Ultrasound for Children

This exam is particularly well-suited for children because it is painless, harmless and can provide excellent pictures of the body without the use of X-rays or X-ray dye.

Tests such as this are vitally important to diagnose and help manage your child's health problems. Please feel free to ask the technologist or radiologist about any part of the test you do not understand. Presbyterian only has the best interest of your child at heart, and we want to be sure all your questions are answered.

How Should I Prepare for This Test?

If the examination is of the abdomen or pelvis, the child may be required to have nothing to eat or drink after midnight, not even water.

What Will Happen During the Test?

The ultrasound technologist will have your child lie on an examination table and will apply a warm jelly-like material to the part of the body to be examined. The technologist will then place an instrument called a transducer on the skin and move it back and forth to scan the internal organs. The technologist will watch the pictures on a screen while he or she moves the transducer.

All your child has to do is to lie still, and roll from side to side as instructed. If possible, the child may be asked to hold his or her breath from time to time so that better pictures can be taken.

In most cases, one or both parents are allowed to stay in the examination room with the child if they choose. Occasionally the radiologist may feel it's in the best interest of the child that only medical personnel be in the room. The examination is painless, but some children cry just because the experience is unfamiliar. Generally, gentle reassurance is all that's necessary to get the child to cooperate. Only very rarely is sedation required.

How Long Will the Test Last?

The exam usually takes about 20 minutes. The technologist will show the pictures to the radiologist. Sometimes the radiologist will come in and look himself, but other times this is not necessary. The radiologist will interpret the study and report the findings to your doctor. You may discuss the results with your doctor.