Ultrasound

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. If you’re late, your appointment may be rescheduled.
• Bring a bag for your personal belongings during the exam.
• Please see below for specific preparation instructions dependent on the type of ultrasound. You should also follow any instructions given to you by your doctor or when you booked the ultrasound.

• The length of your appointment will depend on what kind of ultrasound you are having. Ultrasounds can vary from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, depending on complexity of the procedure.
• We do our best to stay on time. Unfortunately, your appointment may be delayed by unforeseen circumstances. We recommend that you come prepared for delays.
• If you wish to have a doctor other than your referring doctor copied on the results report, please let the receptionist know before your test.

A report will be sent to your doctor(s) within 10 days.

An abdominal ultrasound is used to assess organs and other structures in the abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, spleen and abdominal aorta.

If your appointment is in the morning, do not eat or drink after midnight. You may drink enough water to take any necessary medications.

If your appointment is in the afternoon, eat a light breakfast at 7 a.m. that is fat-free and dairy-free (such as dry toast and a clear beverage such as water or apple juice).  Do not have anything else to eat or drink until after your test is done. This is especially important if you are a diabetic.

Follow any other instructions given by your referring doctor or our booking office.

A pelvic ultrasound is used to examine female pelvic organs and structures such as the uterus, cervix, vagina, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Do not drink any fluids four hours before your appointment. This includes coffee and tea.

Do not use the washroom to empty your bladder for two hours before your appointment.

You may drink enough water to take any necessary medications.

Follow any other instructions given by your referring doctor or our booking office.

This ultrasound examines the major blood vessels in your neck. There is no preparation for this exam.

This ultrasound examines the veins in your arms or legs. There is no preparation for this exam.

This ultrasound examines a growing embryo or fetus in a pregnant patient. If you are in the first trimester of your pregnancy, do not use the washroom to empty your bladder for one hour before the exam.

You can eat and drink as you normally would. There is no preparation for the second and third trimester scans.

This ultrasound examines the blood flow into and out of a penis. You may need an injection of medication into the shaft of the penis with a small needle. There is no preparation for this exam.

This ultrasound examines your testicles and other structures inside your scrotum. There is no preparation for this exam.

This ultrasound examines your thyroid, a gland in your neck that is important for metabolism. There is no preparation for this exam.

This is an internal ultrasound that examines your prostate gland. You may need to purchase a rectal fleet enema (laxative) at your local pharmacy before the exam. You will be given preparation instructions when you book your appointment.

In this ultrasound the probe goes inside the vagina to examine the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix or fetus.

Do not drink any fluids four hours before your appointment. This includes coffee and tea. Try not to go to the washroom to empty your bladder for two hours before your exam. You will be asked to urinate just before the examination begins.