Patient & Ultrasound Preparation Guidelines
Patient Admission & Preparation
- Patients should be fully ready to be scanned at the appointment time.
- The scheduled scan time is the time the sonographer is ready with a probe on the patient.
- Patients must arrive before the scheduled scan time. This allows clinics to have time to admit and get the patient ready. (Recommended at least 60 mins prior to scan)
- Admission tasks to complete prior to scan:
- Shaving (if applicable)
- IV catheter placement
- Any other pre-scan preparation
Fasting
- Abdominal scans: Preferred: 12-hour fast
- Acceptable: 8-hour fast
- ER cases excluded
- Echocardiograms: Fasting recommended if sedation is likely.
Patient Sedation
- The need for sedation should consider whether the patient can remain relaxed and still for the entire scan.
- Most patients benefit from light IV sedation (e.g., butorphanol), which also greatly improves image quality.
- Scans may be attempted without sedation, provided:
- The patient has an IV catheter already in place.
- Sedation can be given quickly if needed (to avoid delays).
Doctor Presence
- A doctor must be in the clinic for the scan to proceed.
- If sedation is used a registered RVT is required to monitor the patient (per ABVMA regulations).
Following these steps helps ensure smooth, safe, and high-quality diagnostic imaging for every patient.
Questions: Reach out to us at 403-975-3573 or info@rvus.ca
Request an Appointment: Submit your case request via YourViewDr.com and we’ll get back to you asap.
Emergency Same Day Appt Needed: Call us at 403-975-3573 (Please submit via YourViewDr when time allows)