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.

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:

1. To look at specific accessible areas in the brain in a child < 1 year of age
2. To look at the abdomen structures - liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bowel, urinary bladder, etc.
3. To look at kidney stones
4. To look at gallbladder stones
5. To look at bowel dilatation/inflammation
6. To look at fluid around the lungs or abdomen
7. To look at the testes' position
8. To look at the uterus and ovaries
9. To look at hernias, hydroceles
10. To look at ovarian/testicular torsion
11. To look for appendicitis

How do you prepare for an Ultrasound?

1. Wear loose clothing
2. Carry previous reports/operative details in case you have undergone a surgery earlier
3. A pelvis ultrasound may require a full bladder
4. A fasting scan may be required to look at the gallbladder
5. It is advisable to first get the abdomen ultrasound done before giving the urine sample as it may help save your time
6. A pre-feed and post-feed scans are required for the assessment of biliary atresia.

LIST OF PAEDIATRIC ULTRASOUNDS:-

1. ULTRASOUND NEWBORN / INFANT NEUROSONGRAM (NSG) / BRAIN ULTRASOUND
2. ULTRASOUND WHOLE ABDOMEN NEWBORN / INFANT / PAEDIATRIC
3. MUSCULOSKELETAL (MSK) ULTRASOUND
4. ULTRASOUND NEWBORN / INFANT NEUROSONGRAM (NSG) / BRAIN WITH COLOUR DOPPLER
5. ULTRASOUND PAEDIATRIC SPINAL CANAL
6. ULTRASOUND PAEDIATRIC KIDNEYS, URINARY BLADDER (KUB) AND ADRENALS
7. PAEDIATRIC ULTRASOUND GUIDED INTERVENTION
8. PAEDIATRIC HEAD AND NECK ULTRASOUND