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Preparation for newborn ultrasound
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Preparation for ultrasound examination of abdominal organs
- Patient preparation: If clinical conditions permit, the child should not be given food or water for 3 hours prior to the examination.
- Patient position. The child should lie on his back on a soft, comfortable pillow. The arms should be raised up so that the abdomen is free. Apply contact gel to the abdomen.
- Selecting a probe. Use a 7.5 MHz probe if available. However, sufficient information can be obtained using a 5 MHz probe. A small sector probe is best for examining small areas of the newborn's body.
- Setting the appropriate sensitivity level of the device.
Begin by placing the transducer in the midline of the abdomen under the xiphoid process. Tilt the transducer to the right until the liver is imaged. Adjust the sensitivity level to obtain an image of the liver with normal echogenicity and structure. The diaphragm should be visualized as a hyperechoic line along the posterior contour of the liver, and the portal and hepatic veins will be defined as anechoic tubular structures. The portal vein borders appear hyperechoic, and the hepatic veins do not have hyperechoic walls.
Scanning technique: abdominal area
Transverse and longitudinal sections must be performed. As in adults, the aorta, inferior vena cava and portal vein must be visualized.
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