Choosing the right attire for an ultrasound appointment significantly contributes to both your comfort and the efficiency of the procedure. The goal is to ensure the sonographer has easy, quick access to the area being examined without requiring you to fully disrobe or struggle with restrictive garments. Simple planning regarding your clothing helps the appointment proceed smoothly, allowing the technician to focus entirely on capturing clear, accurate images.
Prioritizing Comfort and Access
The primary rule of dressing for an ultrasound is to select comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy access to the area being scanned. For the most common types of scans, particularly those focusing on the abdomen, a two-piece outfit is highly recommended. This combination, such as a shirt and separate pants or skirt, prevents the need for you to change into a hospital gown if the scan area is localized.
Wearing separates means the sonographer can simply lift your top or slightly pull down your waistband to apply the conductive gel and transducer. This adjustment is far simpler and quicker than navigating a dress, jumpsuit, or any one-piece garment. Opting for soft, stretchy fabrics, similar to athletic wear, ensures that the clothing moves easily and does not press uncomfortably against your skin. This is especially important if you are required to have a full bladder for the examination.
Loose clothing made from breathable materials helps maintain comfort during the scan, which may involve lying in one position for an extended period. Since a water-soluble gel must be applied to your skin to ensure the transducer can transmit sound waves effectively, wearing older or washable clothing is a practical consideration. This prevents concern if any residual gel transfers to the fabric.
Clothing Considerations for Different Scan Types
While the two-piece rule generally applies, your attire should be tailored to the type of ultrasound you are scheduled to receive. Abdominal ultrasounds, which examine organs like the liver, kidneys, or a developing fetus, require unrestricted access to the midsection. Therefore, bottoms with a flexible, non-binding waistband are preferable, as they can be temporarily lowered beneath the site of the transducer placement.
For scans focused on the upper body, such as the thyroid or certain vascular studies, wear a shirt with a wide neck or one that can be easily rolled up to expose the neck or shoulder.
Transvaginal Ultrasounds
A transvaginal ultrasound, which is often used to examine pelvic organs in detail, requires the patient to undress from the waist down. In this scenario, wearing pants or a skirt that can be removed and put back on quickly simplifies the preparation process. Even for this internal procedure, a simple two-piece outfit remains functional, as the focus shifts to having easily removable bottoms.
Items to Avoid for a Smoother Appointment
Certain clothing items and accessories can inadvertently complicate the ultrasound process and should be avoided. Heavy or complicated layers, such as thick sweaters or elaborate jackets, create extra steps for the patient to undress and redress. Dressing in simple, easily removed layers is far more efficient, especially if the procedure requires changing into a gown.
Restrictive garments like shapewear, corsets, or tight, non-stretchy jeans should also be left at home. These items can be highly uncomfortable if the technician needs to apply gentle pressure with the transducer. They are also problematic if the scan requires a full bladder, which naturally puts pressure on the abdominal area. The goal is to ensure nothing inhibits the movement of the transducer or causes unnecessary pain.
It is advisable to minimize jewelry, particularly any large necklaces, bracelets, or body piercings located near the area being examined. These items can get in the way of the sonographer’s movements. While small jewelry is generally acceptable, removing pieces that might need to be taken off saves time and prevents the possibility of misplacing valuable items during the examination.