Hearing that your child needs a scan can bring up a lot of questions. Will it hurt? Is it safe? How do I keep them calm? Knowing what to expect can make the visit easier for both of you.

Medical imaging lets doctors see inside the body to look for injuries or find the cause of a problem. The type of scan depends on your child’s symptoms and what the doctor needs to check.

Key Takeaways

• X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, and CT scans serve different purposes.
• The doctor chooses a scan based on the child’s medical needs.
• Some scans use radiation, while others do not.
• Simple explanations can help children feel more comfortable during an imaging test.

What Is Pediatric Medical Imaging?

Pediatric medical imaging uses different tests to create images of a child’s body. Doctors may recommend a scan after an injury or when symptoms need further investigation.

Children’s bodies are still growing, so the imaging team considers their age, size, and medical needs. The team also helps children get into the right position and explains how to stay still during the test.

How Does Pediatric Medical Imaging Work?

Most Pediatric imaging appointments follow a few basic steps.

The Doctor Recommends a Scan: The doctor reviews your child’s symptoms and medical history before deciding whether imaging is needed. An X-ray may help check a suspected broken bone, while an ultrasound can show certain internal organs.

Your Child Gets Ready: The imaging team explains the procedure and provides preparation instructions. Some scans need little preparation, while others may require your child to avoid food or drinks for a set time.

The Images Are Taken: Your child may need to lie on a table or hold a certain position. The imaging equipment captures pictures of the area being examined. Staying still helps produce clear images.

A radiologist reviews the images and prepares a report for the referring doctor. The doctor uses the findings to decide whether treatment or further testing is needed.

What Types of Imaging Are Used for Children?

The right test depends on your child’s symptoms and the area that needs examination.

X-Rays

X-rays help doctors examine bones and certain chest conditions. They are often used when a child may have a broken bone. Because X-rays use ionizing radiation, the imaging team adjusts the settings to limit unnecessary exposure.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves to take pictures inside the body. It does not use radiation. Doctors may use it to check the abdomen, kidneys, or bladder. During the scan, a sonographer moves a small device over the skin to take pictures.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures inside the body. It does not use radiation. Doctors may use it to check the brain, spine, or joints. Children need to stay still during the scan so the pictures come out clear.

If your child may have trouble staying still, talk with your doctor ahead of time about options.

Computed Tomography (CT)

A CT scan uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It may help doctors examine certain injuries and internal organs. Since CT scans use ionizing radiation, doctors consider the benefits and risks before recommending one for a child.

How Can Parents Prepare Their Child?

Children may feel nervous when they do not know what will happen. A simple explanation can help them feel more at ease.

• Explain the test using simple words your child understands, like “a special camera that takes pictures of the inside of your body.”
• Follow instructions about food, drinks, and clothing.
• Bring relevant medical records and previous scan reports.
• Ask how long the procedure will take and whether you can stay nearby.
• Tell the imaging team if your child feels anxious or has difficulty staying still.

You can also ask the team to explain each step to your child before the scan begins.

Is Medical Imaging Safe for Children?

Medical imaging helps doctors make decisions about a child’s care, but each test has different risks. Ultrasound and MRI do not use ionizing radiation, while X-rays and CT scans do.

When your child needs a scan, the medical team works to limit radiation exposure. Ask why the scan is needed and if another test could work. Tell the doctor about any recent scans to help avoid repeat tests.

At A.T. Radiology, our board-certified radiologists and caring technologists provide adult and pediatric imaging for families in Winter Haven, Lake Wales, and Davenport. If you have questions about your child’s scan, our team is happy to help you prepare.

FAQ

At what age can a child have medical imaging?

A child of any age may need a scan when a doctor considers it medically necessary.

Does medical imaging hurt?

Most scans are painless, although some procedures may cause mild discomfort.

How long does a scan take?

Many X-rays take a few minutes, while other examinations may take longer.

Can a parent stay during the scan?

This depends on the procedure and the facility’s safety rules.

When will the results be ready?

A radiologist reviews the images and sends a report to the referring doctor, who explains the findings.

Our imaging services include: 3D Mammogram, Ultrasounds, Sonograms, X-Rays, MRI Scans, 3D Sonogram, Echocardiograms, Prostate MRI, Bone Density Scan, Arthrograms, CT Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening, Lung Cancer Screening, CT Scan, and OB Ultrasound.