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Can children have ultrasound scans?
Yes, children can have ultrasound scans. They are commonly used in hospitals and clinics across the UK to help doctors look inside the body without surgery or radiation.
Ultrasound is safe for babies, children, and teenagers. It uses sound waves rather than X-rays, so it is often a preferred option when doctors want to check a child’s organs, tissues, or blood flow.
Why might a child need an ultrasound?
A child may need an ultrasound for many reasons. It can help investigate tummy pain, swelling, a lump, or problems with the kidneys, bladder, or gallbladder.
It may also be used to check a baby’s development before birth, or to examine muscles, joints, or soft tissues after an injury. In some cases, doctors use ultrasound to guide procedures such as taking a sample or placing a line.
What happens during the scan?
The scan is usually quick and painless. A trained sonographer applies a small amount of gel to the skin and moves a handheld probe over the area being checked.
The child may need to lie still for a short time, but the scan does not hurt. In many cases, a parent or carer can stay with the child to offer reassurance and comfort.
Is any preparation needed?
Sometimes children need special preparation before the scan. For example, they may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours, or to have a full bladder if the bladder or pelvis is being examined.
The appointment letter or hospital team will usually explain what to do. If your child is nervous, it can help to explain that the scan is like taking pictures with sound.
Are there any risks?
Ultrasound is considered very safe and does not use ionising radiation. It is widely used in paediatric care because it can give useful information without exposing children to unnecessary risk.
There are usually no side effects. Your child may feel a little cold from the gel, but this passes quickly once the scan is over.
When should you speak to a doctor?
If your child has pain, a lump, unexplained swelling, or ongoing symptoms, speak to your GP or paediatrician. They can decide whether an ultrasound is suitable and arrange the right referral if needed.
You should also ask questions if you are unsure about the scan or what it is being used to check. The healthcare team can explain the process and help your child feel more at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children ultrasound scans are used to create images of a child’s organs, tissues, blood vessels, and other soft structures. They can help doctors look for causes of pain, swelling, infection, or other symptoms without using radiation.
Yes, children ultrasound scans are generally considered very safe. They use sound waves rather than ionizing radiation, so they do not expose children to X-rays.
Children ultrasound scans work by sending high-frequency sound waves into the body and measuring the echoes that bounce back. A computer turns those echoes into images that a clinician can review.
Children ultrasound scans are usually painless. Your child may feel some pressure from the probe or mild discomfort if the area being examined is tender, but the scan itself should not be painful.
Preparation for children ultrasound scans depends on the body part being examined. Some scans require a full bladder or fasting for a few hours, while others need no special preparation. Your clinic will give specific instructions.
Most children ultrasound scans take about 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the area being scanned and how much detail is needed. If a child is moving a lot or the exam is more complex, it may take longer.
A doctor may order children ultrasound scans to evaluate abdominal pain, check organs like the kidneys or gallbladder, look at the heart, assess lumps or swelling, or investigate infections and injuries.
No, children ultrasound scans do not use radiation. They rely on sound waves, which is one reason they are commonly chosen for children when imaging is needed.
Whether a child can eat or drink before children ultrasound scans depends on the type of exam. Some abdominal scans require fasting, while others do not. Always follow the instructions provided by the healthcare team.
During children ultrasound scans, your child usually lies on an examination table while a technician applies a gel to the skin and moves a probe over the area being studied. The images appear on a monitor for review.
In many cases, a parent or caregiver can stay with the child during children ultrasound scans to offer comfort and reassurance. Policies may vary by clinic or hospital, so it is best to ask ahead of time.
You can help by explaining children ultrasound scans in simple terms, bringing a favorite toy or comfort item if allowed, and staying calm yourself. Distraction, praise, and reassurance often help younger children feel more relaxed.
Children ultrasound scans can check many body parts, including the abdomen, kidneys, bladder, liver, gallbladder, thyroid, hips, soft tissues, and heart. The specific area scanned depends on the reason for the exam.
Children ultrasound scans are often very useful and accurate for many conditions, especially when examining soft tissues and fluid-filled structures. However, results depend on the area being studied and may sometimes need confirmation with other tests.
For children ultrasound scans, it is best for a child to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to remove or adjust. Avoid clothing with many metal parts if possible, though metal usually does not interfere with ultrasound itself.
Most children ultrasound scans do not require sedation. Younger children may need help staying still, but this is usually managed with comfort, distraction, or support from a parent or caregiver.
Children ultrasound scans use sound waves to create images and do not involve radiation, while X-rays use ionizing radiation. Ultrasound is often preferred for soft tissues and certain organs in children.
Children ultrasound scans are not the main test for broken bones, but they can sometimes help evaluate certain injuries, especially around soft tissues or in young children. X-rays are more commonly used to diagnose fractures.
Results from children ultrasound scans may be available quickly, but the timing depends on the facility and whether a specialist needs to review the images. In many cases, the ordering doctor discusses the results later the same day or within a few days.
Children ultrasound scans have very few known risks when performed appropriately. They are noninvasive and do not use radiation, which makes them a common imaging choice for children.
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