For abdominal and pelvic ultrasound, it is best if the patient comes on an empty stomach (do not eat or drink anything except plain water for 6 hours before the exam) and has a full bladder (ideally, go to the restroom 2–3 hours before and then drink at least half a liter of water).
For neck vessels, thyroid, salivary glands, knee, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissue ultrasounds, no special preparation is needed. Avoid applying creams or lotions on the area to be examined.
