ULTRASOUND (UZV) AND COLOR DOPPLER

how to prepare for an examination
how to prepare for an examination

Preparation and restrictions – Drinković Polyclinic

Ultrasound and color Doppler are non-invasive, safe, and painless diagnostic methods that do not use ionizing radiation. Most examinations do not require special preparation, but for certain exams, proper preparation significantly improves the quality of the findings.

GENERAL RULES FOR ULTRASOUND AND COLOR DOPPLER

  • It is recommended to arrive 10 minutes early for the examination
  • Do not discontinue your therapy
  • Bring previous medical documentation and findings
  • Wear clothing that allows easy access to the examination area

EXAMINATIONS THAT REQUIRE FASTING

Abdominal ultrasound

  • Arrive with a full bladder

Color Doppler of the abdomen

  • Fasting for at least 6 hours
  • Water is allowed
  • Avoid carbonated drinks, milk, and heavy meals the day before

Reason: the presence of gas and contents in the stomach and intestines significantly reduces the quality of visualization of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and abdominal blood vessels.

EXAMINATIONS WITH A FULL BLADDER

Urinary tract ultrasound

  • Arrive with a full bladder

Pelvic ultrasound (transabdominal)

  • Drink 0.5–1 l of water 1 hour before the examination
  • Do not urinate immediately before the examination

A full bladder allows better visualization of the urinary system and pelvic organs.

EXAMINATIONS WITHOUT SPECIAL PREPARATION

The following examinations do not require any preparation:

  • Breast ultrasound
  • Thyroid and neck structures ultrasound
  • Testicular ultrasound
  • Penile ultrasound
  • Superficial structures ultrasound
  • Musculoskeletal ultrasound (shoulders, knees, hand, ankle, etc.)
  • Color Doppler of the carotid arteries and vertebrobasilar circulation
  • Color Doppler of the veins and arteries of the arms and legs
  • Transcranial Doppler

SPECIAL NOTES BY TYPE OF EXAMINATION

TRUS – Prostate ultrasound

  • An emptied bowel is recommended
  • A light dinner the day before, if needed
  • Moderately full bladder

Ultrasound-guided cytological thyroid puncture

  • No special preparation
  • Do not discontinue therapy unless otherwise agreed

LIMITATIONS AND NOTES

  • Ultrasound may be technically limited in cases of:
    • pronounced meteorism
    • obesity
    • inability of the patient to cooperate
  • In such cases, additional imaging (MRI or MSCT) may be recommended

IMPORTANT NOTE
If you are not sure whether you need to fast or have a full bladder, please make sure to emphasize this when booking. Our team will provide you with precise and individualized instructions.

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how to prepare for an examination