Fasting and water
- Fasting only for gallbladder stones: if your doctor wants the gallbladder checked for stones, have no food, tea, coffee or milk for about 6 hours, because eating makes the gallbladder contract so it cannot be seen properly. For other abdomen scans no fasting is needed
- Plain water is allowed: and needed for the next step
- Fill your bladder: drink 4 to 5 glasses of water about an hour before and do not pass urine until the scan. A full bladder shows the bladder wall, uterus and ovaries, or prostate
- If you need to fast, a morning appointment is easiest: you can fast overnight
Organs checked
Upper abdomen
- Liver, including fatty liver grading
- Gallbladder and bile ducts
- Pancreas
- Spleen
- Both kidneys
Lower abdomen and pelvis
- Urinary bladder
- Uterus and ovaries
- Prostate
- Free fluid or enlarged lymph nodes
Common reasons to be referred include abdominal pain, abnormal liver tests, suspected gallstones or kidney stones, urinary symptoms and health check-ups. See fatty liver grades on ultrasound for what liver findings mean.
What to bring and wear
- Your doctor’s prescription and any previous scan reports
- Recent blood test results, such as liver function tests
- Loose, two-piece clothing so the abdomen is easy to uncover
During and after the scan
You lie on your back while warm gel is applied and a probe is moved over the abdomen. You may be asked to take a deep breath and hold it, or to turn on your side. The scan takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is painless.
You can eat and drink normally straight afterwards. At Nitara, Dr. Nayana performs the scan herself, explains what she has seen, and the report is ready the same day.
Common questions
How many hours should I fast before a whole abdomen ultrasound?
Only if the scan is to check for gallbladder stones: then fast for about 6 hours (plain water is fine). For other abdomen scans no fasting is needed; just come with a full bladder by drinking 4 to 5 glasses of water about an hour before.
Can I drink water before an abdomen ultrasound?
Yes. Plain water is allowed and needed for a full bladder. Avoid tea, coffee, milk and juice.
Can a whole abdomen ultrasound be done during periods?
Yes. Periods do not affect the scan of the abdominal organs. Tell the doctor, as it may be noted when the uterus is assessed.
Is an abdomen ultrasound safe?
Yes. Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and is safe to repeat.
How much does an abdomen ultrasound cost at Nitara?
Message us on WhatsApp for the current price. The fee includes the scan by Dr. Nayana, a same-day report and time to explain your findings.
Scans in HSR Layout, Bangalore
All scans at Nitara Scans and Diagnostics are personally performed by Dr. Nayana N Sunku, DMRD, DNB Radiology, Fetal Medicine Fellow, in a private setting at 24th A Cross Rd, Garden Layout, Sector 2, HSR Layout, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560102.