Preparation guide

Abdominal ultrasound preparation

Public guidance for patients to confirm fasting, water, medication, clothing and previous exams before an abdominal ultrasound.

How to use this guide

Fasting is common when the exam includes the gallbladder, biliary tract, pancreas, or deeper abdominal structures.

If you have diabetes, recent surgery, significant pain, or medication concerns, confirm the rule before starting fasting.

This material summarizes the most common preparation, but the final instruction must always be confirmed with the clinic or the requesting physician.

What is commonly requested for this exam

• Fasting is usually requested for gallbladder, biliary tract, pancreas, and retroperitoneum
• Fasting time is generally around 6 to 8 hours, depending on the clinic
• Maintain continuous-use medications, unless otherwise instructed by a doctor

Quick checklist

• Confirm whether fasting, water intake, full bladder, empty bladder, or a specific time is required.
• Bring the medical request, ID, insurance information, and related prior exams.
• Do not stop medications on your own.
• Inform the clinic about pregnancy, diabetes, mobility limitation, severe pain, or anticoagulant use.

Useful questions to confirm with the clinic

• Do I need to fast? For how many hours?
• Should I drink water? How much and until when?
• Do I need a full or empty bladder?
• Is there different guidance for children, elderly patients, pregnancy, or diabetes?

Other useful preparation guides

• Preparo para ultrassom
• Urinary Tract
• Venous Doppler

Published preparation guides

• Complete Abdominal
• Breasts
• Thyroid
• Obstetric
• Pelvic
• Transvaginal
• Urinary Tract
• Venous Doppler

Complete Abdominal

Common fasting

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