Imaging tests are an important part of keeping your child healthy. These exams can provide
visibility into their well-being from infancy through the teen years. These hospital visits can be
unsettling for adults, let alone children. Knowing what to expect at the appointment can ease
any concerns and help your kid feel safe and calm during the test.
Is your child scheduled for a radiology exam? To help you both prepare, here are six important
questions to ask your pediatrician about the procedure.
1. What Is an Imaging Test?
Imaging tests allow doctors to see inside a patient’s body. They are valuable tools for making or confirming diagnoses — from fractures to infections and diseases — and guiding treatment decisions. Some tests can also detect problems before symptoms appear. However, this type of testing should only be considered when the benefits far outweigh the potential risks.
Knowing this information is crucial in explaining to your child why they’re undergoing the procedure in a way they can easily understand.
2. Can You Explain Why My Child Needs This Test and What Specific Information You’re Looking For?
In some cases, imaging tests are the only way to diagnose a condition. These exams can help
the doctor characterize a disease, such as where it is localized within the body and whether it
has spread to other areas. The type of test administered will depend on the condition being
diagnosed. For example, if your child recently suffered a head trauma, the pediatrician may
recommend a CT scan, whereas they might recommend an MRI to detect blood vessel issues.
Sometimes, imaging may not be required. For instance, X-rays won’t help diagnose or inform
the treatment plan for skin surface injuries. However, it may be helpful if the doctor suspects a
fracture or joint issue that may require surgery.
3. How Are the Tests Conducted?
Understanding how the test will be performed can help your child stay calm and comply with instructions. The imaging procedure varies by the test modality. For instance, an MRI requires the patient to lie still as the machine captures images, while an X-ray may involve the patient frequently changing positions throughout the procedure.Â
The speed of the image capture differs, too. For instance, dynamic imaging may involve sequential images taken as quickly as 1/10 of a second, whereas the interval may be longer for static imaging.
4. How Safe Is the Procedure?
Some imaging types involve ionizing radiation to track and capture physiological changes inside the body. Naturally, this can be a source of concern for parents, especially if you’re unsure what to expect. The reality is that everyone is exposed to small amounts of radiation every day from soil, air, water and cosmic rays.
To answer the question though, imaging tests are generally safe because the amount of radiation used is usually meager. For example, one adult chest X-ray can produce around 0.1 millisieverts (mSv) of radiation, which is significantly lower than the average dose of 3 mSv that humans are exposed to yearly from natural sources.
Nevertheless, medical technicians must take special precautions when administering such tests to kids. For instance, they must use the lowest radiation amount possible. Additionally, the test must only include the specific body part that needs evaluation.
5. How Should We Prepare for the Test?
Your pediatrician should be able to walk you through all the necessary preparations for an
imaging exam. Generally speaking, your child should wear loose-fitting clothing to be
comfortable throughout the procedure. Some hospitals may provide a gown, but these are
usually not required for simple, noninvasive tests.
Remove all metal objects, including jewelry, hair pins, hearing aids and the like, prior to your
child’s exam. The doctor may also inquire whether your child has ingested metallic items like
coins or small screws in the past. These can be harmful in certain situations, such as during
MRI scanning as the machine’s powerful magnet can pull the object and cause internal issues.
Remember to inform the pediatrician about any medications your child is taking and if they have
any allergies.
6. What Will My Child Experience?
Imaging tests are generally painless and straightforward. However, children may experience a
bit of discomfort with exams that involve a contrast dye, especially if it is injected intravenously.
They might also feel uncomfortable maintaining a position or staying still during the procedure,
which is a requisite for most imaging tests, including CT scans and fluoroscopy. In any case, the
technician should be able to help your child find the most comfortable position possible to
capture quality images.
In rare cases, sedation and anesthesia may be administered, after which the doctor will provide
instructions on limiting your child’s activity for the day after the recovery period.
How to Prepare and Talk to Your Child About the Exam
Now that you better understand what to expect, it’s time to start your preparations. For example, the night before the test, ensure your child gets adequate sleep — anywhere from 8 to 16 hours, depending on their age. This will ensure they are well-rested for the procedure. The doctor may also ask you to limit how much food your child eats that morning so they’re not too full to drink the contrast fluid.Â
How you inform your child about the exam depends on their cognitive development. You can tell them as much or as little to help them understand why they’ll be undergoing the test. The important thing is to keep the conversation honest. For instance, if the procedure involves an intravenous injection, don’t promise it won’t hurt. Instead, you could reassure them that you’ll be there the whole time. Being truthful is essential to your child’s emotional well-being and can help them cope better with stress, which is vital for their holistic wellness.
Prepare for Your Child’s Imaging Test
It’s normal to feel anxious about your child undergoing diagnostic imaging. Asking your
pediatrician these questions can help ensure that you’re both on the same page and are
working together to provide the best possible care for your child.
