Imaging Services for Children

Sometimes a doctor needs extra information to help diagnose your child’s condition. When that happens, your child may need imaging services.

Imaging tests give doctors a look at what is going on inside your child’s body. At Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone, our board-certified pediatric radiologists are specially trained to deal with the potential challenges of imaging testing for children who might not be very good at staying still, who might be extra clingy with a parent, or who simply would rather be somewhere else.

You can stay with your child for nearly all imaging tests. Members of the radiology team provide clear, easy-to-understand information and gently encourage your child to do what is necessary to get an accurate scan. For young children who cannot be still when asked, we provide gentle and safe sedation.

Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital provides CT scans, fluoroscopy, MRI, ultrasound, and X-ray services for children. To ensure your child’s safety, tests that require radiation use the lowest possible dose. Every test is different, so please ask your child’s doctor or nurse for instructions on whether your child can eat or drink before the appointment.

CT Scans for Children

In a CT scan, also known as computerized tomography, X-rays are used to create a series of detailed pictures of the abdomen, pelvis, chest, and large vessels near the heart. The scan takes less than one minute, and most children do not require sedation, but it is available if necessary.

Fluoroscopy for Children

In fluoroscopy, X-rays are used to create a picture of parts or systems inside the body as they are in motion. This test is most often used to view the colon, small intestine, upper gastrointestinal tract, and bladder and kidneys. It may also be used to assess your child’s ability to swallow.

These tests use a contrast agent, which is a liquid taken by mouth or rectally. The contrast agent helps enhance the images so that doctors can make an accurate diagnosis.

MRI for Children

MRI scans give doctors a highly detailed view of organs, soft tissues, and bone. In children, they are most often used to view the liver, gallbladder, and kidneys, and to see how blood flows through the body. Sedation is often required for children under the age of 6.

Ultrasound for Children

In ultrasound imaging, high-frequency sound waves are used to create images of body parts. This is a “real time” test that produces images that your child’s radiologist can view immediately. Ultrasound is often used to view the abdomen, pelvis, head, hip, spine, and thyroid.

X-Ray for Children

X-ray imaging, or radiography, uses a beam of electromagnetic radiation to create a picture. X-rays are most often used to examine your child’s bones, chest, and abdomen. X-ray is often combined with fluoroscopy.

Schedule an Appointment

Imaging services for children are available at locations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island. Please call 212-263-8868 to schedule an appointment.