Downloadable brochure - Ultrasound
What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound uses sound waves to take pictures of the inside of your body.
On the day...
You will need to get ready for your ultrasound before you come to see us. Ask your parent or carer to tell you what you have to do.
After you arrive for your visit you will be taken into the ultrasound room, with one of your parents or your carer. You may be asked to change from your clothes into one of our gowns.
Warm jelly will be rubbed on your skin. A special camera will be moved over you, while you lie down. The gel makes it slide easily over your body and will be wiped off when you are finished.
This feels a bit funny but is not uncomfortable. The doctor's helper, a sonographer, will take pictures of your body.
These pictures will appear on a TV screen. The lights in the room are turned down so the TV screen can be better seen.
The ultrasound will take between 20 and 40 minutes and during this time you will hear some noises as each picture is taken. It helps if you can lie still and if you are older you might be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds. You can practice this before you come to see us. The doctor may come into the room while these pictures are being taken.
Once your pictures have been taken you will be able to change back into your clothes. The pictures and a report will be given to you to take to your doctor.
A note to parents and carers
We suggest that you read this brochure with your child before coming to see us. Most children accept the examination more readily if they know what to expect on the day.
We find that many children feel more at ease if they are able to bring their favourite toy or blanket with them for comfort. Most children enjoy a treat after the procedure, so perhaps you would like to bring a reward with you.
Please follow the preparation information on the next page and inform our staff at the time of booking, if your child is diabetic. Please bring with you any other CT scans, x-rays or ultrasounds that you may have.
If you or your child has any concerns regarding the procedure, please discuss them with the sonographer or doctor (Radiologist).
We encourage one adult to accompany the child into the room. It is important that it is quiet in the room so that the sonographer can concentrate.
Patient Preparation Guidelines:
Abdominal Ultrasound
Under 1 year old - withhold previous feed.
1-4 years old - fast for 4 hours.
Over 4 years old - fast for 6 hours.
Exception: diabetics or special nutritional requirements.
If necessary, allow water or clear juice but NOT milk, and bring a bottle for infants to feed during examination if needed.
Pelvis/Renal Ultrasound
No fasting required, unless follow-up for a renal/pelvic tumour, then as for Abdomen plus fluid intake as below.
Present with full bladder if possible and child well hydrated drinking water or clear juice, NOT milk, as follows:
Under 1 year old - feed 1/2 hour before appointment.
1-4 years old - 2 glasses 1/2 hour before appointment.
5-8 years old - 3 glasses 1/2-1 hour before appointment.
Over 8 years old - 4 glasses (approx. 500 ml) 1/2-1 hour before
appointment.
Hip Ultrasound
No preparation, except infants - feed immediately prior to ultrasound.
Spine Ultrasound
Performed up to 6 months old - feed immediately prior to ultrasound.
Ultrasound of the head
Performed up to 12 months old - feed immediately prior to ultrasound.
Extremities/Superficial, Neck/Thyroid, Testes or Chest Ultrasounds
No preparation, except infants - feed immediately prior to ultrasound.