ABDOMEN & ABDOMEN LIMTED | Patients scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound should avoid eating or drinking anything for at least eight hours before the exam. Fasting helps reduce gas in the intestines and ensures the gallbladder remains adequately filled, allowing the ultrasound technician to obtain clearer and more accurate images of the abdominal organs. Medications may typically be taken with a small sip of water unless otherwise instructed by a healthcare provider.

RENAL, PELVIS & BLADDER | It is important to drink at least 16 ounces of water prior to certain types of ultrasounds—such as pelvic or obstetric studies—because a full bladder helps create a clearer pathway for sound waves. When the bladder is full, it gently pushes the intestines out of the way and provides a smooth, fluid-filled window that enhances the visibility of pelvic organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and early pregnancy structures. This improves the accuracy of the exam and allows the technologist to capture more detailed and reliable images.