Abdominal Ultrasound in Toronto & the GTA
A clear look at the organs in your upper belly, with no radiation and no needles.
At a glance
- How long
- About 20 to 45 minutes depending on the exam
- How to prepare
- See the steps below Full instructions
- Cost
- Covered by OHIP With a requisition. Without OHIP from $145
- Results
- 24 to 48 hours Report sent to your doctor
An abdominal ultrasound is a scan that uses sound waves to make pictures of the organs in your upper belly. At Bluewater it includes the gall bladder, pancreas, spleen, liver, kidneys and aorta. It uses no radiation and no needles, and you need an empty stomach so the organs are easy to see.
Your doctor or nurse practitioner orders it on a requisition. The reason is between you and them. Our part is to get clear pictures, and the fasting rules below make a real difference to that.
Why your doctor might order it
- To look into belly pain or discomfort
- To check the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, spleen and kidneys
- To look at the aorta, the large blood vessel in your abdomen
- To follow up on something seen on an earlier test
How to prepare
- Morning appointment (before 1pm): no solid food or liquids after midnight, we need an empty stomach.
- Afternoon appointment (after 1pm): a light breakfast of dry toast, black tea or coffee, or juice before 8:00am. No dairy. Do not eat lunch.
- Wear pants or a skirt with a separate top. You usually just lift or lower your clothing at the waist.
- If your requisition asks for the abdomen and the pelvis together: nothing to eat or drink after midnight, then finish drinking 1 litre (32 oz) of water 1 hour before your appointment. Do not go to the washroom until the exam is complete.
What happens at your appointment
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early with your health card and your signed requisition.
- You lie on your back on the exam table. The sonographer puts warm gel on your belly.
- A small handheld probe moves over your skin. You feel gentle pressure, and you may be asked to hold your breath or roll onto your side.
- When the pictures are done you wipe off the gel and can eat and drink as usual. Packing a snack helps if you have been fasting.
- A radiologist reads your images. Your results are sent securely to your referring provider, who will review them with you.
How long: About 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the exam.
Cost and OHIP coverage
With a valid Ontario health card and a requisition, this exam is covered by OHIP. There is no charge for the exam, the report or your images.
Without OHIP, Bluewater's cash fee schedule lists an abdominal ultrasound at $145, as of October 2026. The full list of self-pay prices is on our Insurance & Billing page.
Where to have it done
- 123 Edward Street 123 Edward Street, Suite 600, Toronto Book
- Eglinton Avenue East 150 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 301, Toronto Book
- Etobicoke 3170 Lake Shore Blvd West, Suite 101, Etobicoke Book
- Keele & Ingram 2221 Keele Street, Suite 106, North York Book
- Lawrence & Dufferin 960 Lawrence Ave. West, Suite 203, North York Book
- Scarborough 1371 Neilson Road, Suite 309, Scarborough Book
- University Heights 1275 Finch Ave W, Suite 114, North York Book
- Woodbridge 4600 Highway 7 West, Unit LL30, Woodbridge Book
- Belleville 210 Dundas Street East, Suite 301, Belleville Book
- Port Hope 249 Ontario Street, Suite 110, Port Hope Book
Common questions
Do I need to fast for an abdominal ultrasound?
Yes. For a morning appointment (before 1pm), have no solid food or liquids after midnight. For an afternoon appointment (after 1pm), you can have a light breakfast of dry toast, black tea or coffee, or juice before 8:00am, with no dairy and no lunch.
Why do I have to fast before an abdominal ultrasound?
An empty stomach makes the organs easier to see. When you eat, the gall bladder empties and gets smaller, and food and air in the stomach block the sound waves. Fasting gives the sonographer a clearer view.
What if I forgot and ate before my abdominal ultrasound?
Tell the front desk as soon as you arrive. Depending on what you had, the team may go ahead or suggest a new time so the pictures are as useful as possible. If you know ahead of time that you cannot fast, call 416-462-0064 to change your appointment.
Is an abdominal ultrasound covered by OHIP?
Yes, with a valid Ontario health card and a requisition. Without OHIP, Bluewater's self-pay price for an abdominal ultrasound is $145, as of October 2026.