PATIENT PREPARATION

On the day of the scheduled appointment, the ultrasound time will be confirmed with a 1-hour window by the end of the previous day.  Please have the patient dropped off at your clinic in the morning at least one hour prior to the time window given.  If the owner would like to wait during the study, they may remain in the waiting room while the study is performed.

Please have the patient fasted for 12 hours prior to the ultrasound appointment.  An empty gastrointestinal tract is a radiologist’s best friend.  It can significantly improve image quality as it reduces not only the amount of ingesta within the GI tract, but the amount of gas present as well.  Gas can significantly hinder a radiologist’s ability to look at abdominal organs as ultrasound cannot “see” through gas.

Please discuss the possibility of sedation with the owner prior to the exam.  Oftentimes light sedation can be helpful during an exam to help ensure complete and accurate assessment.  If sampling of a known mass or specific organ may be needed, obtaining permission in advance from the owner will expedite the biopsy procedure.

Finally, please have the patient shaved prior to the study.  Shaving the patient is necessary in order for the study to be completed.