OUTPATIENT ULTRASOUND PREP

When you need an Ultrasound performed follow the directions below:

• Your physician’s office will call the Imaging Services Department to schedule the exam(s).
• Your physician or nurse will instruct you on any additional preparations necessary for this test.Your physician will give you a signed order for this test.
• You must bring the physician's order sheet with you. You will need it to register as an outpatient at the hospital. Without this order sheet the test cannot be completed and you will be required to reschedule your exam.
• Arrive at the hospital Information Desk at least 20 minutes before your test to allow plenty of time for the Outpatient registration process.

Before your Exam
The preparation for the examination is very important. It is of utmost importance to the quality of the exam to follow the instructions for your ultrasound completely.

1. The following Ultrasound exams require that you do not eat or drink anything from midnight onward until the completion of your procedure:
   1. Abdomen for aortic evaluation
   2. Complete abdomen
   3. Gall Bladder
   4. Liver
   5. Left upper quadrant (spleen)
   6. Pancreas
   7. Renal evaluation
   8. Right upper quadrant (common bile duct)
2. The following exams require forced fluids to make sure you have a full bladder at the time of the exam.
   1. Amniocentesis
   2. Obstetrics (Complete or limited study)
   3. Pelvic
   4. Pelvic for IUD Localization
   5. Placenta
3. To make sure your bladder is full:
   1. You must have completed drinking at lease four (4) 8 oz glasses of water 1 HOUR PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULED EXAM TIME
   2. For example: If the exam is at 10:00 a.m. ALL water must be consumed by 9:00 a.m.
   3. Do not void (urinate) until the procedure has been completed. This is extremely important.
   4. Your bladder must be as full as you can tolerate.
   5. You may be required to reschedule your procedure if you are not adequately prepared.
4. The following Ultrasounds DO NOT require any prep whatsoever:
   1. Baker's Cyst Evaluation
   2. Extremity
   3. Testicular
   4. Thyroid
   5. Breast
   6. Doppler
5. Your Ultrasound should take approximately 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on the type of test ordered.

Appointment Changes and Test Results

1. If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment call the Imaging Services Department receptionist at 587-1231. Please call at least 24 hours in advance.
2. After the film is developed and read by our Radiologist, a copy of the results are sent or called to your physician. Only your physician can give you the results of your Ultrasound.
3. The Radiologist bills separately for his services. You will receive two bills for the procedure - one from the hospital and one from the radiologist for reading the films.

Childcare
If you have young children, make arrangements for a babysitter or childcare before your exam date. Children are not allowed in the examination room and may not be left in the hospital lobby unattended.

Last Modified: February 7, 2007 12:39 PM

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