If your child requires imaging services from Radiology at Phoenix Children’s, our expert radiologists and technologists ensure they get the special attention they need. You’ll find a safe and comfortable environment, just for children and families. Our diagnostic equipment has special pediatric features that we can adjust for infants, children, adolescents and even adults.
Learn what you can expect during imaging tests. For questions, contact Radiology at 602-933-1215.
Check-in, Registration, & Imaging Test Prep
When you arrive for an imaging test, first you’ll sign in at the registration desk. Our staff will call your child’s name, so we can complete the proper paperwork. Then, we’ll lead you back to an exam room based on the specific testing your child needs.
Sedation or Anesthesia
We ask that children who are scheduled to receive sedation or anesthesia for their procedure arrive one to two hours early. We use this extra time for check-in with our department nurses and doctors before the procedure.
Pregnancy Test Patient Disclaimer
At Phoenix Children’s, we require all girls who are 11 years and older, or girls younger than 11 who have started their periods, to take a pregnancy test before any procedure. This requirement applies whether the child is admitted to the hospital or seen as an outpatient.
Because some procedures can be harmful to a pregnant female or unborn child, we do a pregnancy test to provide the safest care possible. Talk to your doctor, nurse or medical professional if you have any questions. If your child is scheduled for an outpatient procedure and the pregnancy test is positive, we’ll refer your child to their primary care physician for follow-up.
Types of Imaging Tests
Within Radiology, we have seven areas of testing. Your child may receive one or more tests if they are inpatient, outpatient or in the emergency room.
During a computed tomography (CT) scan, a computer uses X-rays to take detailed pictures of the inside of the body. The CT machine is big and looks like a large doughnut.
Your child will lie on a bed, and the bed will move slowly through the middle of the machine while it takes pictures. Because CT uses X-ray, if you’re pregnant, you cannot stay in the room during the scan.
Estimated time: 20-30 minutes
An electroencephalogram (EEG) measures the electrical impulses of the brain. EEGs can give doctors more information if your child has seizures, a brain injury or other brain-related issues. For the test, we place electrodes on your child’s head. They look like buttons with a wire attached. The electrodes stay in place on the skin with specialized glue or tape.
Estimated time: 60-90 minutes
Fluoroscopy is a type of X-ray that generates video-type pictures. The doctor can watch the organ inside the body as it works. Many types of exams use fluoroscopy, such as an upper GI exam, barium enema and barium swallow. If you’re pregnant, you cannot stay in the room during the scan.
Estimated time: 45-60 minutes
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a camera that takes a series of detailed pictures of the inside of the body.
The MRI uses magnets to take the pictures, so you and your child will need to remove anything with metal, such as jewelry or barrettes before going into the MRI room. Electronic games, cell phones or other devices also cannot go into the MRI room.
Estimated time: 45-60 minutes
A nuclear medicine scan uses a camera to take pictures of the inside of the body. It takes pictures of different parts of the body like the heart, kidneys, lungs, bones or liver. First, your child receives a radioactive tracer from an intravenous injection, through a catheter into the bladder, or by mouth. The way that your child will receive the tracer depends on the part of their body that requires pictures.
Estimated time: 30-90 minutes
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body. We rub an instrument called a transducer (which looks like a microphone) on top of the skin to help create the pictures on a computer screen.
Estimated time: 30 minutes
X-ray is the most common form of radiology testing. It can help us look at many parts of the body including the lungs, abdomen and the skeletal system. If you’re pregnant, you cannot stay in the room during the X-ray.
Estimated time: 15-30 minutes