Radiology & Imaging

Children should be exposed to the least possible amount of radiation during radiologic examinations. At Riley Children's, we keep radiation exposure to the absolute minimum. Our pediatric radiologists have established specific exam protocols that reduce the radiation dose to your child. The radiology team also participates in the Image Gently campaign. This campaign is an initiative of the Alliance for Radiation Safety in Pediatric Imaging. The goal of the Image Gently campaign is to increase awareness of opportunities to minimize radiation exposure to children during imaging.

We are also committed to making your child as comfortable as possible during the exam through the use of techniques that calm your child and reduce his or her movement. Techniques range from allowing your child to listen to music or watch a DVD during the exam to arranging for sedation. In the event additional sedation is required for a longer or more complex exam, our expert pediatric anesthesiologists can provide general anesthesia.

We use advanced radiologic technologies that are tailored to the needs of children. Examples include:

• 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners that produce and process images quickly
• An on-site interventional radiology suite
• Computed tomography (CT) scanners that allow organs to be viewed in different planes or as three-dimensional images
• Digital radiology (DR) units that produce high-quality images quickly and shorten exam times
• Fluoroscopy rooms that use advanced low-dose fluoroscopy equipment and can reduce X-ray dosage by as much as 70 percent
• Ultrasound units that were specifically designed for pediatric imaging, including specialized exams of the hip, spine, head and pylorus (the opening from the stomach into the small intestine)

Riley Children's was one of the first hospitals in the country to offer patient- and family-centered care. This philosophy makes you a partner in your child's care. We encourage you to participate in your child's treatment, ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have.

Along with your child’s referring pediatrician or pediatric specialist, our radiologists work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide the best possible care for your child. Our pediatric radiology team includes board certified and fellowship-trained pediatric radiologists, certified technologists and registered nurses.