Be Prepared . . .

The sonographer may ask about:

• Previous ultrasounds
• Previous surgeries
• Current symptoms
• Family history of diseases
• Previously diagnosed conditions

Before Your Test . . .

If your are diabetic, an early appointment will reduce the conflict between the test's diet restrictions and your normal meal schedule.

The Evening Before

Have a fat-free evening meal prior to your test. Do not have any dairy products, sodas or other carbonated beverages. You may have clear liquids until midnight. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

The Morning of the Test

You may take any of your daily medications that do not require food or large amounts of fluids. Take those medications with enough water to swallow them. As soon as your test is complete you will be able to eat and take your other medications.

Arrive 30 minutes early to register at the outpatient desk.

Do not eat or drink anything from midnight until after you test is finished.

If your exam is for kidneys only, you may continue having fluids after midnight. You must clarify this with your physician.

During Your Test . . .

You will lie on your back with your abdomen exposed. Non-greasy gel will be applied to your skin to improve the contact between and hand-held device called a transducer and your skin. High frequency sound waves pass through the body from the transducer. The transducer is connected at the other end to a computer with a display screen. As the sonographer moves the transducer across your abdomen, sound waves pass through the body and are reflected by the body organs to create echoes. The computer changes these echoes into an image of the internal organs.

After Your Test . . .

Before leaving, you may need to wait briefly while the images are being reviewed. You can get back to your normal routine right after the test. Continue to follow any diet recommended by your doctor.