosler’s preparation instructions indicate that patients may be asked to drink approximately 1 litre of water one hour before the appointment and avoid emptying their bladder.

A full bladder may be particularly important for certain pelvic and urinary tract examinations.

Do not assume that every ultrasound requires a full bladder. The preparation depends on the examination you have been scheduled for.

4. Know When No Preparation Is Required

Some ultrasound examinations do not require special preparation.

Wosler Diagnostics lists musculoskeletal ultrasound, scrotum ultrasound, and small-parts, neck, and thyroid ultrasound among examinations that generally do not require preparation.

Even when no preparation is required, it is still important to arrive on time and follow any instructions provided when your appointment was booked.

5. Wear Comfortable Clothing

Consider wearing comfortable clothing that allows the area being examined to be accessed easily.

Depending on the type of ultrasound, you may need to expose the area being examined while maintaining appropriate privacy and comfort.

If you have questions about what to wear or what will happen during your examination, you can contact the clinic before your appointment.

6. Bring Your Requisition and Appointment Information

If you have been given a physician requisition, make sure you have the necessary documentation for your appointment.

Wosler Diagnostics accepts physician requisitions from Canadian-licensed physicians.

It can also be helpful to have your health information and appointment details available when you arrive.

What If I Forget to Follow My Preparation Instructions?

If you accidentally eat when you were supposed to fast, or you empty your bladder when you were instructed to keep it full, do not simply assume that your appointment should be cancelled.

Contact the imaging clinic as soon as possible and explain what happened. The clinic can advise you on whether the examination can still be performed or whether another appointment may be necessary.

Following the preparation instructions can help the imaging team obtain the appropriate images for your examination.

Preparing for an Ultrasound: Quick Checklist

Before your appointment, remember to:

• Check the type of ultrasound you are having
• Read your preparation instructions carefully
• Fast if your specific examination requires it
• Drink water if you have been instructed to arrive with a full bladder
• Take medications according to the instructions provided to you
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Bring your requisition and appointment information
• Arrive on time
• Contact the clinic if you are unsure about your preparation

Need Help Preparing for Your Ultrasound?

If you are unsure about how to prepare for your ultrasound appointment, contact Wosler Diagnostics before your examination.

Wosler Diagnostics provides diagnostic ultrasound services across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Nova Scotia, with central booking available for its locations.

Call 1-844-967-5352 to learn more or book an ultrasound appointment.

Whether you are looking for an ultrasound in Calgary, Airdrie, Red Deer, Cochrane, Barrhead, Brooks, Fort McMurray, Whitecourt, Vegreville, Wabasca, Crowsnest Pass, Lloydminster, Meadow Lake, Melville, Onion Lake, Regina, Yorkton, or Halifax, Wosler Diagnostics has locations serving communities across Canada.

Your ultrasound appointment starts with knowing what to expect. Prepare according to your examination requirements, arrive ready, and let your imaging team guide you through the process.

For more information regarding ultrasound need to know visit https://wosler.ca/faqs/