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Preparation for gallbladder ultrasound
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
- Preparing the patient for ultrasound examination of the gallbladder. The patient should abstain from food and water for 8 hours before the examination. If fluid intake is necessary, only water can be given. If clinical symptoms are acute, the examination is performed immediately. Children, if clinical conditions allow, should abstain from food and water for 3 hours before the examination.
- Patient position. Begin the examination with the patient lying on his back: later it may be necessary to turn the patient on his left side or place him vertically or on all fours.
Apply the gel liberally to the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Subsequently apply the gel to the left upper quadrant of the abdomen, since, regardless of clinical symptoms, both sides of the abdomen must be examined.
Conduct the examination with the patient holding his breath during inhalation or with the abdomen protruding forward during a full inhalation.
- Selecting a transducer: Use a 3.5 MHz transducer for adults and a 5 MHz transducer for children and thin adults.
- Setting the sensitivity of the device. Begin the examination by placing the transducer centrally in the upper abdomen (under the xiphoid process). Tilt the transducer to the right until an image of the liver is obtained; adjust the sensitivity to obtain an optimal image.
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