An ultrasound scan is a type of imaging test – a test that uses special equipment to create detailed images of the inside of the body, including organs like the kidneys.
What is an ultrasound scan?
The ultrasound scan uses ultrasound, or high-frequency sound waves, to create an image of part of the inside of your child’s body, such as their kidneys. You cannot hear ultrasound, but it can be picked up by special machines. Ultrasound passes through fluid (liquid) and soft tissues and bounces back (like an echo) from more solid structures.
This scan is also called a sonogram.
A renal ultrasound (also called a kidney ultrasound or urinary tract ultrasound) creates images of your child’s kidneys, bladder and ureters to help doctors look at their size, shape, structure and function.
Why does my child need this test?
Your child’s doctor may recommend an ultrasound to help diagnose a condition, sometimes with results from other tests, such as blood tests and urine tests. This helps them to find out why your child has certain symptoms and allows your doctor to consider the best treatment. An ultrasound scan may also be used to find out how well a treatment is working.
Are ultrasound scans safe?
Ultrasound scans are very safe and should be painless. Unlike some other imaging tests, ultrasounds do not use any radiation or contrast dye, so they are suitable for everyone, including during pregnancy, and can be repeated as needed.
Where will it take place?
Ultrasound scans are usually carried out in the hospital imaging or radiology department. Some hospitals have mobile ultrasound scan devices which can be transported to wards and clinics, to have the scan performed there.
The scan room may have reduced lighting levels, to allow the person doing the scan to see the images on the screen clearly.
Who will perform the ultrasound scan?
The ultrasound will be performed by a sonographer (an ultrasound practitioner) or a radiologist (a doctor who specialises in diagnosing diseases using imaging techniques).
How to prepare your child for an ultrasound scan
Your child does not usually need to do anything to prepare for this test, but your doctor will let you know. Sometimes your doctor will need to look at the bladder when it is full. Your child may need to have a drink of water shortly before the test and, if possible, avoid going to the toilet.
Talk to your child about the scan, and what will happen. If they are old enough, explain what it is looking for and why it is needed.
What happens during the scan?
Your child will lie down on a bed and a gel is put on their abdomen (tummy) and lower back. This may feel a bit cold.
A small handheld device called a transducer is moved around your child’s skin – the gel helps it move smoothly. This transducer is attached to a computer and a screen.
Your child may be asked to change position or briefly hold their breath.
Pulses of ultrasound are sent through the transducer and into the body. Your child cannot feel these pulses.
These sound waves bounce back from the structures inside the body like an echo. They are displayed as an image on the monitor (screen).
What to expect afterwards
Your child can usually go home straight away after the scan.
Getting the results
Images from the scan are saved on the ultrasound machine and are shared electronically with other healthcare professionals to confirm a diagnosis or decide if a treatment is needed.
Speak with your doctor about when you should expect the results.
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