Answer first
Follow the preparation sent for your booked ultrasound. Some scans require fasting or a full bladder, while others have different instructions. Victoria Medical confirms the examination type, suitability, preparation, appointment route, reporting process and follow-up arrangements at booking.[1]
Why the instructions differ
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images inside the body. The preparation supports the views needed for the specific examination. For example, a full bladder may help with some urinary or pelvic scans, and an abdominal scan may need food and drink restrictions. These instructions are not interchangeable.[1] [2] [3]
Preparation by examination type
| Scan type | Why preparation may matter | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Abdominal ultrasound | This examination may include the liver, gallbladder, pancreas or other abdominal organs. | Some abdominal examinations require fasting. The clinic will give the food, drink and medicine instructions that apply to your booked scan. |
| Pelvic or urinary-tract ultrasound | A full bladder can help obtain views for some pelvic, kidney or bladder examinations. | You may be asked to arrive with a full bladder. Follow the individual fluid and toileting instructions sent for your appointment. |
| Musculoskeletal, soft-tissue, breast or neck ultrasound | These scans assess a specific joint, tendon, lump, breast or neck area. | The preparation is often different from an abdominal or pelvic scan. Check the booking instructions before you travel. |
| Internal ultrasound | An internal scan may be offered when it is clinically appropriate to obtain a closer view. | The clinician or booking team will explain the route, any preparation and your choices before the appointment. |
A practical checklist before you travel
Read the appointment message and follow the instructions for that scan.
Contact the clinic if your message does not state whether to eat, drink or arrive with a full bladder.
Do not change prescribed medicines unless a clinician gives you a different plan.
Wear clothing that allows access to the body area being examined.
Tell the team about mobility, communication, privacy or chaperone needs before you attend.
Bring relevant previous imaging or referral information if the clinic asks for it.
During the scan: comfort, consent and control
For an external scan, a healthcare professional places gel on the skin and moves a handheld probe across the area. You may need to change position while they take measurements. Pressure on an already sore area can feel uncomfortable. Ultrasound does not use ionising radiation.[1]
Some pelvic examinations may include an internal ultrasound when it is appropriate. The clinician should explain the examination and answer questions. You can ask for a chaperone, ask to pause, or ask the person carrying out the scan to stop at any time.[1]
After the appointment
The report and next step depend on why the scan was arranged and who requested it. An ultrasound can contribute useful information, but it may not answer every clinical question. A clinician may recommend a different test, follow-up appointment or urgent assessment after considering the report alongside your symptoms and history.[1]
Do not wait for a routine scan if you need urgent help
A booked ultrasound does not replace urgent assessment. Call 999 for a life-threatening emergency, such as severe difficulty breathing, sudden chest pain that does not go away, loss of consciousness or heavy bleeding. Use NHS 111 for urgent medical advice when it is not an emergency.[4]
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast before an ultrasound?
Some abdominal examinations require fasting, while others do not. Do not use generic instructions from another scan. The clinic will confirm the preparation that applies to your booked examination.
Do I need a full bladder?
Some pelvic, kidney and bladder scans need a full bladder. The amount to drink and when to drink it depend on the examination, so follow the instructions provided at booking.
Can I take my regular medicines?
Do not stop or change prescribed medicines unless a clinician tells you to do so. Ask the booking team or the clinician who requested the scan if you need advice, especially if fasting could affect your treatment plan.
Can I ask for the scan to stop?
Yes. You are in control of the examination and can ask the person carrying out the scan to pause or stop. You can also ask questions before and during the appointment.
When will I receive my results?
Reporting and follow-up depend on the examination and the route through which it was arranged. The clinic will explain the reporting process and appropriate follow-up route at booking.
Related information
Private ultrasound scans
Browse the available examinations
Pelvic ultrasound
Learn about pelvic scan pathways
Abdominal ultrasound
Learn about abdominal imaging
Private GP
Discuss symptoms and next steps
References
- [1] NHS. Ultrasound scan. Last reviewed 25 February 2025. View source
- [2] Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Abdominal ultrasound scan. Published March 2024. View source
- [3] Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust. Kidney and bladder ultrasound scan. Published March 2024. View source
- [4] NHS. When to call 999. View source