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Hello, I'm Dr. Cynthia Rigsby, a pediatric radiologist at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. I'd like to talk with you about pediatric ultrasound imaging.

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves transmitted from a transducer and gel placed on the skin to create images of the inside of your child’s body. Ultrasound is completely painless and does not require sedation. It's also quick, does not use radiation and has no harmful effects.

Ultrasound is particularly helpful in evaluating abdominal, pelvic or scrotal pain in children, as well as diagnosing the cause of pain, swelling and infection in the body’s internal organs. It's especially effective when used to evaluate trauma in the emergency department. And, ultrasound is used to examine the brain and hips in infants.

Your doctor will instruct you on how to prepare your child depending on the type of ultrasound examination to be performed. Your child should wear loose, comfortable clothing and may be asked to wear a gown. Ask the doctor if your child should not eat or drink liquid beforehand. However, some exams may require your child to drink several glasses of water and avoid urinating so that a full bladder may be scanned.

Remember, ultrasound scanning is safe, noninvasive and painless.

For more information about pediatric ultrasound, visit Radiology Info dot org.

Thank you for your time!