Children’s radiology: CHoR’s serious, sensitive approach to imaging
Imaging procedures help us make an accurate diagnosis and are often an important part of your child's treatment plan. All of our pediatric radiologists have tailored training to perform and interpret imaging for children.
Our team uses kid-friendly expertise to select and perform the most appropriate imaging – as quickly, safely and precisely as possible.
Diagnostic imaging and radiology procedures
Some common procedures performed at CHoR include:
- CT scan
- Diagnostic x-ray
- EOS imaging
- Fluoroscopy
- Fetal MRI
- MRI
- Sonography (ultrasound)
Our pediatric radiologists and technologists use the latest imaging equipment
CT
Our underwater-themed CT room uses a FLASH CT scanner that scans within seconds, which eliminates the need for sedation in most children. We follow special pediatric protocols that help minimize the amount of radiation used for each study, while also creating a radiation plan tailored to your child’s body.
EOS imaging
Our EOS Imaging System offers a low-dose X-ray machine that takes images of your child upright focusing on the spine, hips or legs. The EOS Imaging System is used to diagnose and create treatment plans for those with musculoskeletal disorders like leg length discrepancies or scoliosis. The EOS Imaging System uses two to three times less radiation than other imaging tests which is beneficial to those patients who are imaged frequently.
Fluoroscopy
In our woodland friends themed fluoroscopy room, children having a fluoroscopy exam receive “real time” or live images of the body that help the doctors see how organs and body system function. Most fluoroscopy studies require your child to have some type of contrast media, which helps the physicians visualize the organs that are being studied. Contrast media is administered by drinking, injecting or through an enema depending on which exam your child is having. Parents or guardians are allowed to accompany their child during their fluoroscopy procedures.
Common fluoroscopy studies include:
MRI
The Children's Pavilion is home to Central Virginia’s only dedicated pediatric 3 tesla (3T) MRI, which is about twice as powerful as a standard MRI. This powerful magnet technology provides extremely clear, high-resolution images of the inside of the body, making it one of the most sensitive studies for detecting subtle abnormalities.
This additional power is particularly helpful when imaging the brain, spine and joints, allowing your child's doctor to see things that may not be as clearly visible through conventional MRI imaging.
Our kid-friendly hot air balloon-themed MRI suite is equipped with special high-tech goggles that allow children to watch movies as they are being scanned. This helps them pass the time more enjoyably, and further minimizes our use of sedation.
They can even bring their favorite movies from home!
Sonography (ultrasound)
Ultrasound machines look like large computers on wheels that use a special probe called a transducer and sound waves to image organs and soft tissues in the body.
What to expect during imaging and radiology procedures
We understand that getting an x-ray or MRI can be scary for kids, in part because the equipment is big and sometimes loud. Our team takes special measures to calm your child's nerves and make them comfortable.
From superhero capes to a mini MRI scanner that makes noises just like the real thing, we help kids understand what to expect and prepare them to conquer their imaging procedure. Our certified Child Life specialist is also available to help age appropriately explain your child’s procedure to them and help find coping and distraction techniques to help them achieve the best experience possible.
In studies requiring sedation, the physician regularly reviews the images while the child is still in the procedure room to ensure that all appropriate images have been obtained and urgent decisions can be made if needed. Families wait in a room close by, and we keep you informed throughout the procedure.
Minimizing radiation and imaging risks: Your child is in expert hands
The team uses specific pediatric protocols – which are special studies designed just for kids – with the goal of being as quick, quiet and precise as possible.
Equipment safety: In addition to leveraging best practices and emerging technology to improve our patients’ safety and experience, our physicians work closely with equipment manufacturers and application programmers, staying on the leading edge of technology and customizing tools for the best care for kids.
Radiation risks: Exposure to radiation can pose risks. Our team uses technology to ensure precise and as low a dose radiation as possible. We only subject children to imaging that requires radiation when absolutely necessary to pinpoint an accurate diagnosis.
Anesthesia: Our knowledgeable team focuses on children and understands the unique characteristics of growing bodies. Though we try to avoid sedation if possible, when patients do require anesthesia parents can rest assured that their child is in expert hands. Our dedicated pediatric anesthesiologists also have advanced and specialized medical training to care for even the youngest patients.