Ultrasound

Imaging (e.g. graphy) of structures inside the body using the emission of ultratone sound waves (high-frequency sound waves that are not audible for human hearing) and the capture of reflected (echo) sound that is then converted into a video image. The most common application is the evaluation of the abdominal organs. The examination of muscles, connective tissue and blood vessels is also an importance use of ultrasound.

Examples

Ultrasound of the abdomen-small pelvis, neck, soft tissues, duplex carotid-vertebrae, duplex of the upper and lower extremities, chest, prostate, etcetera.

Preparation for the test

• For abdominal tests, you must be fasting:

Type of food:	Example:	Allowed until at the latest:
Normal meal		midnight before the surgery or examination
Light meal	e.g. a sandwich or toast with jam. Deep-fried/fatty foods or meat are not included	six hours prior to the procedure or examination
Dairy products	Milk, bottle-feeding for a child, yogurt...	six hours prior to the procedure or examination
Breastfeeding		four hours prior to the surgical procedure or medical examination
Drinks	As wished: water, sugar water, sports drinks, clear fruit juices without pulp (apple juice, grape juice) Maximum a cup: clear tea and coffee without milk.	Recommended: continue to drink clear beverages up to two hours before the surgical procedure or medical examination (Exceptions: gastrointestinal surgery. You should follow the instructions of your attending physician). No dairy products.

• For tests of the pelvic area, you must have a full bladder.
• For an ultrasound of the prostate, yoiu must have done an intestinal preparation. Your physician will provide you with more information.

Latest publication date: 17/05/2023
Supervising author: Dr Schoofs Christophe