Can you drink coffee before an abdominal ultrasound? (how long before an abdominal ultrasound can you drink coffee + more information)

Before an ultrasound scan, you are instructed not to take food and some drinks. Can you drink coffee before an abdominal ultrasound?

Yes, you can drink black coffee before an abdominal ultrasound. My wife loves coffee and always starts her day with a hot cup. She was recently scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound, and she was sad that she would not get to enjoy her favorite cup of coffee in the morning that day.

Therefore, I delved into research and consulted my friend, a sonographer, to know if she could drink her favorite coffee before her ultrasound. Surprisingly, having a cup of black coffee was okay, which helped calm her nerves before the ultrasound. If you are facing the same dilemma, read on to know whether you can take coffee before an abdominal ultrasound!

How long before an abdominal ultrasound can you drink coffee?

Before an abdominal ultrasound, you are required to fast. You should avoid food and some drinks for eight to twelve hours before the ultrasound. Fasting eradicates the chances of gas buildup in the belly area. The gas can affect the ultrasound results.

If the ultrasound is meant to study your biliary system or gallbladder, you must fast for not less than six hours before the exam.

When you eat anything, your gallbladder will contract and release bile to aid digestion. If you eat any food item 6 hours or less before your exam, your gallbladder will have an abnormal look in the ultrasound images. During fasting, you can drink clear liquids such as water, tea, and black coffee. However, you should not drink any drink with sugar or fat.

What kind of coffee should I drink before an abdominal ultrasound?

You should only take black coffee before an abdominal ultrasound. As I have mentioned earlier, you are expected to fast for not less than six hours before the abdominal ultrasound. You are not expected to eat any food items or beverages during the fasting period.

However, you can drink clear liquids such as black coffee during the fast. The coffee is prepared without adding additives such as milk, sugar, cream, and flavor. Note you have to consult the health provider before taking the coffee.

Black coffee adds insignificant calories to your body and is sugar-free and fat-free. As I mentioned, you can only take sugar and fat-free drinks, and black coffee meets these conditions.

What happens if you drink coffee before an abdominal ultrasound?

Nothing will happen if you drink coffee free of sugar and fat. Black coffee meets these conditions; therefore, you can drink it before an abdominal ultrasound. However, you

However, if you drink other coffees that add fat and sugar to your body, the gall bladder will look abnormal in the ultrasound images. The bladder will contract when it releases bile to aid in the breakdown of fats.

FAQ Section 

How much coffee can you drink before an abdominal ultrasound?

You can drink one quart of black coffee during fasting (within 8 hours of your exam). Ensure you only take coffee that is sugar and fat-free.  

Can you drink flavored black coffee before an abdominal ultrasound?

No, you should not drink flavored coffee before an abdominal ultrasound.

Can I drink coffee with creamer before abdominal ultrasound?

No, you should not drink coffee with a creamer before an abdominal ultrasound.