General Ultrasound Preparation
Most ultrasound procedures do not require advance preparation.
The exceptions are listed below:
Abdominal Ultrasound and Abdominal Ultrasound with Doppler
(Liver, Spleen, Gallbladder, Kidneys, Pancreas, Abdominal Aorta, Biliary System)
(exam time: 30 min; visit time about 1 1/2 hours)
- Adults: Do not eat or drink 8 hours before exam.
- Children: Do not eat or drink 4 hours before study or skip 1 meal.
- Take medications with a small sip of water.
- If you are diabetic, please take your insulin.
Pelvic Ultrasound
(Uterus, Ovaries, Fallopian Tubes, Urinary Bladder)
(exam time: 30 min; visit time about 1 1/2 hours)
Our protocol is to include transvaginal ultrasound for females.
- Eat normally.
- One hour before your exam, drink 32 oz. of water.
- Do not empty your bladder before your exam.
Bladder Ultrasound
- For both male and female patients, one hour before your exam, drink 32 oz. of water.
Prostate-Transrectal Ultrasound
- Two hours before your exam, do a cleansing with a Fleet Enema #1.
Hysterosonogram
- No unprotected sexual relations during the first 10 days of your menstrual cycle.
Ultrasound-guided biopsies
Ultrasound breast biopsy
- You must be off Aspirin, blood thinners and vitamin E for 7 days prior to your biopsy.
Liver biopsy/ Paracentesis Ultrasound /Thoracentesis/Prostate biopsy
- Do not eat or drink after midnight the day before your biopsy.
- You must be off Aspirin, blood thinners and vitamin E for 7 days before your biopsy.
Why Choose the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center for an Ultrasound study?
The S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center provides a full range of advanced imaging, both radiology and cardiology, as well as interventional radiology and interventional tumor (oncology) treatments to the greater Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills, Encino, Mid-Cities, Sherman Oaks, Silver Lake, Studio City, Toluca Lake, and West Hollywood.
