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What will happen during the test? Preparing for an abdominal pelvic ultrasound |
What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to give a ‘picture’ of body organs under the skin. Ultrasounds are painless. An average ultrasound takes 30-60 minutes, however, depending on the test ordered it may take up to two hours.
What will happen during the test?
For this test, we will:
- Place a warm lotion on your child’s skin.
- Move an ultrasound probe over the skin.
Preparation instructions by test
Preparing for an abdominal pelvic ultrasound
| Age (years) | Fasting | Amount to drink (cups) |
| Under 1 | 2 hours | |
| 1-2 | 2 hours | Encourage to drink |
| 3-4 | 3 hours | 1-2 cups |
| 5 | 4 hours | 2 cups |
| 6-10 | 4 hours | 3-4 cups |
| Over 10 | 4 hours | 4-5 cups |
Fasting:
If your child is having an ultrasound of the abdomen (belly) area or pelvis (bladder, uterus and ovaries), they should fast before the scan. This means they should have nothing to eat or drink except clear liquids including but not limited to: water, apple juice, clear Freezies or Gatorade.
How long your child should fast depends on the age of your child.
Bladder filling:
Your child will need a full bladder. An hour to 90 minutes before the time of your appointment, your child must drink clear liquids. The amount your child drinks depends on the age of your child.
If your child has diabetes or is taking medication, talk with the doctor who asked for the exam about how to prepare.
Preparing for head, face, neck, chest/breast, spine, hip, arms, legs, testicles or scrotum ultrasound
No special preparation is needed.
How can I help my child during the test?
You can stay with your child. Bring along a comfort item to help your child feel better, or drinks and snack for after the exam. Bring a bottle of milk for bottle-fed babies to use during the exam if needed. Our scan rooms are small, so please leave siblings at home.
Your appointment
Please arrive ten minutes early for your appointment in CHEO's Medical Imaging department on the main floor. Questions? Call CHEO Ultrasound at 613- 737-7600 ext. 2642
Your appointment date and time:
Please arrive ten minutes early for your appointment in CHEO's Medical Imaging department on the main floor. Questions? Call CHEO Ultrasound at 613- 737-7600 ext. 2642