Ultrasound

An abdominal ultrasound is used to evaluate several different organs, including the liver, biliary system, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, spleen and bowel (appendicitis and intussusception). To better visualize these organs, there are age-specific dietary preparations for this examination: 

• 2 years and younger: Nothing by mouth for two hours before the exam, can have water
• 2-10 years old: Nothing by mouth for 4-6 hours before the exam, can have water
• Over 10 years old: Nothing by mouth for 8 hours before the exam, can have water

A renal ultrasound is used to evaluate the kidneys and urinary tract. The patient should be well hydrated and not urinate one hour before the appointment.

A hip ultrasound is used to evaluate the hip joint and surrounding structures. The optimal time to perform this examination is from 6 weeks to 6 months of age. The sonographer will need assistance from a family member to hold the infant in the correct position.

There are no specific preparations for this examination. However, it is helpful to have a pacifier or bottle to sooth the baby during the examination.

A head ultrasound is used to evaluate the structure of the brain. This examination can only be performed on infants who have an open fontanelle or “soft” spot on top of their head. The sonographer will apply a clear, water-based gel to the transducer (probe) and with a light touch scan through the soft spot.

There are no specific preparations for this examination. However, it is helpful to have a pacifier or bottle to sooth the baby during the examination.

This examination evaluates the muscle connecting the stomach to the small intestines that can become thickened causing projectile vomiting in an infant. To properly evaluate the pylorus, the baby should not be fed two hours before the exam. The sonographer will change the infant’s position during the examination. The sonographer will also need assistance from a family member to hold the infant in the correct position.

A spine ultrasound is used to evaluate the spinal canal and its structures. This examination is performed on infants under four months of age. The sonographer will place warm gel on baby’s back to obtain the images.

There are no specific preparations for this examination. However, it is helpful to have a pacifier or bottle to sooth the baby during the examination.

A pelvic ultrasound is used to evaluate the bladder and/or the female reproductive system. To visualize these structures, the patient should drink 32 ounces of water a half hour before the appointment time and not use the restroom. It may be slightly uncomfortable for the patient to have a full bladder, but it is essential to obtain accurate images.

If the patient is too young to drink or is unable to maintain a full bladder it is suggested to keep the patient well hydrated before the appointment.

A scrotal ultrasound is used to evaluate the scrotum, testicles and surrounding tissues. There is no preparation for this examination. However, if the patient is an infant, it is helpful to have a pacifier or bottle to sooth the baby during the examination.

A MSK ultrasound is used to evaluate joints and joint spaces, tendons, muscles tears, ligaments sprains or tears. There is no preparation for this examination. However, if the patient is an infant, it is helpful to have a pacifier or bottle to sooth the baby during the examination.

A neck and/or thyroid ultrasound is used to evaluate the thyroid and/or surrounding structures in the neck. There is no preparation for this examination. However, if the patient is an infant, it is helpful to have a pacifier or bottle to sooth the baby during the examination.

Doppler ultrasound is used to evaluate the integrity of blood flow within organs and/or structures.