Radiology - Having an ultrasound - for Children

What is an ultrasound scan?

An ultrasound scan uses sound waves which shows us images of inside your body. The scan will be done by a Sonographer or a Radiologist.

Why do I need an ultrasound scan?

The doctor has sent you for a scan so that we can have a look at what is happening inside your body.

Where will I be scanned?

At a hospital, and the appointment letter will let your parent/ carer know what the scan is for, when, what time and which hospital.

Please inform the ultrasound department if you need any other support, such as a hoist. If you require an interpreter, please ring the Trust Translation Team on 0161 627 8770.

Do I need to do anything before the scan appointment?

This depends on which part of your body we are looking at. The appointment letter will tell you what you need to do before your scan, so please check.

If we are scanning your leg, arm, or neck then you do not have to do anything before coming for you scan.

A tummy (abdominal) scan

If you are having a tummy ultrasound scan it is important that you do not eat or drink before the scan. Please check your appointment letter which explains what you need to do. If you do eat or drink before your scan, we will not get clear pictures of your tummy.

A kidney (renal) scan

Before having your kidney ultrasound scan you need to drink plenty of fluids so that you feel like you need a wee. It is important to have a full bladder because we need to take pictures of your bladder when it is full and when it is empty. Do not worry there is a toilet in the waiting room! If you feel like you can’t hold your wee and you need to go to the toilet, please tell our receptionist or the Sonographer/Radiologist.

Does it hurt?

No. Having an ultrasound does not hurt.

What happens once I am in the ultrasound room?

Do not worry, your parent/carer can come into the ultrasound room with you.

You will be asked to lie on the bed and jelly will be placed on the area of your body we are scanning, so if its your tummy we are scanning you will need to lift your top up and we will put some special jelly on your tummy. The lights in the room will be turned low, and this is so we can see the picture on our screen.

Remember to stay still during the scan.

Then what happens?

• We use a special scanner which is rubbed over the jelly so that we can see, it might tickle
• You can bring your favourite book or toy for during the scan

After the scan

• When the scan has finished, you can wipe the jelly off
• Then the best part, you get to choose a sticker
• And finally, WELL DONE, you can now go home and eat and drink as normal

How will I get my results?

• If the GP sent you the results take one week, so your parent/ carer will need to ring the GP after one week
• If it was the hospital doctor, they will send you a letter regarding what to do about the results
• If you are staying in hospital (in patient) the doctor on the ward will get the results

What do I do if I can't keep my appointment?

Please call the Trust Contact Centre on 01706 906207 as soon as possible. This is open Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.