The exam will generally take 30 minutes.
Unlike other facilities in South Texas, our Radiology Department's physicians and staff focus on children's imaging 100 percent of the time using X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and other methods. Our pediatric radiologists diagnose many illnesses that do not occur in adults and are specific to children.
Driscoll's high-speed CT scanners reduce scan-time and the possible need for sedation. The images are captured by a CT technologist and interpreted by a pediatric radiologist who is available for consultation. We help minimize radiation exposure through our newest piece of equipment, the 640-slice CT scanner scanner.
Driscoll's 1.5T (Tesla) machine provides detailed images for our pediatric radiologist to read and interpret. Capturing good images can be difficult because the child must lie still for the entire procedure (at least 30 to 60 minutes). Driscoll has a child-friendly environment that helps with this process.
Driscoll has two rooms designated for fluoroscopy, a procedure that captures real-time images of body parts. Using fluoroscopy, contrast agents can be seen traveling through the body, allowing the pediatric radiologist to evaluate internal body functions.
A gamma camera is used to record low-dose radioactive material that is placed inside the patient's body. These procedures can be performed safely and provide important medical information to your doctor.
For more information on nuclear medicine, visit our Nuclear Medicine Scan section.
Diagnostic X-rays using advanced technology are helping Driscoll's pediatric radiologists diagnose and treat more patients than ever before.
If your child has been scheduled for a radiology procedure, you’ll find helpful information here along with tips for how to prepare.
Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled exam. This will allow time for you to register your child for the exam.
Please bring:
What is a CT scan?
A CT Scan is a special kind of X-ray that will take pictures of a cross-section of a part of the body. Depending upon what body part is to be X-rayed, a colorless liquid (X-ray dye) may need to be injected into your child's body to help these body parts show up on the X-ray pictures. It may be necessary to start an IV (a small plastic tube inserted into your child's vein with a needle). Your child may be asked to drink a special X-ray liquid and have X-ray dye injected through the IV.
Getting Ready for the Test
Your child will have to follow a special patient prep listed under CT Patient Prep. It is very important that the instructions are followed closely.
When you and your child arrive at the Radiology Department, one of the radiographers (the person who will be taking your X-ray) will explain how the exam will be done.
Some questions will be asked about allergies (if any). This is important before any medicines or X-ray dyes are given to your child. Your child will then be taken into a room where there will be a large X-ray camera called a scanner over a special table. Next, your child may be asked to change into a gown. This is to keep buttons and zippers from showing up on your child's X-ray picture.
CT Patient Prep
Your child's prep will be given to you when the exam is scheduled. For most exams, a patient will have nothing by mouth for at least 3-4 hours.
SPECIAL NOTE: If your child is taking oral medicines for diabetes, they will need a special prep. Please call the Radiology Department for instructions.
During the Test
If X-ray dye needs to be injected into your child's body, an IV will be started. It is very important that your child hold very still while the IV is started. Your support as a parent is important.
The radiographer will help your child lie on the table and will ask your child to be very still. The radiographer will then go to another part of the room to take your child’s picture. If an X-ray dye is to be given, it will be injected into your child's IV and more pictures will be taken.
Sometimes, the dye will leave a metallic taste in the mouth or a feeling of warmth throughout your child's body. After the exam is complete, the nurse will remove your child's IV. The exam will take 30 minutes to an hour to complete.
After the Test
There's a short wait while the X-rays are reviewed. When everything is finished, your child will be released. The radiologist will then tell your child's doctor the results of the test.
The exam will generally take 30 minutes.
The radiologist will let your doctor know the results of your child's exam. Your doctor will then discuss the results of the exam with you.
A contrast enema is a way for your doctor to learn more about your child's large intestine (colon). It involves a series of X-ray pictures taken while the large intestine is being filled with a special contrast.
Depending on the reason a contrast enema is ordered, the preps can vary. Please read and follow the instructions listed under the Enema Patient Prep. It is very important that the instructions are followed closely.
When you arrive at the Radiology Department, one of the radiographers (the person who will be taking your child's X-ray) will explain how the exam will be done.
Some questions will be asked about allergies (if any). This is important before any medicines or X-ray contrast (dye) are given to your child. Your child will then be taken into a room where there will be a large X-ray camera and a TV set. Your child may be asked to change into a gown. This is to keep buttons and zippers from showing up on your child's X-ray picture.
