Your child may need to be sedated depending on their age. You must be with your child to give your consent, and you can stay in the room until your child falls asleep. Learn more about sedation and how to prepare for your child's medical imaging procedure.
When your child has a CT scan, they are brought to the room and placed on a table. Most often children lie on their backs, but scans can be done in any position.
A child may go in the machine headfirst or feet first, depending on the body part being pictured. Whenever possible, we have your child go in feet first so their head and hands are outside where you can hold them. We use “seatbelts” to keep your child secure.
With younger children, the technologist may do a “practice run.” Usually, two sets of pictures are taken. Depending on the CT type, your child may have to hold their breath. The technologist will explain the process, so your child is not surprised.
If the CT procedure requires contrast in the veins, an IV may be needed. An IV is started by the nursing staff or the vascular access team. First, to numb the skin, we place a numbing agent into the skin without a needle. This will be done in the nursing room before your child enters the CT room.
If your child needs to drink oral contrast, you may bring any non-dairy or non-carbonated drink like juice or lemonade.
Some CT scans are as short as five seconds and some are longer depending on the body part being scanned. Since images can be looked at right away, the radiologist may check the images before your child is taken off the bed. During this time, it is important your child stays still in case more scans are needed.
Specialties & Conditions Computerized Tomography (CT)
