Ultrasound: How to Prepare and What to Expect

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 How should I prepare for my ultrasound?

     There is little preparation required for an abdominal ultrasound in your test for an AAA. You may need to avoid eating for eight to 12 hours before the test and avoid drinking fizzy drinks and water during this time as this can cause gas in the intestinal tract which interferes with image quality. You should ask your doctor whether or not they require you to fast. 

 What should I expect on the day ?

     When you are in the scanning room, you may be asked to change into a gown and to remove any accessories and jewellery. A gel will be placed over the area being scanned. This is to remove air pockets and to ensure that the transducer is in continuous contact with your skin. The gel is usually cold. Don’t worry; the gel is water-based and is easy to remove from both your skin and your clothing. The ultrasound technician will move the transducer across your skin. It is important that you lie still in order to prevent the image from blurring. This process should be painless and lasts 15-45 minutes.

  After the ultrasound, your clothing and accessories will be returned to you. You can leave the Radiology Department straight away. The images taken will be studied by the radiographer and will be sent to your referring doctor within 5-7 working days. You may need to contact your doctor to discuss these results.




A patient undergoing Ultrasound ( Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324392.php#purpose )


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