10–16 Years Old:
Air enema
The radiographer will help your child lie on the table and will ask your child to be very still for the pictures. The radiographer will move the camera so that it is over your child's body. The camera will not hurt or touch your child. The radiographer will then go to another part of the room to take your child's picture. You will hear a buzz when the picture is taken.
After the picture is taken, a special tube will need to be placed into your child's bottom (rectum). This tube will allow the contrast to flow into your child's large intestine during the test. The tube will be taped in place once the tube is inserted so that it will not slip out as the pictures are taken. The tube will be connected to a bag filled with contrast. After a short wait, the lights will be turned down low and the TV set will be turned on.
The radiologist (an X-ray doctor) will move the camera so that it is over your child's body and will begin the test. As the contrast begins to flow, your child may feel like he/she needs to go to the bathroom. During this time, it may help to take slow, deep breaths. Your radiographer will help your child during this time.
During the test the radiologist will have your child turn from side to side and may also press on your child's stomach with a big glove to move the contrast around. When the radiologist wants to take a picture, he will ask your child to hold his/her breath and lie very still. The camera will make a clicking noise when the picture is taken.
Once the child's colon is filled with the contrast, the radiographer will take a few more pictures. The tube will then be removed and your child will be allowed to go to the bathroom. When your child feels like he or she has gotten rid of most of the contrast in his/her colon, one more picture will be taken. The entire test will take 30 minutes to an hour.
There's a short wait while the X-rays are reviewed. Sometimes, it may be necessary to take more pictures. When everything is finished, your child will be released. The radiologist will then tell your child's doctor the results of the test.
Note: After the test is over, there may still be contrast present in the colon. Therefore, it is important your child drink plenty of liquids (water, juices) for the next few days to avoid constipation.
The exam will generally take 30 minutes to 1 hour. In some cases, it may take longer.
It will feel a little uncomfortable when the tube is being inserted. Taking in a deep breath while it is being done will help the tube slide in easier.
The radiologist will let your doctor know the results of your child's exam. Your doctor will then discuss the results of the exam with you.
Contrast reactions in children are rare. However, any child could experience one. Children at higher risk are those with:
Possible reactions are feeling warm, nausea, vomiting, hives, congestion, trouble breathing, apnea (stop breathing), chest pain, and as with many given medicines there is a possibility of a severe reaction, which could result in death.
An Intravenous Pyelogram or IVP is a series of pictures taken to examine the urinary system (kidneys, ureters and bladder). The urinary system is responsible for getting rid of waste (urine) and excess water from the body. A colorless liquid (X-ray dye) will need to be injected into your child’s body to help these body parts show up on the X-ray picture.
Please follow the instructions listed under IVP Patient Prep. It is very important that the instructions are followed closely.
When you arrive at the Radiology Department, one of the radiographers (the person who will be taking your child's X-ray) will explain how the exam will be done.
Some questions will be asked about allergies (if any). This is important before any medicines or X-ray dyes are given to your child. Your child will then be taken into a room where there will be a large X-ray camera over a special table. Your child may be asked to change into a gown. This is to keep buttons and zippers from showing up on your child's X-ray picture.
The radiographer (the person who will be taking your child's X-ray) will weigh your child. Then the radiographer will help your child lie on the table and will ask your child to be very still for the pictures. The camera will be moved over your child's body. It will not hurt or touch your child. The radiographer will then go to another part of the room to take your child's picture. Your child will hear a buzz when the picture is taken.
After the picture is taken an IV will be started. An IV is a small plastic tube inserted with a needle in your child's hand or arm. It is very important that your child hold very still while the IV is started. Your support as a parent is important.
The X-ray dye (a colorless liquid) will be injected into your child's IV and more pictures will be taken. Sometimes, the dye will leave a metallic taste in the mouth or a feeling of warmth throughout your child's body. As pictures are being taken your child may be asked to lie in different positions. Once done, your child's X-ray pictures will be shown to the radiologist (the X-ray doctor). The radiologist will decide if more pictures need to be taken. After the exam is complete, the nurse will remove your child's IV.
The exam will take 30 minutes to an hour to complete. In some cases it may take a little longer
There's a short wait while the X-rays are reviewed. When everything is finished, your child will be released. The radiologist will then tell your child's doctor the results of the test. Please make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids for the next two (2) days.
Special Note: If your child is taking oral medication for diabetes, they will need a special prep. Please call the Radiology Department for instructions.
The radiologist will let your doctor know the results of your child's exam. Your doctor will then discuss the results of the exam with you.
