You/your child has been scheduled for an ultrasound. An ultrasound may be performed to look at many of the organs in the abdomen, such as the stomach, kidneys, liver, gallbladder, bladder, or spleen. A pelvic ultrasound evaluates the uterus and ovaries (in females). Ultrasound cannot evaluate the cellular function of the organs, but is excellent in evaluating the presence, absence, and/or location of organs, the structural formation of organs, and other anatomical abnormalities.
How does the ultrasound work?
Ultrasound sends sound waves into the body using a transducer (a hand-held device that sends and receives sound waves). For the exam, the sonographer will apply warm gel to your child’s abdomen and place the transducer against his/her skin to take pictures. When the sound waves reflect back to the transducer from inside the body, an image is created on the screen. Ultrasound does NOT use radiation.
Prep Instructions
Abdominal Ultrasound (Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Kidneys, and Spleen)
☐ Birth to Age 4 years- No food or drink for at least 3 hours prior to scan
☐ Age 5-12 years- No food or drink for 4-6 hours prior to scan
☐ Age 13 and Up years- No food or drink for 8 hours prior to scan
*If your child is fed by a tube (NJ or GJ) please stop tube feedings for the allotted time above, as well as no food/drink by mouth.
Shearwave Elastography
☐ No food or drink 8 hours prior to scan
Pelvic Ultrasound
☐ Birth to Age 4 years- Drink and be well hydrated
☐ Age 5-12 years- Drink 16 oz of water and finish 1 hour prior to exam, try not to empty bladder
☐ Age 13-21 years- Drink 32 oz of water and finish 1 hour prior to exam, do not to empty bladder
Pyloric Ultrasound
☐ Nothing to eat or drink for 3 hours prior to scan. Bring a bottle to give your child during the ultrasound
Thyroid Ultrasound
☐ No prep needed
Other ways to prepare for the exam
- Medications can be taken with a small sip of water.
- If your child is diabetic, insulin can be taken.
- It may be helpful to have your child wear something easy to pull up, down, or take off.
- If your child wears diapers, please bring an extra diaper.
- Bring a drink/snack for after the scan if your child has had to fast for the ultrasound.
