Pre-exam preparation will depend on the type of ultrasound, and your doctor will give you specific direction. For some exams, you may need to abstain from eating or drinking for a time prior to the exam; or, you may have to drink up to six glasses of water two hours beforehand for a full bladder.

 

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. There are no x-rays or contrast medium involved, and the procedure is virtually painless.

 

To perform the exam, the technologist will spread a warm gel on the skin over the area of interest, place a small device called a transducer firmly against the body, and sweep it back and forth to capture the image.