Pediatric Ultrasound
Infants & Children
Hips
This exam should be done at 8+ weeks of age unless otherwise requested by a physician.
Pediatric hip ultrasounds are most commonly used to diagnose developmental hip dysplasia (DDH).
Sound wave technology is used to produce diagnostic imaging of the hip joint to ensure that they are properly formed. In order to fully assess the hip joints in infants they will need to be at least 8 weeks of age or older.
*There is no prep required for this exam.*
Head / Brain
This exam should be done before 6 months of age unless otherwise requested by a physician.
A pediatric head ultrasound is a safe and painless test that uses sound wave technology to create images of the infant brain. Head ultrasounds are typically only done for babies younger than 6 months of age as the sound waves are transmitted through the head via the fontanel - also commonly known as the baby's "soft spot" which typically closes over at around 6-7 months after birth.
*There is no prep required for this exam.*
Spine
This exam should be done before 8 months of age unless otherwise requested by a physician.
Pediatric spinal ultrasounds are most commonly used to evaluate the spinal cord of an infant. This ultrasound is typically requested when the patient is born with a dimple on the lower back or tail bone. Performing an ultrasound over their sacral dimple can confirm the location of the spinal cord as well as verify the closure of the vertebrae.
*There is no prep required for this exam.*
General / Other
In addition to specialized pediatric ultrasound, infants and young children can be referred for general ultrasound procedures as well. This includes thyroid, scrotum, kidneys, bladder, abdominal organs, soft tissue, etc. *Select the applicable exam to find additional information and preparation instructions for your child.