Ultrasound
CHKD Radiology Services
What to Expect
During the test, your child will lie down on a bed in a dim room. A registered sonographer will place an instrument called a transducer onto your child's body over the areas that need to be looked at. The transducer transmits sound waves into the patient, the waves bounce off internal organs and back to the transducer, creating a picture on a computer monitor.
Ultrasound imaging can show pictures of soft-tissue organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, and others. It is a particularly great imaging technique for children, as it involves no radiation and requires no sedation or anesthesia. It is completely painless.
Preparing Your Child
Infants: You cannot explain the exam to your baby. You can help your baby feel more secure during the test by bringing a special blanket, toy, or pacifier. Please bring along a bottle of juice or formula to feed your baby when the test is done.
Toddlers and preschool-age children: Young children remember things for only a short time, so the best time to talk about the test is right before you are ready to come to the hospital. Tell your child that you are going to the hospital to have some ”pictures" taken that the doctor needs to help them get better. Try to use simple words. It is important to be honest with your child. Tell them it is a painless test. Nothing will hurt. Because children at this age are afraid of being separated from their parent, let them know that mom or dad will stay with them as much as possible. When you come to the hospital, bring a favorite book, toy or blanket. We also have a television installed in each ultrasound room that you child can watch during their ultrasound
that has child friendly television programming. You may also bring along a snack for after the test.
School-age children: School-age children have good imaginations. If you don't tell them the truth, they may imagine something much worse than the actual test. The day of the test, tell your child that they will be going to the hospital to have some pictures taken of the inside of their body. Tell them the pictures will help the doctor decide how to make them better. Use simple words. Be honest. Try to tell your child exactly what will happen. Tell them it is a painless test. Nothing will hurt. When you come to the hospital, bring along a favorite book, toy or game. We also have a television installed in each ultrasound room that you child can watch during their ultrasound that has child friendly television programming. If you wish, you may also bring along a snack for after the test.
Please call your child's doctor or the Radiology Department (757) 668-7250 if you have any questions or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
An ultrasound is an exam that uses sound waves to see into the body. It is called an ultrasound because you cannot hear the sound waves. The ultrasound pictures show soft-tissue organs such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder and others. (Many mothers have an ultrasound during their pregnancy.)
Most ultrasounds do not need special preparation but there are a few ultrasound exams that do require special preparations. Ask your child's doctor or nurse about it when the appointment is made. It is very important to follow any special instructions for the ultrasound. If they are not followed, the appointment may have to be rescheduled.
A trained, registered sonographer will perform the test. Sometimes the radiologist will come into the room to watch or to take pictures.
The ultrasound machine is made up of computers with hand held instruments called transducers. A transducer looks like a wand or microphone. This wand makes the picture on the computer screen. Your child will lie down on a bed in a dim room. Gel (goo, lotion, or slime), which is usually warm, is placed on the area to be scanned. Your child is asked to be very still and push out their belly (make a fat tummy) or take in a deep breath (like swimming under water). The pictures are taken using the wand. After it is done the gel is cleaned off.
The radiologist will view all of the pictures and the results will be sent to you child's doctor.
Experts have studied ultrasound for many years and report that it is a safe procedure. Ultrasound does not involve the use of X-ray, so there is no radiation.
The technologist will give you the instructions you need and tell you when you may leave.
The doctor who asked for the test will call you with the results within a few days. Please call your doctor's office if you have not heard anything after a few days.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided on this page is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition.
Reviewed: 6/2024