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Ultrasound

Why am I required to fast prior to an abdominal ultrasound?

After eating, air accumulates in your stomach and bowel which can make it difficult to properly visualize abdominal structures. As well, eating causes the gall bladder to empty, making it difficult to asses this organ during the exam.

Why am I required to fast prior to an abdominal ultrasound?

Why can’t I smoke or chew gum before an abdominal ultrasound?

When you smoke or chew gum you ingest a small amount of air and this can make it difficult for us to visualize your abdominal organs well. To ensure the best image quality possible, avoid smoking and chewing gum for 2 hours prior to your scheduled test.

Why can’t I smoke or chew gum before an abdominal ultrasound?

Why do I need to drink water prior to having an ultrasound of my pelvis?

It is difficult for us to visualize your bladder with ultrasound unless it is full of fluid. Having a full bladder will also push the bowel out of the way and help to visualize other pelvic structures more clearly.

Why do I need to drink water prior to having an ultrasound of my pelvis?

I am pregnant and having an ultrasound of my baby. Can I videotape my ultrasound?

No. We do not permit videotaping of the examination using cell phones or other electronic devices. More specifically the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), whose policies we observe, does not recommend the use of diagnostic ultrasound for entertainment purposes. We are, however, happy to provide you with a couple of still images of [...]

I am pregnant and having an ultrasound of my baby. Can I videotape my ultrasound?

I am diabetic but need to be fasting for my ultrasound test. What should I do?

We try schedule diabetic patients first thing in the morning so that they can take their insulin or diabetic medications as early as possible in the day. When booking your test, please advise the booking clerk that you are diabetic so that we can schedule your test accordingly.

I am diabetic but need to be fasting for my ultrasound test. What should I do?

Should I take my medications before having an ultrasound examination?

Yes. If you are required to fast for your test it is ok to take your medication with a small sip of water. If you need to take your medication with food, please bring your medication with you and take it immediately after your test.

Should I take my medications before having an ultrasound examination?

What happens if I decide to stop the test?

Sometimes there are alternative tests that can be performed that are less uncomfortable. The sonographer or your doctor will discuss these options with you should you decide to stop the test before completion. If you decide to stop the test, we will let you know if we feel there was enough information obtained for the [...]

What happens if I decide to stop the test?