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Importance of Ultrasound in Children’s Health
Jan 17, 2025
What is an Ultrasound Scan?
Ultrasound is a dynamic imaging technique that uses low-power sound waves
to look at structures inside the body. It is painless. A radiologist uses a
hand-held device (probe) and glides it over the area of interest to visualize
organs. A water-based ultrasound jelly is used to smoothen the movement of the
probe over your body. It has no radiation risk as it does not use ionizing
radiation.
When is an Ultrasound done?
It is used to look at superficial and deep structures and help in
diagnosis. Among a variety of reasons for performing an ultrasound, here are a
few indications:
· To look at specific
accessible areas in the brain in a child <1 year of age
· To look at the abdomen
structures - liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bowel, urinary
bladder, etc.
· To look at kidney stones
· To look at gallbladder stones
· To look at bowel
dilatation/inflammation
· To look at fluid around the lungs
or abdomen
· To look at the testes'
position
· To look at the uterus and
ovaries
· To look at hernias, hydroceles
· To look at ovarian/testicular
torsion
· To look for appendicitis
How do you prepare for an
Ultrasound?
· Wear loose clothing
· Carry previous
reports/operative details in case you have undergone a surgery earlier
· A pelvis ultrasound may
require a full bladder
· A fasting scan may be
required to look at the gallbladder
· It is advisable to first get
the abdomen ultrasound done before giving the urine sample as it may help save
your time
· A pre-feed and post-feed scan
is required for the assessment of biliary atresia
Limitations of an Ultrasound:
Ultrasounds do not penetrate hard structures such as bones. Therefore,
structures deep into them are not accessible. Very deep structures in the
abdomen may be difficult to visualize depending on the patient's habitus.
Dr. Amena Nayyer
Consultant Radiologist
Rainbow Children's Hospital Sarjapur Road
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