Preparation for ultrasound

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Ultrasound preparation includes a series of dietary - behavioral measures to be implemented in the days and times prior to the examination, in order to improve the diagnostic accuracy of the procedure. These indications vary considerably in relation to the body region examined; furthermore, the various medical centers can provide patients with slightly different indications, also based on their state of health.

Preparation for upper abdominal ultrasound

For the success of the examination it is necessary that the digestive tract is as much as possible without solid-gas content.

Therefore, in the two days preceding ultrasonography, a diet low in slag is recommended, which is essentially composed of meat and fish (boiled or grilled), moderately aged cheeses and well-peeled fruit. Instead vegetables, carbonated beverages, spirits, bread, pasta and other cereals should be avoided, especially if they are whole.

Introduce yourself to fasting for at least 8 hours from a low-fat meal. During this time only water consumption is allowed, strictly smooth (non-carbonated), while candies, confetti and cigarette smoke should be avoided.

To further reduce the presence of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, some centers recommend the consumption of vegetable charcoal or simethicone in the two days prior to the examination, after the main meals.

Preparation for lower abdominal ultrasound

In addition to the instructions for upper abdominal ultrasound, having a full bladder is essential. Therefore, an hour before the examination (after having emptied the bladder) it is recommended to gradually drink, in small sips, a liter of non-carbonated water, retaining the urine until the end of the ultrasound examination. In patients with severe cardiorespiratory or renal insufficiency, or who for other reasons cannot take large amounts of fluids, it is advised simply to abstain from urinating for 4-6 hours, drinking normally according to one's lifestyle.

Preparation for complete abdominal ultrasound

Follow at the same time the instructions seen for the upper and lower abdomen.

Preparation for ultrasound of the urinary tract

On the day of the exam (after having emptied the bladder) drink one liter of natural water an hour before ultrasonography (the water should be drunk slowly and gradually). Hold the urine until the end of the exam.

In the case of contraindications to the massive intake of liquids (elderly, debilitated, dialysed etc.), the patient must avoid urinating for at least 4/5 hours before the examination, normally drinking according to his own life habits.

Preparation for transvaginal ultrasound

No preparation is required. The exam takes place with an empty bladder.

Preparation for transrectal ultrasound

In addition to the preparation seen for the lower abdomen, from one to three hours before the examination, perform a cleansing enema of the rectal ampulla, such as clismafleet (to be purchased at the pharmacy). It is therefore necessary to present yourself to the examination with a clean ampoule and a full bladder (if possible, do not urinate for a few hours, and drink non-carbonated water in the hour preceding the exam).

Preparation for obstetric ultrasound

Early (up to 10 weeks). An hour and a half before the appointment, empty the bladder and gradually drink a liter of non-carbonated water in small sips, then hold the urine until the end of the exam.

Medium (10-20 weeks). One hour before the appointment, empty the bladder and gradually drink 700 ml of non-carbonated water in small sips, then hold the urine until the end of the exam.

Late (after the 20th week). One hour before the appointment, empty the bladder and gradually drink 250 ml of non-carbonated water in small sips, then hold the urine until the end of the exam.

Preparation for ultrasound of thyroid, testicles and superficial organs in general

No preparation is required.

Preparation for ultrasound-guided biopsies

To prevent serious bleeding episodes, it is important to stop taking drugs that decrease blood coagulation capacity, such as warfarin (coumadin), acenocoumarol (Sintrom) and NSAIDs (Cardioaspirin, Aspirinetta, paracetamol, ibuprofen, etc.); the same is true for herbal supplements with the same properties (such as Ginkgo Biloba, ginger and garlic). The period of suspension is established by the doctor (it can reach up to two weeks), which also establishes the need to undertake or not any replacement therapies.

In the case of a liver biopsy, fast for at least eight hours. If absolute fasting is not required, however, consume light food in moderation in the last meal before the exam.