Ultrasound

Ultrasound examination uses harmless ultrasound waves for imaging. Ultrasound waves are emitted into the patient’s body using an ultrasound probe. The waves are reflected back from internal organs and are then transformed into images on a computer screen. Ultrasound examination is very informative. During the examination, the child should lie down or sit on the examination table. Certain examinations can be performed while holding the child in the parent’s lap. Warm ultrasound gel is applied to the skin to allow the ultrasound waves to penetrate the skin more effectively. The ultrasound gel does not stain clothes or skin.

The examination room is dimly lit to enhance the visibility of the images displayed on the screen.

When coming for the examination, please allocate a little extra time so that the examination can be performed as pleasantly and comfortably as possible for the young patient. For older children, it is recommended to talk to them about the examination and show them pictures beforehand.

It is easier to perform the examination on a calm child. To help keep the child calm, we recommend bringing:

• The child’s favourite stuffed animal or blanket.
• For children who use pacifiers, bring the pacifier and for children who wear diapers, bring extra diapers. It is also a good idea to bring spare clothes.
• Dress the child in clothes that are easy to lift or remove.
• If the child has had to fast before the examination, you can also bring along a small snack for them – yoghurt, smoothie, fruit and a water bottle.
• There is a mother-child room in the Veerenni 51 building. If you wish to use it, please inform the customer service representative in the radiology department. The mother-child room is located on the fourth floor.
• Please bring descriptions of any previous examinations to the appointment.

PREPARING FOR DIFFERENT EXAMINATIONS

Abdominal ultrasound

• Before an abdominal ultrasound, the child should refrain from eating and drinking for about four hours.
• Older children should not consume carbonated drinks, chew gum or eat foods that cause gas on the day of the examination.
• If the child takes oral medications, they can be taken with a small amount of fluid.
• For infants, the examination should be scheduled just before a feeding.
• Fasting before the examination is more important if the purpose of the examination is to assess the gallbladder.

Pelvic ultrasound

• It is important to come to the examination with a full bladder.
• About two hours before the examination, drink plenty of fluids. Do not empty the bladder 30 minutes before the examination.
• Young children should drink and eat about an hour before the examination.

Kidney ultrasound

On the day of the examination, the child should eat and drink normally to maintain kidney function. Do not empty the bladder 30 minutes before the examination.

Brain ultrasound

Brain ultrasound can be performed on infants through the large fontanelle. The large fontanelle should be open under the fingers (the closure of the fontanelle varies and can start around 6 months, remaining open up to 18 months).

Infant hip ultrasound

Generally, ultrasound of the infant hips can be performed up to three months (four months) depending on the baby’s weight and the mineralisation of the femoral head ossification centre, which limits visibility.

No preparation is needed for

• Ultrasound examination of joints
• Thyroid ultrasound examination
• Parathyroid ultrasound examination
• Soft tissue ultrasound examination – lymph nodes in the neck, lumps in other areas, etc.
• Vascular ultrasound examination
• Testicular ultrasound examination