The exam will generally take 30 minutes to 1 hour. In some cases, it may take longer.
Contrast reactions in children are rare. However, any child could experience one. Children at higher risk are those with:
Possible reactions are feeling warm, nausea, vomiting, hives, congestion, trouble breathing, apnea (stop breathing), chest pain, and as with many given medicines there is a possibility of a severe reaction, which could result in death.
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a type of diagnostic imaging that scans a part of the body. MRI uses radio waves and powerful magnets to create a picture. MRI can often provide doctors with information about different parts of the body. No radiation is used during an MRI scan.
A parent may stay in the MRI room during the exam as long as they pass the screening for safety in the magnetic environment. To enter the MRI room, patients should not wear makeup or creams with glitter, sparkles or a metallic look or clothes with sequins, glitter or metallic thread. The technologist will ask you to fill out a form with several safety questions for you to answer and information about what is and is not allowed in the MRI room.
During the procedure, your child will have to hold very still. If your child is unable to hold still or is under 7 years old, they will probably require anesthesia. This is normally determined when the exam is scheduled. Anesthesia patients will go to the Day Surgery Department to get ready for their MRI.
If your child does not require anesthesia, they will come to the Radiology Department. One of the MRI technologists (the person who will be taking your child's exam) will explain how the exam will be done.
An IV may be started. An IV is a small plastic tube inserted with a needle in your child's hand or arm. It is very important that your child hold very still while the IV is started. Your support as a parent is important.
NO METAL OBJECTS MAY BE TAKEN INTO THE SCANNER.
The technologist will be able to see, hear and speak with your child at all times using a two-way intercom. MRI exams include multiple pictures, which will take several minutes. Your child will be placed on an exam table. The end of it looks like a donut with a hole in it. The exam your child is having may require medicine. It is important that your child remains very still while the pictures are being taken. For some pictures, your child may be asked to hold his/her breath. When pictures are being taken, your child will hear a tapping or thumping sound.
There's a short wait while the pictures are reviewed. When the review is finished, your child will be released. The radiologist will then tell your child's doctor the results of the test.
The radiologist will let your doctor know the results of your child's exam. Your doctor will then discuss the results of the exam with you.
An MRI Scan generally takes about one (1) hour to complete.
Any child could experience a reaction. Children at higher risk are those having asthma, sensitivity to medicines or an allergen (anything that can cause an allergic reaction), heart failure and those less than 12 months of age.
Possible reactions are:feeling warm, nausea, vomiting, hives, congestion, trouble breathing,apnea (stop breathing), chest pain, and as with many given medicines there is a possibility of asevere reaction, which could result in death.
Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses a very small amount of radioactive medicine to diagnose or treat disease. When this radioactive medicine is introduced into your child's body, it allows a special camera (gamma) to transform this information into images. The images provide information to the radiologist (X-ray doctor), which will give the doctor information about the body part being imaged.
Nuclear medicine is a safe, painless and cost-effective way of gathering information that may otherwise be unavailable. Nuclear medicine tests are more sensitive and specific for disease detection than most diagnostic tests.
When you arrive at the Radiology Department, one of the nuclear medicine technologists (the person who will be doing your child's exam) will explain how the exam will be done.
Some questions will be asked about allergies. This is important information to know before any medicines are given to your child. Your child will then be taken into a room where there will be a large camera over a special table. Your child will be asked to change into a gown. This is to keep buttons and zippers from showing up on your child's picture.
The nuclear medicine technologist will weigh your child. The technologist will help your child lie on the table and ask your child to be very still for the pictures.
An IV may be started. An IV is a small plastic tube inserted with a needle in your child's hand or arm. It is very important that your child hold very still while the IV is started. Your support as a parent is important.
The camera will be moved over your child's body. It will not hurt or touch your child.
The medicine is generally injected into an arm vein but it can also be given by mouth. The type of medicine you receive will depend upon what test is being done.
Once the medicine has been injected, your child may be asked to wait a period of time before imaging begins. The waiting time can vary (from a few hours to a few days) depending on the type of test you are having. This waiting period is necessary because the medicine needs time to get into the area of your child's body being studied.
As pictures are taken, your child will be positioned under the camera that will be placed close to the part of the body being examined. Special instructions will be given during the exam. Movement during certain tests could result in blurred pictures. Your child will be asked to hold very still.
The camera does not produce radiation. It only records information from the small amount of radioactive medicine that was given earlier.
