Background: Cranial ultrasound is frequently used for diagnostic and/or routine screening in neonates. Exploring factors associated with scan duration is warranted to ensure alignment to clinical guidelines.Aim: To identify factors associated with neonatal cranial scan time.Methods: A retrospective pilot study was undertaken in a tertiary hospital. A sample of completed neonatal scans was examined from July 1 to December 31, 2017. Data were analysed for statistical differences between groups. Correlational and regression analysis was undertaken to explore associations.Results: Analysis of 201 cases revealed estimated scan duration ranged from 4 to 54 min with median estimated scan time being 11.00 min (IQR = 6 min). Mann-Whitney U tests identified scans undertaken by two operators took significantly longer than single operator scans (5 min longer; U = 1175.500; p < .001). Additionally, scans with pathological findings were significantly longer than scans without (2 min longer; U = 3710.000; p = .004). Number of scan operators (r = .378; p < .001) and presence of pathology (r = .155; p = .003) were significantly correlated with estimated scan duration, representing medium and small effect size, respectively. Both variables explained 29% of variance in estimated scan duration (R 2 = 0.294; F = 39.260; p = <.001). Conclusion:Results identified significant associations between variables, providing baseline data for scanning practices in our setting.

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