General Pelvic U/S Preparation
The following information is a general guide to preparing for a pelvic ultrasound at BWU. If the preparation required for your appointment varies from the below, our reception staff will inform you and advise new instructions at the time of booking.
Transabdominal U/S
A transabdominal ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test used to examine the female pelvic organs, including the uterus, ovaries, and bladder, from outside the body. During the procedure, a clear gel is applied to your lower abdomen, and a handheld device, called a transducer, is moved across the skin. The transducer sends out sound waves that create images of the internal organs on a screen.
This procedure is typically reserved for paediatric patients under 16yrs old, those patients that are not sexually active, and those that decline an internal ultrasound.
Preparing for a T/A Scan
For this scan, a very full bladder is required to optimise visualisation of the pelvic organs.
To fill your bladder, we ask that you drink a minimum of 1L of water over the 12 hours leading up to your scan. If your scan is in the early morning, please drink the night before; if your scan is in the afternoon, please drink earlier in the day.
1hr before your scan time, empty your bladder and then drink another 300ml, at this point refrain from emptying your bladder until instructed by your sonographer.
Transvaginal U/S
A transvaginal ultrasound is considered the gold standard for imaging the female pelvic organs. Unlike an abdominal ultrasound, this procedure involves inserting a small, wand-like probe (called a transducer) into the vagina. The probe uses sound waves to create detailed images of the inside of your pelvis. It might feel a little uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful.
As the patient, it is your right to consent or decline an internal ultrasound at any stage. Please speak to one of our friendly team for more information or to discuss any concerns you may have.
Preparing for a T/V Scan
No special preparation is generally needed prior to this examination. Upon arrival at our clinic, you will be asked if you are agreeable to having an internal ultrasound; if yes, you will then be asked to empty your bladder.
+ renal / KUB ultrasound
In some instances, your referring physician may request a renal (KUB) ultrasound to look at your bladder, ureters and kidneys alongside your pelvic organs. In these cases, you will be asked not to empty your bladder until instructed by your sonographer.
If you require further instruction or have any questions regarding the above, please discuss with our admin team.