In brief
Ultrasound is a painless and safe examination, but the quality of the image, and therefore the accuracy of the report, depends on preparation. A short guide to the main types of scan.
The main enemy is bowel gas, which prevents the organs from being seen. The scan is therefore done on an empty stomach: 6–8 hours without food (for a morning scan, simply skip breakfast). The day before, it is worth avoiding foods that increase gas: beans and pulses, cabbage, fresh bread and pastries, fizzy drinks. Drinking water is fine.
Preparation depends on the approach. A transabdominal scan (through the abdomen) needs a full bladder: drink 2–3 glasses of water an hour before your appointment and do not go to the toilet. A transvaginal scan needs the opposite: an empty bladder. Our reception team will confirm which approach your scan will use when you book, so you will know whether to drink water.
As a rule, a full bladder is needed: the same 2–3 glasses of water an hour beforehand. If you are prone to bloating, the same diet as before an abdominal scan will help.
No special preparation is usually required. Wear comfortable clothing and bring the results of previous scans if you have them; it is important for the doctor to see how things have changed.
Results of previous ultrasounds and relevant lab tests: comparison with them is often more informative than a single image. At GMS the findings are explained to you during the appointment, and the report is issued in English (valid for insurers and other clinics in the UAE).
At GMS ultrasound is performed during consultations and as a standalone service: abdominal organs and retroperitoneum (abdomen and kidneys) — AED 1,200, pelvis — AED 800–1,000, kidneys and urinary tract — AED 1,100. Ultrasound is also performed during the appointment with a gynecologist or urologist — all in one visit.
Yes, drinking water is fine. What matters is an empty stomach: 6–8 hours without food (for a morning scan, simply skip breakfast) and, the day before, avoiding foods that increase gas — beans and pulses, cabbage, fresh bread and pastries, fizzy drinks.
It depends on the approach. A transabdominal scan (through the abdomen) needs a full bladder: drink 2–3 glasses of water an hour before and do not go to the toilet. A transvaginal scan needs the opposite — an empty bladder. The reception team will confirm which approach applies when you book.
Abdominal organs and retroperitoneum (abdomen and kidneys) — AED 1,200; pelvis — AED 800–1,000; kidneys and urinary tract — AED 1,100. Ultrasound is also performed during a gynaecologist or urologist appointment in the same visit, and the report is issued in English, valid for insurers and other clinics in the UAE.
This article is for information only and does not replace a consultation. If you have symptoms, see a doctor.
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