X-ray imaging or radiography is the oldest of all medical imaging technologies, having been discovered more than 100 years ago. It was first used to image bones and today this is still one of its most widely used applications. It has since been found useful for detecting some diseases in soft tissue, such as the chest, abdomen and pelvic area. Diagnostic x-ray [link to Diagnostic X ray/what it is and how it works] is commonly used in children to assess and find the cause of pain, disease and dysfunction, including: bone fractures, pneumonia, scoliosis and many other conditions. 

Fluoroscopy - an imaging technique used to acquire moving images of internal organs in real-time is another form of x-ray imaging used on children and babies. It often involves the use of contrast agents, such as barium or iodine, which are administered prior to or during the exam. Common uses of fluoroscopy in children include upper gastrointestinal (GI), urinary tract exams, imaging blood vessels (angiograms), colon and bowel exams and minor orthopedic surgeries. 

Safety

There is no conclusive evidence that radiation from diagnostic X rays causes cancer. However, some studies of large populations exposed to radiation have demonstrated slight increases in cancer risk even at low levels of radiation exposure, particularly in children. To be safe, pediatric radiologists at Florida Hospital act as if low doses of radiation may cause harm.

To assure high-quality and rapid x-ray examinations using the lowest possible radiation doses for your child, Florida Hospital's pediatric imaging protocols comply with American College of Radiology guidelines and follow guidelines set forth by Image Gently, a coalition of health care organizations and imaging professionals dedicated to providing safe, high quality pediatric imaging nationwide.

What to Expect

Before the test

Your doctor or our staff will provide specific instructions for your child's x-ray. Different exams require different preparations. There is no preparation for a routine x-ray exam. Have your child wear loose-fitting clothes without zippers, buttons, clasps, belts or any metal. If the exam requires a contrast agent, such as barium or iodine, your child may be restricted from eating before the test.

During the test

Your child may be given a gown to change into or asked to expose the area of the body under study. Depending on the exam, he/she may be given a contrast agent to drink or it may be administered intravenously or by enema. The technologist will position your child on or in front of the x-ray machine and instruct him/her to remain very still. Your child will not feel anything different while the x-rays are taken. The length of time needed to take each x-ray depends on the type of x-ray the doctor ordered for your child. A typical x-ray takes about 10 minutes for positioning, while the actual x-ray exposure takes less than a second. Procedures involving a contrast agent take considerably longer.

After the test

After most x-rays, patients are released to resume their normal activities. If they received a contrast agent prior to the exam, they may have to follow special instructions regarding food and drink to help flush the contrast from their body.

The Results

The results of your child's diagnostic x-ray exam remain an electronic file. Florida Hospital has the most sophisticated network, viewing stations and software for processing, transmitting, reviewing and storing these electronic images.

One of our board-certified pediatric radiologists will examine and interpret the x-rays and create a report of his/her findings that will be sent to your child's doctor. Your child's doctor will present the results and discuss them with you.