Routine Pediatric Radiology Procedures
Central Scheduling: 319-398-6868
ULTRASONOGRAPHY:
0-5 years - No preparation is needed.
6-13 years - No preparation is needed.
14 years & older - See adult preparation.
If any preparations are needed, they will at the discretion of the radiologists.
IVP:
If impaired renal function is suspected, have serum creatinine level drawn before the exam.
Have a regular evening meal. Encourage clear liquids until the time of the exam. No other prep is necessary.
MRI:
Any child under age 6 requires sedation.
CT Scan:
Any child under age 4 requires sedation.
VCUG:
Any child over 18 months of age requires sedation.
Note: Any child with physical or mental challenges should be considered for sedation. Please discuss this in further detail with your physician.
ESOPHAGUS:
0-1 year - No prep
2-3 years - Nothing by mouth starting 2 hours before exam.
14 years & older - No food/drink after midnight before exam.
UPPER GI & SMALL BOWEL STUDY:
0-1 year - No prep.
2-3 years - Nothing by mouth starting 3 hours prior to exam.
4-6 years - No solid foods after 10:00 pm (2200 hours) the night before exam. May have clear liquids until 4 hours before exam. Nothing by mouth starting 4 hours before exam.
7-13 years - Nothing by mouth after 10:00 pm (2200 hours) the night before the exam. Do not chew gum after 10:00 pm (2200 hours) the night before exam.
14 years & older - No food/drink after midnight before exam.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ESOPHAGUS, UGI, AND SMALL BOWEL:
- If the patient is vomiting, has a distended stomach, is general acutely ill, or if for any reason it is suspected that the patient’s condition contraindicates the prep, check with the patient’s primary physician or with a radiologist.
- After the exam is completed and if there are no other tests which need to be done, the patient can resume their usual diet. However, fluids should be strongly encouraged, especially non-milk fluids such as water, pop, Kool-Aid, etc. It is unusual to need a laxative when adequate fluids are taken. If a laxative becomes necessary, check with the patient’s primary physician or with a radiologist.
OUTPATIENT REGISTRATION:
Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. Park in the Mercy Medical Center Parking Ramp, located at the corner of 8th Street and 8th Avenue SE. You will be pre-registered, so upon entering the hospital, proceed to Ground (G) level and follow the signs to “Radiology (X-Ray)”, also located on Ground (G) level.
Your appointment date and time:
