About ila diagnostics
Ultrasound Clinic
in Bridgewater.
455 King Street, Bridgewater, NS B4V 1B2
We provide ultrasound imaging and radiologist-led POCUS training for qualified healthcare professionals.
Come visit us for your ultrasound diagnostic needs.
Ultrasound imagingBefore your visit
Learn more about
your ultrasound exam.
Some exams need a little preparation. Choose your exam below to find out what to do before your appointment and arrive feeling ready.
01General5 exams
Abdominal UltrasoundPrep required: Fasting
This scan looks at the upper abdominal organs, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and kidneys. It can help investigate abdominal pain, nausea, or abnormal liver function tests.
Patient preparation steps
- Do not eat solid food for 6 hours before your appointment.
- Small sips of water are permitted. You may take essential medications.
- Do not chew gum, smoke, or drink coffee, juice, or carbonated beverages.
Kidney, Ureter & Bladder (KUB) UltrasoundFull bladder · Confirm fasting with clinic
A KUB ultrasound examines the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. It can help assess kidney stones, masses, and urinary tract problems, including abdominal pain, blood in the urine, or difficulty urinating.
Patient preparation steps
- Empty your bladder 1.5 hours before your appointment.
- Drink 1 litre (4 large glasses) of water, finishing 1 hour before your appointment.
- Do not empty your bladder until after your appointment.
- Please call the clinic to confirm whether you need to fast before this exam.
Pelvis UltrasoundPrep required: Full bladder
A pelvic ultrasound looks at organs such as the uterus, ovaries, bladder, and prostate. It helps assess pelvic pain, unusual bleeding, urinary symptoms, and pelvic structures.
Patient preparation steps
- Empty your bladder 1.5 hours before your appointment.
- Drink 1 litre (4 large glasses) of water, finishing 1 hour before your appointment.
- Do not empty your bladder until after your appointment.
- If a transvaginal scan is needed, you will be asked to empty your bladder before that part of the exam.
Scrotum UltrasoundNo prep required
A scrotal ultrasound examines the testicles and nearby tissues. It can investigate pain, swelling, changes in size, fluid collections (hydrocele), enlarged veins (varicocele), or suspected torsion.
Patient preparation steps
- No special preparation is needed.
- Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove.
Small Parts (Neck & Thyroid) UltrasoundNo prep required
This scan looks at structures near the surface of the neck, including the thyroid, lymph nodes, and salivary glands. It can help investigate lumps, swelling, or changes in thyroid function.
Patient preparation steps
- No special preparation is needed.
- You may eat and drink as normal.
- Avoid necklaces and high-neck clothing so the area is easy to access.
02MSK2 exams
Shoulder Musculoskeletal UltrasoundNo prep required
A shoulder ultrasound examines the rotator cuff, tendons, and nearby soft tissues. It helps assess bursitis, tears, inflammation, and possible tendon or muscle injuries.
Patient preparation steps
- No special preparation is needed.
- You may eat and drink as normal.
- Wear a loose top or sleeveless shirt for easy access to your shoulder.
Other Musculoskeletal UltrasoundNo prep required
This scan examines muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints in areas such as the elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, or foot. It can help investigate pain, swelling, fluid collections, or suspected soft tissue injuries.
Patient preparation steps
- No special preparation is needed.
- You may eat and drink as normal.
- Wear loose clothing that allows access to the area being examined.
03Obstetrical3 exams
Dating Ultrasound (1st Trimester)Prep required: Full bladder
An early pregnancy scan estimates gestational age, checks pregnancy dates, and assesses early fetal development. It is typically performed between 6 and 12 weeks of pregnancy.
Patient preparation steps
- Empty your bladder 1.5 hours before your appointment.
- Drink 1 litre (4 large glasses) of water, finishing 1 hour before your appointment.
- You may eat as normal.
- Do not empty your bladder until after your appointment.
- A transvaginal scan may be needed in early pregnancy. You will be asked to empty your bladder before that part of the exam.
Anatomy Ultrasound (2nd Trimester)Minimal prep required
Usually performed around 18–22 weeks, this detailed scan assesses fetal development and organ structures, measures growth, and examines the placenta and amniotic fluid.
Patient preparation steps
- Drink 2–3 glasses of water 1 hour before your appointment.
- You may eat normally before the scan.
- Wear comfortable, two-piece clothing for easy access to your abdomen.
Third Trimester Assessment / Biophysical Profile (BPP)No prep required
This scan assesses fetal well-being later in pregnancy. A biophysical profile looks at fetal movement, breathing, muscle tone, and the amount of amniotic fluid.
Patient preparation steps
- No special preparation is needed.
- You may eat and drink as normal.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
04Vascular2 exams
Vascular UltrasoundPrep varies by exam type
A vascular ultrasound assesses blood flow in arteries and veins in the arms, legs, neck, or other areas. It can help investigate swelling, pain, suspected blood clots, or narrowed blood vessels.
Patient preparation steps
- Most exams of the arms, legs, or neck need no preparation.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the area being examined.
- Some abdominal vascular exams, including renal artery and mesenteric artery scans, require fasting. Our team will confirm your preparation when you book.
Abdominal Aorta UltrasoundPrep required: Fasting
This scan examines the main blood vessel in the abdomen. It is used to screen for or monitor abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), particularly when risk factors include age, smoking history, or family history.
Patient preparation steps
- Do not eat solid food for 6 hours before your appointment.
- Small sips of water are permitted. You may take essential medications.
- Do not chew gum, smoke, or drink coffee, juice, or carbonated beverages.
Follow the preparation instructions provided by our clinic for your appointment. If you have questions, call +1 902 527 2385.
Patient resources
Serving the province
of Nova Scotia.
Requisition form
ila diagnostics · Fillable PDF
Please note: Services at our clinic are not covered by the public healthcare system & may require private payment or insurance!
Click here to download