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of children, youth and families
Ultrasounds
What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound appointment
An ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to give a
‘picture’ of body organs under the skin. Ultrasounds are
painless, and take about 15 minutes to one hour.
Date:
Time:
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time.
Where: Diagnostic Imaging/Radiology, main floor
Kind of ultrasound:
What will happen during the test?
For this test, we will:
• Place a clear jelly on your child’s skin
• Move an ultrasound probe over the skin
Getting Ready for an abdominal or pelvic ultrasound
Your child or teen needs an empty stomach and a full bladder for these tests.
1. No food or milk
Before the ultrasound, your child or teen:
• Must not eat food or drink milk. The length of time depends on your child’s age:
• Children under 2 years: No food, milk, formula or breastmilk for 2 hours.
• Children 2-10 years: No food or milk (or breastmilk, if still breastfeeding) for 4 hours.
• Youth over 10 years: No food or milk for 6 hours.
• Can drink water or apple juice at any time before the test.
• Must not eat foods that make gas, like chewing gum, broccoli, pop or beans, for 24 hours before the test.
!If your child has diabetes:
talk with the doctor who asked for the ultrasound about how to prepare your child.
2. Full bladder
Before the ultrasound, your child or teen:
• Needs to drink. Give your child water or apple juice only. Follow the directions below for your child’s age.
2 hours before the ultrasound, give:
Birth to 2 years: Give 1 bottle (4-8 ounces or 125-250 ml)
2 to 6 years: Give 2 cups (16 ounces or 500 ml)
6 to 10 years: Give 4 cups (32 ounces or 1 litre)
10 years and older: Give 5 to 6 cups (36 ounces or 1.2 litres)
• Needs to hold urine (pee!). Don’t worry about this part if your child is not yet toilet trained.
Under 10 years: Let your child pass urine 1 hour before the test, but then hold it until the ultrasound is over.
10 years and older: Let your child pass urine 2 hours before the test, but then hold it until the ultrasound is over.
!
If your child has intermittent bladder catheterization: catheterize your child 3 hours before the ultrasound.
No special preparation needed for ultrasounds of the:
• Head or brain
• Face, neck, thyroid gland or chest
• Spine or hips
• Arms or legs
• Testicles or scrotum
How can I help my child during the test?
Questions?
CHEO Ultrasound
613-737-7600 extension 2642
You can stay with your child. Bring along a bottle, pacifier or cuddly toy to help your child feel more comfortable.
Our scan rooms are small, so please try to leave brothers and sisters at home.
Form # P4909E
April 2013
www.cheo.on.ca