Preparing for an ultrasound scan

Before having some types of ultrasound scan, you may be asked to follow certain instructions to help improve the quality of the images produced. For example, you may be advised to:

  • drink water and not go to the toilet until after the scan this may be needed before a scan of your unborn baby or your pelvic area
  • avoid eating for several hours before the scan this may be needed before a scan of your digestive system, including the liver and gallbladder

Depending on the area of your body being examined, the hospital may ask you to remove some clothing and wear a hospital gown.

If you need a sedative to help you relax,thiswill begiven through a small tube into the back of your hand or into your arm. In some cases, you may also be given an injection of a harmless substance called a contrast agent before the scan, as this can make the images clearer.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dez 2018