Ultrasound

Having an Ultrasound
Ultrasound Procedure Preps

Ultrasound or sonography is a technique that uses sound waves to study hard-to-reach areas of the body. Ultrasound is non-invasive and uses a small probe that is run over the area of the body being studied. This ultrasound translates the sound waves to create a digital image.

You will need to arrive in Radiology 30 minutes before your scheduled exam in order to register your child for his/her examination.

HAVING AN ULTRASOUND

An ultrasound is a medical exam that uses sound waves to see organs inside
your body. It is a valuable tool in helping to detect certain diseases and
conditions by distinguishing one form of tissue from another. Ultrasound
does not require the use of x-rays. It is simple and painless!

GETTING READY FOR THE TEST

Most ultrasound exams require little or no preparation prior to the exam, but
sometimes you may be asked to follow a special patient prep listed below. It is very important for you to follow it closely. When you arrive at the radiology department, one of the sonographers (the person who will be doing your ultrasound) will explain to you and your parents how the exam will be done. You will then be taken into a room where you will see a bed and an ultrasound machine. Your parents will be allowed to sit next to your during your test.

THE TEST

The sonographer will help you lie on the table and will squirt a special warm
gel over the part of your body that needs an ultrasound. This gel helps the
sound waves go through your body an create a picture. Next, a small microphone - like device called a transducer is placed on the body part and your pictures are taken. You may be asked to lie in different positions when your pictures are taken. Your pictures will be shown to the radiologist (a special ultrasound doctor) who will then decide if more pictures are needed. The exam will take 30 minutes to an hour.

AFTER THE TEST

When all the pictures are finished, the radiologist will look at the pictures. He or she will then tell your doctor the things he or she needs to know about your body. When everything is finished, you will be released.

SOME ULTRASOUND PATIENT PREP

Abdomen:
Infant – 1 year: NPO 4 hours prior to exam
2-5 year: No carbonated drinks 12 hours prior to exam. NPO 6
hours prior to exam. Water only 4 hours prior to exam.
6 years & up: NPO after midnight. No carbonated dinks 12 hours
prior to exam. WATER ONLY 4 hours prior to exam.
Kidneys / Adrenals: No carbonated drinks 12 hours prior to exam.
Pelvic / Bladder: 24 to 32 oz. non-carbonated fluid one hour prior to
exam. DO NOT URINATE (Need Full Bladder)
Gallbladder: Fat free diet, no carbonated drinks 12 hours prior to
exam. Water only 8 hours prior to exam.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions about the test, please ask your radiographer or
doctor for the answers.

THE THREE MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AN ULTRASOUND:

1. How long will the exam take?
The exam will generally take thirty minutes.

2. When will I know the results of the exam?
The radiologist will let your doctor know the results of your child’s exam.
Your doctor will then discuss the results of the exam with you.

3. Will the ultrasound test hurt?
No, an ultrasound is simple and painless!

Contact Information

Driscoll Children's Hospital Radiology
3533 South Alameda Street
Corpus Christi, Texas 78411
1-800-DCH-LOVE
(361) 694-5240
To schedule an exam (361) 694-6132