Ultrasound imaging - also called sonography - uses high-frequency sound waves (beyond the range of human hearing) and computer processing to create detailed images of internal organs and other soft-tissue structures inside the body. Unlike imaging techniques based on x-ray, with ultrasound there's no exposure to radiation. It is among the safest of imaging methods, commonly used on pregnant women to monitor pregnancy.

Doctors may refer children to Florida Hospital for ultrasound exams to:

• Determine the source of abdominal pain, such as stones, abscesses or an inflamed appendix
• Guide needle biopsies
• Locate and drain abnormal fluid in the abdomen
• Find blockages or narrowed blood vessels that impede blood flow
• See and evaluate tumors and birth defects

Safety

Standard, non-invasive, diagnostic ultrasound is extremely safe, painless and poses no known health threat to children. Ultrasound exams involve no radiation and may be repeated as often as necessary. It is the preferred imaging technique for monitoring pregnant women and unborn babies.  

Some ultrasound tests require the use of contrast agents which are administered via intravenous injection before scanning begins. As with any procedure using contrast agents, allergic reactions are rare, but possible. Inform your doctor about any allergies your child may have, especially if he/she has had a prior allergic reaction to contrast agents.  

What to Expect

Before the Test

Preparation for an ultrasound test depends on the area of the body under study. Your doctor will provide specific instructions before your child's appointment.  Most exams don't require any special preparation. Tests done in the abdominal area or involving organs of the digestive system may require that your child not eat or drink anything for several hours before the exam. Still others may require that he/she drink plenty of fluids and not urinate to create better contrast for imaging organs against a full bladder.

Your child will be asked to change into a hospital gown or remove clothing for the scan, as the ultrasound transducer must make direct contact with skin. 

Sedation is rarely required for ultrasound examinations.

During the Test

Most ultrasound tests are performed with the patient lying on a table. The area of the body under study will be exposed and a warm, water-based gel will be applied to the skin in that area. The technologist will then press the transducer firmly against the skin, moving it around to capture the best image. If the area under study was tender to begin with, there may be some discomfort from the pressure of the transducer. Most ultrasound exams take around 30 minutes to complete. At the end of the exam, the technologist will wipe away any remaining gel.

After the Test

Unless you are instructed otherwise, when the exam is finished your child may eat and drink normally and resume his/her regular daily activities. Exceptions may be patients who received an injection of contrast agent prior to their exam.

The Results

Once obtained, your child's ultrasound image remains an electronic file. Florida Hospital has the most sophisticated network, viewing stations and software for processing, transmitting, reviewing and storing these electronic images.

One of our board-certified pediatric radiologists will examine and interpret the ultrasound scans and create a report of his/her findings that will be sent to your child's doctor. Your child's doctor will present the results and discuss them with you.