What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound is an imaging technology that uses high frequency sound waves to produce precise images of structures within the human body. These images often provide valuable information to diagnose and treat disease.
Ultrasound is painless and no radiation is used. However, your child may experience some discomfort as the sonographer guides the transducer over his body, especially if he is required to have a full bladder. Your child needs to hold as still as possible to get the best study.
What is ultrasound used for?
Ultrasound is used to visualize a wide range of anatomic structures, including abdominal organs, the thyroid gland, pelvic structures, and the brain. It can also take images of blood flowing through veins and arteries throughout the body.
What should we expect?
A sonographer leads you and your child to the ultrasound room. Your child will lie on a bed on his back and/or front depending on the exam being performed. The sonographer will place some warm gel on your child's skin, and look at the area of interest with a transducer (probe).
The sonographer operates the equipment and glides the transducer over the patient's skin. The sound waves bounce off the internal structures creating a digital image seen on the monitor.
How long does it take?
A typical ultrasound takes between 30 minutes to one hour.
What technology/scanners are used?
At all sites, Siemens, ACUSON Sequoia 512 ultrasound systems are used to produce images.
What happens after the ultrasound?
After the exam is completed the sonographer will step out of the room to review the images with a pediatric radiologist. At that time the radiologist will determine if the exam is complete or if additional images need to be obtained.
If more imaging is necessary, a radiologist may come into the exam room and look at the monitor while the sonographer takes more images. Sometimes, a radiologist may even scan your child.
Once the exam is complete, you and your child can leave. Your child may eat and drink as usual, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
The radiologist will then interpret the final images and a report will be sent to your child's doctor.