DHAI US Protocols

DHAI US Protocols Updated: 10/17/2026 Resources: Referral Guide Protocols: X-ray US CT/MRI

Ultrasound Preparation Guidelines

US FASTED PREP	US WATER PREP
0 – 1 year old: No feedings for two hours prior to the exam 2 – 4 years old: Nothing to eat or drink for four hours prior to the exam (please schedule fasting exams in AM to promote compliance) 5 – 10 years old: Nothing to eat or drink for six hours prior to the exam (please schedule fasting exams in AM to promote compliance) 11 – Adult: Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to the exam (please schedule fasting exams in AM to promote compliance)	0 – 2 years old: encourage fluids; no required amount or time frame 3 – 6 years old: 8 to 16 ounces of water finished 30 minutes prior to exam time 7 – 10 years old: 24 ounces of water finished 45 minutes prior to exam time 11 years old to adult: 24 ounces of water finished 1.5 hour prior to exam time
Patients should arrive with a full bladder and wait to empty it until instructed by a tech. If BOTH fasting and water prep are needed for dual studies scheduled. Pt should fast the required hours and complete water prep with flat water and hold bladder. Book both exams together back to back in either order - the tech will perform the appropriate study first. FASTED studies should be offered AM appointments to encourage compliance. If a patient desires a PM appointment only, document full understanding of prep requirements. Small sips of water are okay for fasted exams.

US FASTED PREP

US WATER PREP

0 – 1 year old: No feedings for two hours prior to the exam

2 – 4 years old: Nothing to eat or drink for four hours prior to the exam (please schedule fasting exams in AM to promote compliance)

5 – 10 years old: Nothing to eat or drink for six hours prior to the exam (please schedule fasting exams in AM to promote compliance)

11 – Adult: Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours prior to the exam (please schedule fasting exams in AM to promote compliance)

0 – 2 years old: encourage fluids; no required amount or time frame

3 – 6 years old: 8 to 16 ounces of water finished 30 minutes prior to exam time

7 – 10 years old: 24 ounces of water finished 45 minutes prior to exam time

11 years old to adult: 24 ounces of water finished 1.5 hour prior to exam time

Patients should arrive with a full bladder and wait to empty it until instructed by a tech.
If BOTH fasting and water prep are needed for dual studies scheduled. Pt should fast the required hours and complete water prep with flat water and hold bladder. Book both exams together back to back in either order - the tech will perform the appropriate study first.
FASTED studies should be offered AM appointments to encourage compliance. If a patient desires a PM appointment only, document full understanding of prep requirements.
Small sips of water are okay for fasted exams.

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