Ultrasound

SickKids is one of the largest centres providing ultrasounds for children in North America. Our radiologists and sonographers provide highly specialized medical care to your child.

Ultrasound is a safe and painless way to diagnose health issues in children without using radiation. Instead, it relies on high-frequency sound waves from a small device called a transducer.

The transducer uses sound waves that bounce back from different tissues, organs, and blood vessels, and create detailed images. These images appear in real-time on a computer monitor, which the sonographer and doctor can use to assess the child's condition.

What to expect

The ultrasound is painless and takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the area being examined. Your child will lie down on an examination table, and warm jelly will be applied to the area being scanned. This gel helps sound waves travel through the body and improves contact between the skin and the ultrasound probe.

A specially trained sonographer will perform the ultrasound using a device called a transducer. The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce back to the probe when they meet body parts. These echoes are processed by the ultrasound machine to create images. A radiologist might perform further scans to better understand the images.

Preparation

Depending on the type of ultrasound being performed, the child will follow specific preparation instructions, such as fasting (no food or drink), drinking water or clear fluids and wearing loose, comfortable clothing. If your child has diabetes or other metabolic problems, they do not need to fast.

Please check in at the registration desk 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment. Once you are registered, the receptionist will then direct outpatients to the ultrasound department on the second floor of the Black Wing.

Appointment items

• Bring your child’s favorite blanket, toy, or stuffed animal to help them feel more comfortable during the exam.
• Bring snacks or drinks to help distract them during the procedure.
• Bring a bottle of milk for bottle-fed babies to use during the exam if needed.

Parents will be allowed to accompany their child into the exam room. It may be helpful to make other arrangements for siblings. Child Life specialists are available to help prepare and support your child during the scan. A Child Life specialist can be present at your child's appointment to explain the process to your child and help them adjust to the hospital experience.

Guidelines

Abdominal Ultrasound

Abdominal Ultrasound Pelvic Ultrasound Other Exams

For an ultrasound of the abdominal (belly) area, your child should fast before the scan. This means no food or drink except water or apple juice. How long your child should fast depends on the age of your child.

Visit AboutKidsHealth for age specific fasting guidelines

For examinations that involve the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, and ovaries, we ask that patients try to have a moderately full bladder. An hour to 90 minutes before the time of your appointment, your child should try to drink two to three glasses of water or apple juice.

There are no special preparations needed for the following exams:

• Brain, spine, thyroid, scrotal, breast, face, orbits, chest ultrasound, and vascular ultrasound.
• Musculoskeletal examinations: shoulders, elbow, wrist, hands, hips, knees, ankles, superficial tissue.

Results

Ultrasound images are interpreted on the same day and a report will be sent to your physician's office.

Requisitions

For outpatient appointments and bookings:
Patient Care Info. Coordinator, Diagnostic Imaging
Phone: 416-813-6082

View the Diagnostic Imaging Requisition form (PDF).

CD / DVD Uploading Protocol:
Diagnostic Imaging Electronic (Film Library)
Phone: 416-813-7511
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

PACS Support: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Phone: 416-813-8358
PACS urgent requests: 416-713-0187
Manager:  Fatima Lima-Simao, Phone:  416-813-4965