Preparation

for Examinations

Most abdominal, renal and pelvic ultrasound examinations require some preparation for the examination.


Abdominal ultrasound requires fasting, which means that your child is required NOT TO EAT prior to the examination. They may drink ONLY WATER so no juice, aerated drinks and other fluids during fasting. The recommended fasting times according to the age of your child are provided in the table below.


Pelvic and renal ultrasound examinations require full bladder. Your child may drink WATER (or clear apple juice) prior to appointment as recommended in the table below.


No specific preparation is required for other ultrasound examinations unless specifically instructed.

Exam Type Age Amount of fasting time/liquid required
Abdomen Ultrasound
0 - 12 month Nothing to drink 3 hours before (bring a feed bottle to feed baby at the time of scan)
1 - 4y years Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours before
4 - 8 years Nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours before
8 - 10 years Nothing to eat or drink for 7 hours before
10+ years Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before
Pelvis and Renal Ultrasound
All ages Bladder must be full for this examination
0 - 9 months Give a feed (bottle or east) upon arrival
10 months - 3 years Drink 400mIs of water starting 30 mins prior to appointment
4 - 6 years Drink 500mIs of water staging 1 hour prior to appointment
7 - 12 years Drink 800mIs of water starting 1 hour prior to appointment
12+ years Drink 1 litre of water staging 1 hour prior to appointment
Doppler Aorta & Renal Ultrasound
All Ages Fast for 8 hours
Other Ultrasound Examinations
All ages No preparation unless otherwise instructed


On the Day of Appointment



  • Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.
  • Please ensure that the appropriate fasting and other instructions are followed.
  • Please bring your physical referral form with you.
  • Please bring with you any previous scans and imaging studies along with the reports.
  • Please feel free to bring along a favourite toy or book that can help your child with distraction during the examination.
  • Your child’s comfort is the most important thing for us – we will make every effort to make their experience pleasant during the study.