Arnold has an Ultrasound Scan

WARNING — Review of this information is overdue. It may be out of date.

Arnold finished his biscuit and thought hard. He didn't mind going to hospital, especially when he knew he could go home again but he wondered why he was going.

He asked his Mum. She told him that he was going for a test, a test called an ULTRASOUND. That sounded frightening and Arnold’s bottom lip started to tremble.

“Now don’t get upset” said his Mum giving him a big hug at the same time. “It really is a very simple test and it doesn’t hurt at all.” She explained that the doctor would want Arnold to lie on a special couch in a special room. He would have to lie on his tummy and maybe his back and be very still.

Arnold knew about lying still. He was very good at it when he tried hard.

The doctor would then put some gel on Arnold’s back. “What’s gel?” asked Arnold “Is it like jelly?” His Mum laughed and said “It’s not like jelly and ice cream. Gel is cold squidgy stuff and is jolly messy, it’s a bit like your Bath Slime. Well after the doctor has put the cold squidgy gel onto your back he will then gently rub the gel around your back using a round smooth bit of plastic. The bit of plastic will be attached to a television, and by looking a the television screen the doctor will be able to tell what is happening inside you.”

“Inside me” said Arnold. “Are you sure?”

“Yes” said his Mum.

“That’s clever. And it won’t hurt?” asked Arnold.

“No” replied his Mum “It won’t hurt at all.”

NKF Controlled Document No. 100, Arnold has an Ultrasound Scan - 2, written 31 January 2007. Last reviewed 31 January 2007.

Content compiled by members of the Children’s Renal & Urology Unit, QMC Campus, Nottingham University Hospitals.

The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.

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