Ultrasound
Brockville General Hospital has four general ultrasound units available for patients. Unlike X-ray exams, which use ionizing radiation to create images, ultrasound exams use sound waves to generate images of organs for diagnostic purposes.
Location
Ultrasounds are available at our Charles Street main site.
Preparing for an ultrasound
An appointment for an ultrasound is made with a patient's referral. Once you have been referred by your physician, he or she will send your referral to the Diagnostic Imaging Department and an appointment time will be provided to you or your physician by our Diagnostic Imaging Office staff.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your exam and check in at the registration desk on the day of your appointment.
Your preparations will vary based on the type of ultrasound exam you have booked. This will be listed on the back of your requisition. The types of exams are:
Abdomen |
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Do not eat or drink for 10 hours prior to your exam. This includes gum, candy, smoking, and water. You may have sip of water if you are taking medication. |
Abdomen and pelvis |
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Do not eat 10 hours prior to exam. Drink 40 ounces of water, finishing one hour prior to your appointment time. Do not empty your bladder until after your exam. Refrain from smoking. |
Pelvis with/without transvaginal exam |
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An hour and a half before your exam time, empty your bladder, then drink 40 ounces of water. Finish drinking one hour before your exam. Do not empty your bladder until after your exam. |
Obstetrical – first trimester |
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An hour and a half before your exam time, empty your bladder, then drink 40 ounces of water. Finish drinking water one hour before your exam. Do not empty your bladder until after your exam. |
Obstetrical – second and third trimester |
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Drink 16 ounces of water one hour before your exam. Do not empty your bladder until after your exam. |
Biophysical profile |
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Have something to eat and drink one hour prior to your exam. Sugar will make the baby active, giving accurate results. |
Pediatric ultrasound, greater than five years of age |
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For an abdominal ultrasound, do not eat for six hours prior to your exam. For a pelvic ultrasound, finish drinking 16 to 32 ounces of liquids 30 minutes before your exam. Do not empty your bladder until after your exam. |
No preparations required |
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You do not need any preparations for the following types of exams:
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