Ultrasound
Ultrasound is an imaging technology that uses high frequency sound waves to
view internal organs and produce diagnostic images of the human body. These
images often provide information that's valuable to diagnosing and treating
disease. The ultrasound department at Children's Memorial Hospital is specially
designed, equipped and staffed by registered sonographers to obtain high quality
ultrasound examinations of pediatric patients of any size, age, and medical
condition, including tiny newborns, small infants, toddlers, young children and
maturing adolescents.
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.
Before the ultrasound
- Your child should dress comfortably in warm-up pants and top.
- If possible, bring a favorite cassette or CD for your child to listen to
on our audio system during the exam.
- Remember to bring catheter supplies if your child needs to be catheterized
in the middle of an exam.
- One parent may accompany the child into the exam room. Arrangements should
be made for other siblings.
Before coming to the hospital prepare your child by reading this explanation
and explain to your child what will happen during the test.
Infants
Although you cannot explain the test to your baby, you can help him feel more
secure during the test if you:
- Dress them in a two-piece outfit versus a "onesy" for purposes of keeping
them as warm as possible during the procedure.
- Bring a special blanket, toy, and/or pacifier.
- Comfort him with your presence and voice.
- Bring along a bottle of juice or formula to feed him during or after the
exam, depending on the type of exam being performed.
Toddlers and preschool-age children
Young children can become anxious about having a test done, so the best time
to talk with your child is right before the test.
- On the day of the test, tell your child that she will be having some
“pictures” taken, so his doctor can help her feel better.
- Use simple words and be honest with her.
- Let your child know that you will stay with her during the test.
- When you come to the hospital, bring a favorite book, toy, or blanket.
- You may also bring along a snack for after the test.
School-age children
School-age children have good imaginations and may frighten themselves by
imagining something much worse than the actual test.
- One or two days before the test, tell your child that she is going to the
hospital to have some “pictures” taken of her body.
- Use simple words. Be honest with your child and explain exactly what will
happen.
- Let your child know that you will stay with her during the test.
- When you come to the hospital, bring along a favorite book, toy, or game.
- You may also bring along a snack for after the test.
It is helpful to have another caregiver for your child's siblings. For young
children or babies, it is a good idea to bring a stroller.
During the ultrasound
The patient and family is taken to the ultrasound room by the sonographer
from the waiting area. Your child will lie on a bed on her or his back and/or
front depending on the exam being performed. The sonographer will place some
warm gel on the patient'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.
Ultrasound is painless and no radiation is used. However, your child may
experience some discomfort as the sonographer guides the transducer over the
body, especially if your child is required to have a full bladder. Your child
needs to hold as still as possible to get the best study. A typical ultrasound
usually takes from 30 minutes to an hour.
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 additional imaging is necessary, it is not uncommon for the radiologist to
come into the exam room and look at the monitor while the sonographer is taking
the additional images. At times the 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 otherwise told not to by a physician.
The radiologist will then interpret the final images and a report will be
sent to your child's doctor.
Technology/Scanners used
At all of the Children's Memorial Hospital imaging sites Siemens, ACUSON
Sequoia 512 ultrasound systems are used to produce images.
Accredited by the American College of Radiology.
For more details about ultrasound preparation, continue to page 2.