Radiology and imaging

What is a CT (computed tomography) scan?
A computerized tomography scan, also known as a CT or CAT scan, is a special type of imaging test that helps doctors see detailed pictures of the inside of the body.

Imagine a big camera that looks like a giant doughnut – that’s what a CT scanner looks like. During the scan, your child lies on a comfy table that moves into the hole of the scanner. The scanner doesn’t touch your child’s body or hurt at all. It might make a humming noise, like a washing machine, but that’s all.

It’s important for your child to stay very still during the scan so the technologists and doctors can get the best pictures possible. Sometimes, sedation may be used to help them stay still. Most CT scans take about 10 to 20 minutes. 

For some scans, contrast (dye) is used to make the pictures even clearer. Contrast can be given in two ways: by drinking it or through an IV.

Before the scan
If your child needs anesthesia or sedation, a nurse from the pre-procedural department will give instructions on how to get ready. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully.

When you arrive
Our friendly radiology care team will ask a few questions:

• Any allergies?

• When did your child last eat or drink?

• Does your child have diabetes?

• Have they had any other tests recently?

• Any history of kidney or liver problems?

• Could anyone entering the room be pregnant?

After the scan
The results will be sent to the doctor who ordered the scan. They’ll explain your child’s results and what the next steps are.

What is EOS?
The EOS Imaging System takes 3-D pictures of your child while they're standing up. These pictures show us how the body naturally holds itself when standing, helping us see how their bones and muscles work together. We pay special attention to important parts like the spine, hips, and legs, so we can make sure everything is healthy and strong. With the EOS Imaging System, we can take a closer look at your child's body in a way that's safe and comfortable for them. 

The EOS Imaging System uses an ultra-low dose of radiation to provide detailed, high-quality images. With EOS scans, our doctors can make more informed diagnoses using less radiation for children with musculoskeletal disorders. 

During the EOS procedure, your child will stand in the EOS booth for a brief moment, typically up to 20 seconds, while the X-ray is taken.

What is fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopy lets doctors see inside your child’s body in real-time using X-rays. It's helpful because it shows how your child’s organs or body systems are working. Doctors use fluoroscopy for many different tests and treatments, and it's done by a special team that includes a radiologist and a radiologic technologist.

What to expect

During a fluoroscopy exam, your child will lie on a table while a big machine, called the "fluoro tower," moves over them. Sometimes, a contrast material is used to help highlight certain organs or blood vessels in the pictures. The contrast can be swallowed, injected, or given as an enema, depending on what part of your child’s body we're looking at.

The radiologist moves the fluoro tower around to track the contrast material as it moves inside your child’s body. You can watch the images with your child’s care team on a TV screen in the room, usually right above the X-ray table.

Fluoroscopic procedures

• Barium enema
• Barium swallow
• Barium swallow with video
• Modified barium swallow study (instructions in English and Spanish)
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP)
• Upper GI series
• Upper GI series with Small Bowel Series
• Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)

What is an MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) helps doctors see inside your body to help diagnose and treat certain conditions. At Dell Children’s, we have many MRI tests for different parts of the body, like your brain, heart, muscles, bones, tummy, and even for babies before they’re born. Our doctors have the expertise to read the pictures from an MRI, and they use them to create a care plan that’s right for your child. 

What to expect

Before your child goes into the MRI room, they'll change into a hospital gown or comfortable scrubs. Then, they'll lie down on a bed, either on their back or tummy, depending on the type of MRI they're having.

Before the scan begins, we'll give your child earplugs or headphones to help with the loud sounds the MRI machine makes. If your child needs extra support during their MRI, sedation may be recommended. 

During an MRI scan, children can immerse themselves in their favorite videos with goggles, watch their favorite shows on a ceiling-mounted television screen, or relax to soothing music, ensuring a more enjoyable experience.

After the scan is over, your child can eat and drink like usual, unless instructed otherwise. A radiologist will look at all the pictures from the MRI and send a report to your child's doctor.

What is a nuclear medicine study?

A nuclear medicine study shows us how your organs and body systems are functioning, which can help catch diseases early.  It is called ‘nuclear medicine’ because it uses a tiny bit of radioactive material (called a radioisotope) mixed with medicine to create a tracer. This tracer emits radiation that a special camera picks up. 

Tracers can be given in different ways – orally, intravenously (given by an IV), or inhaled. The medicine part of the tracer is designed to go right where it's needed in your body, while the radioactive part lets us see what's going on inside. Both the medicine and radioactive parts of the tracer will pass out of your child’s body in a few hours to a few days, depending on the type of tracer and test.

If you have any questions about a procedure, please contact your healthcare provider or let the care team know during the pre-arrival phone call.

What is an x-ray?
X-rays are a special type of energy that can create images as they pass through the body. Bones are dense and tough, so X-rays have a hard time getting through them. That's why bones show up as bright white on an X-ray. On the other hand, our lungs are mostly filled with air, so X-rays pass right through them, making them appear black or grayish. 

What to expect
When you and your child arrive for an X-ray, our care team talks with you about why the X-ray is needed and explain what will happen next. Depending on which part of the body we're looking at, the procedure might vary a bit. But don't worry, we'll walk you through it every step of the way.

During the X-ray, the technologist will ask your child to be still, and sometimes even hold their breath for a moment. Although your child won't feel the X-rays themselves, some of the positions they need to hold might feel a little awkward or uncomfortable. They only have to stay in those positions for a very short amount of time.

You might be asked to lend a hand in keeping your child still during the exam. Any movement during an X-ray can make the images blurry. If your child needs extra support during the X-ray, our child life specialists are here for you. They can help prepare your child and provide comforting support during the procedure. Just let us know, and we'll make sure your child feels as comfortable and cared for as possible throughout their X-ray.

Once the X-ray is done, the images will be sent for review.

What is an ultrasound?

During a pediatric ultrasound, images appear in real-time on a computer screen. The ultrasound machine looks like a large computer on wheels. The ultrasound technologist captures a series of still images, which are then sent to the radiologist (X-ray doctor) for analysis.

What to expect

Ultrasound exams typically last about 30 minutes and are painless. Our technologist will first discuss why the ultrasound is needed and explain the procedure to both you and your child.

Depending on which part of the body we're examining, your child may need to change into a gown or remove some clothing to expose the area of interest. Once settled on the exam bed, our technologist will ensure your child is comfortable and warm with a towel or blanket, and dim the lights to enhance visibility of the images on the computer screen.

To help the transducer glide smoothly over your child's skin, our technologist will apply a warm, clear lotion. Your child might find this "jelly" amusing as they feel the transducer and lotion move around the area being examined.

Throughout the exam, your child can peek at the images on the computer screen for a "see-through" view of their body. These images will be a sampling of still images sent to the radiologist for review. Sometimes, the radiologist may briefly perform the ultrasound themselves to view the area being studied live.

If you'd like additional support during the procedure, our child life specialists are here to help. They can prepare your child, offer support during the exam, and explain the procedure in a way that's tailored to your child's needs. Just let us know, and we'll ensure your child feels comfortable and supported throughout their ultrasound experience.