Ultrasound
Your visit
Welcome to Ultrasound. We are committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and child-friendly atmosphere with highly trained pediatric radiologists and sonographers with expertise in performing and interpreting ultrasound studies in infants and children of all ages.
In conjunction with the Advanced Fetal Care Center at Children's, radiologists and sonographers who care for infants and children on a daily basis also perform fetal ultrasound examinations.
How should I prepare my child for an ultrasound?
Because many parents and children want to know what to expect when they come for an ultrasound, we have posted helpful information here. If you have additional questions about your child’s upcoming exam or procedure, please call us at 617-355-7840 and we will be happy to help you.
|
Your Child’s Age |
Preparation |
|---|---|
|
Less than 1 year old |
No feedings for 2 hours prior to the exam |
|
1 - 4 years old |
Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to the exam |
|
Over 5 years old |
Nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to the exam (the last meal should be a low fat meal) |
Follow the same instructions as for an abdominal ultrasound. A very full urinary bladder is required to view the organs in the pelvis:
- Children who are one year old or more should drink water prior to the exam. If the child is toilet trained, they should not empty their bladder until the study is finished.
- Prior to the age of toilet training, or in situations where the child is not continent, we will do our best to image when the bladder is as full as possible.
- We may give your child water to drink and ask you to wait for a period of time in our department until your child's bladder is full.
A very full urinary bladder is required to view the organs in the pelvis:
- Children who are one year old or more should drink water prior to the exam. If the child is toilet trained, they should not empty their bladder until the study is finished.
- Prior to the age of toilet training, or in situations where the child is not continent, we will do our best to image when the bladder is as full as possible.
- We may give your child water to drink and ask you to wait for a period of time in our department until your child's bladder is full.
Generally, no preparation is required. However, if symptoms include hematuria (blood in the urine), we will want to scan when the child has a full bladder. Fluids should be encouraged in this situation and the child should not empty their bladder prior to the exam.
Patient information:
