How is an echocardiogram performed?
The test may be done in a cardiologist’s office, in a clinic, at a hospital or medical center as an outpatient, or as an inpatient in a medical facility. In most cases, you will be allowed to stay with your child to provide reassurance during the procedure. • The technician will need to see your child’s chest from the waist up. Privacy will be maintained by drapes across your child’s chest and by limiting access into the procedure area. • EKG electrodes will be attached to your child’s chest with adhesive patches. • Your child will lie on a table or bed during the procedure. A pillow or wedge may be placed behind your child’s back for support. • The room will be darkened so that the images on the echo monitor can be better viewed by the technician. • The technician will place gel on your child’s chest and then place the transducer probe on the gel. Your child will feel a slight pressure as the technician positions the transducer to get the desired image of your child’s heart. • During
