What is involved:

Ultrasound uses sound waves. According to current knowledge, ultrasound studies are not harmful when used properly. A special cold gel is used on the skin to help the sound waves pass through the skin. A probe is pressed against skin to get good images . Different positions and angles will be used to try and get a good view of specific organs and areas. Special preparations are required for some exams (please check under the exam) . The gel used is messy, but can be washed off or wiped off afterwards.

ABDOMEN & PELVIS / URINARY TRACT ULTRASOUND

Approximate time for this is about 15-40 minutes, but best to allow 1 hour.

Main Organs covered :

Gall bladder, liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, aorta, uterus, ovaries . When requested specifically or when clinically indicated- it may also include urinary bladder, checking for signs of appendicitis or checking for abdominal wall hernia.

Preparation:

• Avoid dairy, fat or gassy products for 10 hours
• Nothing to eat for at least 6 hrs.
• 90 minutes before test , start drinking 5 glasses (1.25 litres) of water and finish drinking 60 minutes before test. Needs full bladder for this test. Black coffee/tea or juice is allowed.

For Afternoon exams:

• May have a light breakfast, but no eating for 6 hours & no fat, dairy or gas producing items for 10 hrs.

Some exceptions may be allowed, but please check with us.

ABDOMEN ULTRASOUND:

Takes about 15-20 minutes, but best to allow 1 hour

Main Organs covered:

Gall bladder, Liver, Spleen, Pancreas, Kidneys and Aorta.

Preparation : (some exceptions may be allowed) :

• Morning Exams : Nothing to eat or drink for 8-10 hrs.
• Afternoon exams : May have a light breakfast, but no eating for 6 hours and no fat, dairy or gas producing for 10 hours.

PELVIC ULTRASOUND:

Takes about 15-20 mins , but best to allow 1 hour.

Main Organs covered:

Female Pelvis - Uterus and ovaries .
Male Pelvis - Bladder and Prostate.

Preparation:

• You need a full bladder for this test.
• Drink 40 oz or 1.25 litres of water, starting 90 minutes before the test. Finish drinking one hour before the test. Do not void until after exam.
• If this is the only test, you may eat. Poor preparation may result in delay or rebooking. If you are in great discomfort from extremely full bladder, please let us know..

Transvaginal ultrasound:

This may be added to a female pelvic ultrasound unless contraindicated. It is done to give better detail of certain areas of uterus, ovaries, endometrium or other pelvic pathology. Please follow pelvic ultrasound preparation. This is an internal test. Please discuss with the technologist for additional details.

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OBSTETRICAL ULTRASOUND:

Exams that are less than 18 weeks pregnancy takes about 20 mins. Exams that are 18 weeks+ takes about 45 minutes unless it is a limited study. When booking obstetrical ultrasound, it is important to specify the number of weeks the pregnancy is in to, to allot appropriate time.

Preparation :

Same as Pelvic ultrasound – see above .

If you wish to accompany the patient having an obstetrical ultrasound, here are some tips:

• Please let the technologist know.
• They will usually call you once they have done all pictures and measurements.
• Please realize that in some situations technologist may not feel 100% comfortable in showing the baby with out first consulting the radiologist. In this situation, Please don't be offended.

PROSTATE- TRANSRECTAL ULTRASOUND:

Takes about 20 minutess, but best to allow I hour.

Preparation:

• Take fleet enema (obtain from pharmacy) rectally 1 -2 hours before the test . For the fleet enema, follow instructions on the packet.
• Insert Dulcolax suppository (obtain from Pharmacy) rectally 2 hours prior to exam .
• ALSO complete drinking 5 glasses of water (40 0z) 1 hour before exam. Bring PSA results if available.