What is Pediatric Radiology?
Pediatric (or paediatric) radiology is a subspecialty of radiology involving the imaging of fetuses, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. When children are sick or injured, imaging can play an important role in defining the problem and guiding subsequent management decisions.
Learn more about common pediatric radiology procedures.
Pediatric digital radiography, also known as an x-ray, is the standard go-to in pediatric imaging. Plain x-rays are widely available and quickly obtained, with very low dose of radiation involved. Properly ordered, performed and interpreted, plain films are often the best first step when it comes to evaluating common pediatric illnesses and injuries.
Pediatric computed tomography (CT) is a fast, painless exam that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed images of your child’s internal organs, bones, soft tissues and blood vessels. It may be used to help diagnose abdominal pain or evaluate for injury after trauma.
Pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the inside of your child’s body. MRI can be helpful in diagnosing and monitoring treatment for a variety of conditions within the brain, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities.
Pediatric nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers, a special camera and a computer to help diagnose childhood disorders that are present at birth or that develop during childhood. It provides unique information that often cannot be obtained using other imaging procedures.
Pediatric ultrasound imaging of the abdomen is a safe, noninvasive test that uses sound waves to produce a clear picture of the internal organs and blood vessels within your child’s abdomen. Ultrasound does not use ionizing radiation, has no known harmful effects, and is particularly valuable for evaluating abdominal, pelvic or scrotal pain in children.
Pediatric Radiology Locations
Preparing Your Child for a Radiology Procedure
Preparing your child prior to their radiology procedure can help them cope with it better. The more they know beforehand, the less anxious they will be. The best way to prepare your child is to be honest and speak in words that they can understand. Letting your child bring a favorite book, toy, game, or blanket can help calm nerves. Having a snack handy for after the procedure can also be helpful. Let your child know that you will stay with him or her as much as possible during the test and that it’s OK to cry. If your child is older (teen or young adult), include them in discussions, encouraging them to participate in asking the doctors and technologists questions about things they may not understand. The goal is to help him or her feel as comfortable and confident about the procedure as you can.
Dr. Sam Auringer and Dr. Lauren Golding, the pediatric radiologists at Triad Radiology Associates, are focused on providing appropriate and effective pediatric diagnostic imaging services, while maintaining the highest standard of safety.
Call us at (336) 970-5300 to schedule an appointment.