There is a short wait while the pictures are reviewed. When everything is finished, your child will be released. The radiologist will then tell your child's doctor the results of the test. If your child was asked to temporarily stop taking any medication before the test or if your child's doctor changed his/her usual dosage because of the test, be sure to ask when and if your child should resume taking the medications.
Nuclear medicine procedures are very safe. Your child only receives an extremely small amount of radioactive medicine. In fact, the amount of radiation in a nuclear medicine test is no more than that received during an X-ray. Most radioactive medicine is passed quickly from the body through normal bodily functions. Drinking plenty of water or liquids after an exam will help to remove the medicine more quickly. Side effects or adverse reactions from the medicine are rare, and your child will feel no effect from the medicine itself.
A pediatric-trained nuclear medicine technologist, licensed by the state of Texas, performs the test. A pediatric radiologist that is licensed by the state of Texas reads the pictures.
Radioactive medicine reactions in children are rare. However, any child could experience one. Children at higher risk are those having: asthma, sensitivity to medicines or an allergen (anything that can cause an allergic reaction), heart failure and those less than 12 months of age.
Possible reactions are feeling warm, nausea, vomiting, hives, congestion, trouble breathing, apnea (stop breathing), chest pain and as with many given medicines there is a possibility of a severe reaction, which could result in death.
An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to take pictures of organs inside your child's body. It is painless and non-invasive (meaning no cuts or tubes to be inserted). It is often used to assess pain or to detect problems such as enlarged organs.
Most ultrasound exams require little or no preparation before the exam. Sometimes you may be asked to follow the instructions listed under Ultrasound Exam Preps. It is very important that the instructions are followed closely.
When you arrive at the Radiology Department, one of the sonographers (the person who will be doing your ultrasound) will explain to you and your child how the exam will be done. You will then be taken into a room where you will see a bed and a large ultrasound machine. We encourage parents to sit next to their child during the test.
Abdomen, Gallbladder, Liver (hepatic), Pancreas Birth–2 years old (less than 25 lbs.)
3–8 years old
8 years and older
Note: Only a small amount of water is allowed, if needed, to take medicine.
Kidney (renal)
Pelvic, Bladder
Head, Hip, Pyloric, Soft Tissue, Testicle, Thyroid
The sonographer will help your child lie on the bed. A small amount of a special warm gel will then be squirted over the part of the body that needs an ultrasound. This gel helps the sound waves go through your child's body and create a picture. Next, a small microphone-like device called a transducer is placed on the body part the doctor wants to look at and your child's pictures are taken. As the pictures are being taken, your child may be asked to lie in different positions. Your child's pictures will be shown to the radiologist (a special ultrasound doctor) who will then decide if more pictures are needed.
The exam will take 30 minutes to an hour.
The radiologist will let your doctor know the results of your child's exam. Your doctor will then discuss the results of the exam with you.
The exam will generally take 30 minutes to 1 hour.
No, ultrasound is simple and painless!
An upper gastrointestinal test or Upper GI is a series of X-ray pictures taken while your child's stomach is filled with barium (like a milkshake with a chalky taste). Barium is a thick, white liquid that makes the stomach show up on the X-ray picture.
We want your child's stomach empty before the test begins. For several hours before the test, your child will not be able to eat or drink. Please follow the instructions listed under Upper GI Series Prep. It is very important that the instructions are followed closely. After the test is over, your child will be able to eat and drink.
When you and your child arrive at the Radiology Department, one of the radiographers (the person who will be taking your child's X-ray pictures) will explain to you and your child how the exam will be done. You will then be taken into a special room where you will see a large X-ray camera over a special table and a TV set. Your child may be asked to change into a gown. This is to keep buttons and zippers from showing up on your child's X-ray picture.
Small Bowel Series (pharynx, esophagus, stomach and small bowel) 0–2 years old:
2–18 years old:
Esophagus, barium swallow (pharynx, esophagus)
The radiographer will help your child lie on the table and will ask your child to be very still for the pictures. The radiographer will move the camera so that it is over your child's body. The camera will not hurt or touch your child. The radiographer will then go to another part of the room to take your child's picture. You will hear a buzz when the picture is taken.
Some questions will be asked about allergies (if any). This is important before any medicines or X-ray dyes are given to your child.
Your child will be required to drink some barium during the test. It is very important that your child drink the barium even if your child does not like the way it tastes or smells. It is important for your child to drink all that is given. Your child will not drink the barium until the radiologist (an X-ray doctor) comes into the room.
