Is fasting required for abdominal examination?

Generally, abdominal examinations require fasting. When preparing for an abdominal examination, it is recommended to follow the doctor's instructions to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of the procedure. The analysis is as follows:

Abdominal examinations typically include abdominal color Doppler ultrasound, gastroscopy, and abdominal CT scans. In a fasting state, the gastrointestinal tract is relatively empty, allowing clear visualization of its structures and any abnormalities. The presence of food in the gastrointestinal tract may obscure certain organs and increase the difficulty of penetration for ultrasound or other imaging techniques, thereby affecting observation of abdominal organs. Additionally, gastrointestinal peristalsis and gas production after eating can introduce interference, resulting in blurred images. Failure to fast before an abdominal examination may lead to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis due to food or gas within the gastrointestinal tract.

Although fasting is generally required for most abdominal examinations, specific requirements may vary depending on the type of examination, patient age, medical condition, and other factors. For simple abdominal inspections such as visual examination and palpation—procedures that primarily rely on the physician’s observation and manual pressure—fasting is usually not necessary, and patients may eat normally.

Prior to the examination, patients are advised to maintain a positive mindset and avoid excessive tension or anxiety, which helps ensure the smooth conduct of the examination.