Abdominal ultrasound provides a detailed assessment of the abdominal organs, including the liver, gallbladder, biliary system, pancreas, spleen and kidneys. It may assist in the evaluation of symptoms or clinical concerns and can demonstrate conditions such as gallstones, cysts, masses, fluid collections and other structural abnormalities.

Urinary tract ultrasound assesses the kidneys and urinary bladder and may include measurement of bladder volume before and after urination when clinically indicated.

Preparation for examination:

For abdominal ultrasound

• Do not eat for 6–8 hours before your appointment.
• Avoid chewing gum during the fasting period.
• You may take prescribed medication with a small amount of water, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

For urinary tract ultrasound

• Please arrive with a comfortably full bladder.
• If your bladder is not already full, drink approximately 4 glasses of water one hour before your appointment and avoid urinating until instructed.
• You may be asked to empty your bladder during the examination so that a post-void residual bladder volume can be measured.
• For your comfort and ease of examination, two-piece clothing is recommended.