Abdominal ultrasound – preparation for the examination
Abdominal ultrasound is an integral part in the process of diagnosing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as pathologies from individual organs. It is a procedure (usually performed on an elective basis) that requires little prior preparation by the patient.
Abdominal ultrasound examination
Abdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging modality that, due to its low cost, easy availability, high safety, short execution time, possibility of multiple repetitions and easy preparation, is a procedure frequently used in both adult patients and children. It is a test that plays a special role in the differential diagnosis process and has a huge impact on further diagnostic and therapeutic management. It is primarily ordered in cases of abdominal and retroperitoneal space complaints. In pediatrics, additionally performed to evaluate the urinary system.
The ultrasound procedure itself is painless for the patient and is not associated with any unpleasant sensations. After uncovering the area of the body to be evaluated, the doctor applies a probe coated with a special gel to the skin of the subject, making the appropriate movements with it to obtain a cross-sectional image of the examined object on the monitor. It is important that the patient reporting to the ultrasound laboratory has with him a valid referral and the results of previous diagnostic tests.
Preparation for the examination
The preparation for abdominal ultrasound itself is standard, unless otherwise recommended by the doctor and based on the specifics of the clinical case.This applies to both adult and pediatric patients.
Adult patient (children over 15 years of age):
For optimal conditions, the patient should be prior to the examination:
– fasting, it is recommended not to take food about 6 – 8 hours before,
– it is also not recommended to take liquids, but possibly small amounts of still water are allowed (so as not to swallow air while doing so),
– do not smoke cigarettes or chew chewing gum,
– on the day before the test (in patients with a tendency to bloating for 48 hours), take light-digestible foods and non-carbonated drinks,
– patients taking permanent medications should take them in the recommended doses (no later than 1 hour before the start of the examination),
– sometimes the doctor will recommend taking oral de-gassing agents, of which the patient will be informed in advance.
Newborns and children:
As in the case of an adult patient, the abdominal ultrasound examination of children also requires preparation according to standards of practice:
– newborns do not require special prior preparation, the only recommendation is that the examination should be performed just before the time of the next feeding,
– infants should receive the last food before the examination about 2 – 4 hours before the examination. In order to assess the pylorus, liquid is given to the child during the procedure, so parents should be advised to take a previously prepared portion of food with them,
– the period of non-intake of food by children is approx.
- 4 hrs for children aged 1 to 4 years,
- 5 hours for ages 4 to 8,
- 6 hours for children over 8 years old,
– it is also recommended that the last meal before the test should be easily digestible and low in fat,
– on doctor’s orders, in some cases, degassing agents should be administered,
– in underage patients, the examination is always performed in the presence of a parent or legal guardian and after their consent.
Ultrasound is the method of choice in cases where abnormalities are found in the abdominal cavity and retroperitoneal space. It carries minimal risk of complications, making it completely safe for the patient, including children and pregnant women. However, it should be borne in mind that in order to obtain the best possible image of the objects examined and an accurate diagnosis, it requires the examinee to prepare in advance. Adherence to the above-mentioned rules is a prerequisite for a properly performed medical procedure.
