Why full bladder for ultrasound

Providers Portal Online Bill Pay. Call Today Patient Forms Request an Appointment. Full or Empty Bladder Ultrasound Scans: Pregnancy Ultrasound in early stages — If the pregnancy is in the early stages, before the 20 th to 24 th week, then it is necessary to have a full bladder for an ultrasound. This is needed to provide better visualization of the pelvic organs.

In fact, in this case, a full bladder may distort the imaging. KUB Ultrasound — KUB Renal Ultrasound is used to evaluate the urinary tract, including the kidneys, urinary bladder and ureters if female, the prostate gland and seminal vesicles if the patient is male.

KUB ultrasound is used to observe if there are changes in the kidneys that can point to signs of damage, structural abnormalities, and even the presence of kidney stones, tumors, or cysts. Patient must often drink a liter of water one hour before the ultrasound is performed. One of the main reasons why you need a full bladder is to avoid your pelvic region being full of gas during the scan.

Unfortunately the only way to combat this gas is to ensure the person receiving the ultrasound has a full bladder. This is also the reason why sonographers use gel between your skin and probe when conducting the scan. Ultrasound waves travel much easier through water and fluids than they do through gas and other objects. A full bladder allows ultrasound waves to travel through deep into your pelvic region which makes it easier to scan the uterus or other pelvic organs. In other cases, it may distort the image we need to obtain.

When your doctor recommends ultrasound, the need for a full bladder may be discussed. However, if you are unsure, please contact us before your appointment. Call our Houston office at We are happy to assist you in making your ultrasound as comfortable and efficient as possible. Abnormal Bleeding. Abdominal Pain. Ectopic Pregnancy. Ovarian Cysts. Ovarian Cancer Screening. Uterus Ultrasound with Saline. Infertility Tests. Follicle Tracking Scan. Appointment Information. Pregnancy Scan Calculator.

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