After a short wait, the lights will be turned down low and the TV set will be turned on. The radiologist will have your child drink the barium to begin the test. Your child may be asked to turn from one side to another. The radiologist may also press on your child's stomach with a big glove to move the barium around. When the doctor wants to take a picture, your child will be asked to hold his/her breath and lie very still. The camera will make a clicking noise when the picture is taken.
If your child feels uncomfortable from swallowing the barium, it may help to lie still and take deep breaths. The radiographer will help your child through this.
The entire test will take 30–40 minutes.
The radiologist will let your doctor know the results of your child's exam. Your doctor will then discuss the results of the exam with you.
The exam will generally take 30 to 45 minutes. In some cases, it may take longer.
A Voiding Cystourethrogram or VCUG is a series of pictures taken to check the bladder and urethra as the child urinates.
The bladder is a small, saclike structure that holds urine until you are ready to go to the bathroom. The urethra is a small straw-like part of your body that is connected to the bladder and allows your urine to come out when you go to the bathroom. Both the bladder and urethra are part of the urinary system, which is responsible for getting rid of wastes and excess water from the body.
An X-ray dye (a colorless liquid) will be used to fill the bladder through a catheter while the X-ray pictures are being taken. This X-ray dye will help the bladder and urethra show up on the X-ray picture.
Depending on the reason a VCUG is ordered, please read and follow the instructions listed under VCUG Patient Prep. It is very important that the instructions are followed closely.
When you arrive at the Radiology Department, one of the radiographers (the person who will be taking your child's X-ray pictures) will explain to you and your child how the exam will be done.
Some questions will be asked about allergies (if any). This is important before any medicines or X-ray dyes are given to your child. Your child will then be taken into a special room where your child will see a large X-ray camera over a special table and a TV set. Your child will be asked to change into a gown. This is to keep buttons and zippers from showing up on your child's picture.
An X-ray camera will take pictures of your child's body. Your child will be asked to lay very still for the pictures. The camera will not hurt or touch your child. The radiographer will then go to another part of the room to take your child's picture. The radiographer will then show the pictures to the radiologist (an X-ray doctor).
After the X-ray pictures have been taken, a nurse will place a special tube called a catheter into the area where your child urinates. The nurse will give you or your child a step-by-step explanation of how a catheter is placed in your child's bladder.
The radiologist will then begin your test. Once the catheter is in place, an X-ray dye is given to your child through the catheter to help these body parts show up on the X-ray pictures. This is done while the pictures are being taken.
Soon the bladder will get very full and your child will feel like he or she needs to urinate. The radiologist may have your child turn a little bit to one side and then to the other side. Your child will have to urinate on the special towels on our table so that the radiologist can take pictures of your child's bladder as it empties. As your child urinates, the catheter will slide out of their bladder. It is very important for your child to urinate on the table. As the radiologist takes several pictures, a clicking noise will be heard.
The whole test will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
The radiologist will let your doctor know the results of your child's exam. Your doctor will then discuss the results of the exam with you.
The exam will generally take 30 minutes to 1 hour.
An X-ray is a special picture that helps the doctor see an area inside the body, allowing your doctor to learn more about your child's body. There are many reasons for taking an X-ray. Most often an X-ray is done to find out if a bone is broken and where the break is located. Another reason for taking an X-ray is to see an area of your body, such as your chest. A chest X-ray shows the size, shape and position of your heart and lungs.
When you arrive at the Radiology Department one of the radiographers (the person who will be taking your X-ray) will explain to you and your child what the X-ray will be and how it will be done. Then he or she will take your child into a special room where you will see a large table. Your child may be asked to change into a gown. This is to keep buttons and zippers from showing up on your child's X-ray picture.
The radiographer will show your child where to lie, sit or stand. He or she will move the camera so that it points to the part of your child's body that the doctor wants to examine. The camera will not hurt or touch your child. Next, the radiographer will ask your child to hold very still while he or she goes to another part of the room to take your child's picture. Your child will hear a buzz when the picture is taken. The radiographer may then show your child a different way to lie or stand and probably take another picture or two.
The test will probably take 15 to 45 minutes.
There's a short wait while the X-rays are reviewed. Sometimes it may be necessary to take more pictures. When everything is finished, your child will be released.
The test will probably take 15 to 45 minutes.
The radiologist will let your doctor know the results of your child's exam. Your doctor will then discuss the results of the exam with you.
If you have any questions about the test, please ask your radiographer or doctor.
Call 361-694-5000 or your
specialty clinic.
