October 8, 2025
Ultrasound Scan Preparation in Bolton: Eating, Drinking, and What to Wear
Getting ready for your ultrasound scan helps us see what we need to see. At Chequers Health in Bolton, we give step-by-step advice for each test so you come in fully prepared, and we can take the best pictures.
Why Preparation Matters
Ultrasound utilises harmless sound waves which reflect to form pictures off the body. Those waves can be blocked or bent should your bowel be full of gas or your bladder be too full or too empty. Spending just a few minutes preparing before the scan helps the sound waves travel more effectively, resulting in sharper images and a clearer diagnosis.
Preparation guidelines in general
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing; preferably 2 piece
- Avoid using lotions, creams or powders on the body part to be scanned
- Bring last scan reports, as well as any related medical information along with you
Preparation by Scan Type
Abdominal Ultrasound
For an abdominal ultrasound, you’ll usually be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything (except small sips of water) for six hours before your appointment.
This means:
- No food or milk
- No tea, coffee, or fizzy drinks
- Small sips of plain water are fine if needed
Why Fasting Is Important
- Reduces gas in the stomach and bowel, which can block the view of your organs.
- Keeps the gallbladder full, allowing clear images of gallstones or inflammation.
- Helps your sonographer to see your liver, pancreas, spleen, and bile ducts more clearly.
Important Advice for Diabetic Patients
If you have diabetes, fasting may not be suitable for long periods.
Please inform the radiology department when booking your appointment so arrangements can be made.
Helpful Tips:
- Ask for an early morning appointment so you can eat soon after the scan.
- Continue taking your medication as directed by your GP or specialist.
- Bring a snack or drink to have immediately after your scan.
- If you feel unwell during fasting, contact the department before your appointment for advice.
Never adjust or skip your medication unless your doctor tells you to.
Pelvic Ultrasound (Transabdominal)
For pelvic, pregnancy (baby) and KUB scans, you’ll usually be asked to arrive with a full bladder.
Typical Instructions:
- Drink about one litre (around 4–6 glasses) of water about one hour before your scan.
- Do not go to the toilet until after your scan has been completed.
Why You Need to Drink Water
- A full bladder pushes the bowel out of the way, creating a clearer view of your uterus, ovaries, bladder, kidneys, and baby.
- It also enhances the quality of the ultrasound waves, producing sharper, more detailed images.
Pelvic Ultrasound (Transvaginal)
Usually, you do not need to do anything special before your appointment.
Vascular Ultrasound
Fasting is not needed unless we are scanning the abdominal aorta.
Pregnancy Ultrasound
For early pregnancy scans, a full bladder may be required. Later scans usually do not need any special preparation.
On the Day of Your Scan
- Arrive 10 minutes early to allow for check-in
- Follow any fasting or drinking directions
- Tell the sonographer if you have any symptoms or have had recent related procedures
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FAQs
A full bladder helps move the bowel out of the way and acts like a window, so the ultrasound can give clearer pictures of your pelvic organs.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that’s easy to move or lift. For most scans, you may just need to expose your tummy area, so a two-piece outfit (like trousers and a top) is better than a dress. You might also be asked to change into a gown for certain scans, depending on the area being examined.
Sometimes. Without the prep being appropriate, the scan may not tell us what we want to see and set up an additional appointment may be necessary.
