What pediatric imaging is used for

Your child’s doctor may recommend imaging to:

• Look in detail at injuries or how organs and systems are working
• Confirm a diagnosis
• Help doctors prepare for surgery

Pediatric imaging safety

We always consider your child’s safety in deciding on imaging.

When possible, our first choices are MRI and ultrasound. Both are painless and do not use radiation.

X-rays use a tiny amount of radiation. For other scans, we use the lowest dose we can.

We take part in the Image Gently campaign. This means your child will:

• Have imaging only when needed
• Get a custom dose of radiation for their age, weight and size
• Have each dose tracked, so we know how much total radiation they’re getting

Before your child’s appointment

Once you have a request from your child’s doctor:

X-ray: You can bring in your child for an X-ray between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. You don’t need an appointment, just a request.

Other imaging: You can call us at 503-418-5252 to schedule an appointment.

You may get instructions through MyChart on how to prepare your child for a scan. In some cases, your child may have to stop eating or drinking for several hours. Please have your child follow instructions or we may have to reschedule the scan.

Some scans are done with anesthesia or sedation. You can ask your child’s doctor if this will be the case for your child.

At your child’s appointment

Your child will have their scan in a room painted in a jungle, ocean or space theme. Our MRI scanner has a light and movie system to help your child relax without sedation.

A technician trained to work with pediatric patients will be with or near your child at all times.

If your child is not already having anesthesia or sedation and needs help to relax, we can ask for:

• A specialist in pediatric sedation
• One of our hospital dogs or another therapy animal

If your child does not finish the scan, we can reschedule.

After your child’s appointment

You’ll get results through MyChart, usually in 24 to 48 hours.

Can my child visit the clinic before our scan to see what it’s like?

We do not offer this option.

What is done to reassure children before their scan?

Our technicians greet children and work to build comfort and trust with them before and during the scan.

Can my child bring a soft toy to hold or lie next to?

Yes.

Can I be with my child during their scan?

It depends.

If you’re pregnant, you’ll need to stay in the waiting area.

If you’re not pregnant, you’re welcome to join your child. For CT, MRI or PET/CT scans, you’ll be in a separate room, but your child will still see or hear you.

Will my child be shielded during their scan?

No. We no longer put lead aprons on patients to shield them during scans that use radiation.

Research shows no benefit to shielding patients. Today’s equipment and technology are designed to use less radiation and may perform less well when a shield is used. Learn more about our patient shielding policy.

Can my child listen to music during their scan?

We prefer not to play music during scans. Your child will be getting instructions from us and will need to follow those instructions.

Are blankets or pillows provided for comfort?

Yes.

Can we schedule a scan during the weekend?

We schedule only emergency or urgent scans on weekends.