Pediatric CT Scan

Computed Tomography, also known as CT scan, is an x-ray technique that allows us to image internal portions of the body. Instead of creating one image like an x-ray, a CT scan produces a series of images that are like slices in a loaf of bread. The information gathered during a CT scan is processed by a computer and read by radiologist to diagnose disease. The image slices taken by a CT scanner allow a much more precise and detailed view of the body because the pediatric radiologist can look at sections of the body rather than the "whole picture” all at once.

A CT scan is able to clearly show soft tissue, like the brain, in addition to dense tissue, like bone.  Some CT scans require the use of a contrast medium or barium. A contrast medium, which is given intravenously, highlights certain body parts so the pediatric radiologist can better see any abnormalities. CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis often require that patients drink a barium-based liquid to outline the intestines for better viewing.

While CT scans are performed on both children and adults, there are significant differences between they way the scans are performed and evaluated. Since children’s bodies are usually much thinner than adult bodies, we specifically plan for the size and age of the child to improve the accuracy of the images. Some CT scans, such as those done to diagnose appendicitis, are performed very differently for children and require the expertise of radiologists with a pediatric sub-specialty.

This page contains the following information about pediatric CT scans:

Reasons for Having a CT Scan

There are many reasons your doctor may order a CT exam for your child. A CT scan can be used to look at any organ or part of the body to check for disease or abnormalities. It is most commonly ordered for children to investigate inflammatory or infectious disorders, abdominal pain, headaches, injuries, birth defects, and cancer.

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Risks Involved in a CT Scan

There is the risk of x-ray exposure; however, it is well below the level that causes adverse affects.

If your exam requires contrast medium, there is a very small possibility that your child could have an allergic reaction to it. Severe reactions are extremely rare.

If your child is sedated, there is a risk of complications; however, this risk is minimal and your child will be closely monitored throughout the exam.

Conditions to Let Our Doctor Know About

In advance of your exam, let your INVISION radiologist or technologist know if any of the following circumstances apply to your child:

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Insurance Coverage

CT scans are usually covered by insurance when ordered by a physician. Check with your insurance carrier to be sure. Please bring your insurance card with you to your exam.

Exam Locations

Pediatric CT scans may be performed at the following INVISION partner hospitals in the Denver, Colorado area. Exam results are evaluated by INVISION radiologists.

Some pediatric CT scans are also performed at the following Invision locations:

Please note:

INVISION is partially owned by Radiology Imaging Associates (RIA); consequently, your radiologist’s lab coat and your bill, if you receive one, may say RIA rather than INVISION.

Scheduling this Exam

To schedule a pediatric CT scan at an INVISION location, call 720-493-3700. To schedule a pediatric CT scan at a hospital, please call the hospital where the exam will be performed.

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Preparation Guidelines

The level of advance preparation for a CT scan depends on the type and purpose of the CT scan. Following is information for various CT scans. Please contact us at 720-493-3700 if you have any questions.

Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete necessary paperwork. To help your child be comfortable, please have him or her go to the bathroom before the exam.

All CT Scans
  • Your child should only drink clear liquids 4 hours before the exam.
  • Have your child take all prescribed medications.
  • Bring any related images not done at an INVISION facility or The Children’s Hospital.
  • Notify your doctor of any conditions your child has under the Conditions to Let Our Doctor Know About section.
CT/Sinus

Everything listed under “All CT Scans” and:

  • No nasal irrigation for 24 hours prior to the exam.
CT/Internal Auditory Canal Without Contrast

Everything listed under “All CT Scans” and:

  • Have your child not wear metal from the neck up, including all jewelry and hair accessories. Non-removable braces are ok.
CT/Abdomen Everything listed under “All CT Scans;” however, please arrive at the exam location 1 hour prior to the exam time for barium.

It is important that you also provide emotional support for your child before and during the procedure. If your child is old enough to understand, explain the procedure to him or her. Let him or her know that the exam won’t hurt and that he or she will have to lie very still during the scan. Also reassure your child that you will be able to remain in the room during the scan.

Support for Your Child during the Exam

We allow up to two adults in the CT room with your child to provide support.

What to Expect During the Exam

When you come in for the exam, a technologist will ask you some safety questions and answer any questions you may have. Your child will be asked to remove eyeglasses, earrings, hair accessories or other metal objects.  Non-removable braces will not cause a problem. Your child may be asked to change into a gown. INVISION provides secure lockers for personal items during the exam.

Your child will be positioned on the CT table and must remain as still as possible. Padding and straps may be used to limit movement. The table will slide into the donut-shaped scanner. Nothing will touch your child during the exam except an IV, if it’s needed for contrast or sedation. The CT scanner will make whirring and mechanical noises as it rotates around your child’s body to change the angle of the image slices.

Older children may be asked to hold their breath for short periods of time (usually for a chest or abdominal CT scan).

The technologist will not stay in the room during the scan, but you and your child can speak with him or her throughout the exam by intercom.

CT Scans Requiring Contrast Medium

If your child’s exam was ordered with contrast medium, it will be given by intravenous (IV) injection. For the injection, your child will have a small IV placed in his or her hand prior to entering the exam room. The IV will remain in place until the exam is completed. Your child may feel a pinch when the IV needle is first inserted, but it should not hurt after that. The contrast may cause a warm sensation throughout the body and a metallic taste in the mouth.

CT Scans Requiring Sedative

If your child will receive a sedative for the exam (usually for children under the age of 10), it will be administered through a small IV placed in his or her hand prior to entering the exam room. The IV will remain in place until the exam is completed. Your child may feel a pinch when the IV needle is first inserted, but it should not hurt after that. Sedation must be given one hour before the exam is performed.

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Recovering from this Imaging Exam

Unless sedated, your child can return to his or her normal activities immediately after the exam.

If your child is sedated, he or she may be groggy after the exam. The sedation drug may stay in your child’s system throughout the day. Please anticipate a change in your child’s eating and sleeping habits for the remainder of the day. Although it isn’t essential that your child eat, it is important that your child drink fluids throughout the day. He or she should be back to normal the following day.

Getting Your Child's Exam Results

Trained and experienced pediatric radiologists interpret all exams, and then report the specific results to the physician who ordered your exam. Your physician will usually receive the report on the day of the exam. Your physician will then pass the results onto you. Our radiologists and technologists will be happy to answer questions about the exam procedure itself; however, they will not provide the exam results at the time the exam is performed.

Additional Information

The information on this page was taken in part from some of the following web sites. Visit these sites for additional information on CT scans.

Sources

A CT scan can be used to look at any organ or part of the body to check for disease or abnormalities If your child is old enough to understand, explain the CT exam to him or her