This article is professionally consulted by MSc, MD Lam Thi Kim Chi - Radiologist - Department of Medical Imaging - Vinmec International General Hospital Da Nang.
Abdominal ultrasound is one of the routine examinations that uses ultrasound waves to create and reconstruct images of the internal structures of the body. Abdominal ultrasound can assess damage to organs such as the liver, gallbladder, urinary system, reproductive system, spleen, and pancreas. Therefore, is it necessary to fast or refrain from urinating before undergoing an abdominal ultrasound?
1. Is fasting required before an abdominal ultrasound?
In emergencies, patients do not need to fast or refrain from urinating.
For those who have prepared in advance, patients should fast for at least 6 to 8 hours before an abdominal ultrasound. It is advisable to schedule the ultrasound in the morning because overnight fasting allows for the previous meal to be fully digested. It is crucial for patients with suspected gallbladder issues or a history of gallbladder disease that fasting can enhance the accuracy of the ultrasound. Undigested food can obstruct ultrasound waves, making it difficult for the physician to obtain clear images.
Several factors can affect the quality of the ultrasound, such as obesity, food in the stomach, and air in the intestines. Therefore, to ensure accurate results from the abdominal ultrasound, patients should adhere to a light diet, focusing on easily digestible foods, while minimizing the consumption of heavy, fatty, and gas-producing items.
For instance, when undergoing an ultrasound of the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, or spleen, patients may be instructed to avoid fatty foods the evening before the examination until the procedure is completed. However, patients are allowed to drink water and take any medications as directed.
2. Is bladder distension required before abdominal sound?
About 30 to 60 minutes before the ultrasound, patients should drink plenty of water and refrain from urinating to ensure a full bladder. A full bladder aids significantly in visualizing images within the abdominal cavity, especially when performing ultrasounds of the uterus, prostate, and organs in the pelvic and lower abdominal regions. However, patients should avoid drinking excessive amounts of water at once because this can cause stomach distension and negatively impact the ultrasound results.
3. Considerations when performing an abdominal ultrasound
- When undergoing an abdominal ultrasound, patients should wear comfortable clothing to facilitate the procedure. They will lie on the examination table, lifting their shirt up to the level of the chest and lowering their pants to the pubic area. Therefore, women should avoid wearing dresses for the abdominal ultrasound. Patients should not feel embarrassed about removing their clothing or undergoing the ultrasound, as these are standard procedures in medical examinations.
- The doctor will apply gel to the abdomen, spreading it evenly, and place the ultrasound transducer on the abdominal area. Patients will lie on their backs, and the procedure typically takes less than 20 minutes, with no pain or risks involved. The gel is clear and can be easily wiped off after the ultrasound is completed. When the ultrasound is finished, patients will be asked to get dressed and wait for the results as directed by the medical staff.
- Abdominal ultrasound is completely safe for patients. There are no contraindications for the procedure. In some situations, if a patient is unable to maintain a stable position during the ultrasound examination or has skin infections or soft tissue issues in the ultrasound area, the procedure should be limited.
- For transvaginal ultrasound (performed only on women who have been sexually active): patients must empty their bladder completely before the procedure.
- The doctor will use a transducer to emit high-frequency sound waves and capture the ultrasound images on the display screen. Ultrasound does not involve X-rays or ionizing radiation, making it quite safe for individuals. Abdominal ultrasound can be performed during routine health check-ups, because it is a standard and safe examination. It is recommended to have regular health check-ups every 3 to 6 months.
- Abdominal ultrasound is an essential component of the comprehensive health check-up packages at Vinmec International General Hospital. The ultrasound procedure is conducted carefully by experienced and highly specialized ultrasound and radiologists, utilizing modern ultrasound machines and advanced technology that provide detailed and clear images, allowing for the detection of even the smallest abnormalities. This capability aids in the early identification of diseases and potential health issues, significantly contributing to subsequent treatment processes.
MSc, MD Lam Thi Kim Chi graduated with a Master's degree in Radiology from Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy and has over 6 years of experience as a radiologist. Dr. Chi previously worked at Da Nang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital before becoming a radiologist at Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital, where she currently practices.
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