Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology

Family Resources

At Children’s National, we understand that families have many questions about their child’s condition and care. In addition to any resources your provider may give you, our online resources can also support your ongoing treatment journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About CT Scans for Children and Radiation Risks

Are CT scans safe for children?

The beneficial information gained from having the test should outweigh the risk of having the test performed. CT is a very powerful and valuable imaging technique that can provide important and even life-saving information. Sometimes, alternative imaging tests like ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide similar information. However, there are many clinical situations where CT scans are the best test; you can discuss with your doctor if this is the case for your child. If your doctor has any questions, our pediatric radiologists are available for consultation.

Can the radiation from a CT scan cause cancer?

While no one can point to a single individual and say that his/her cancer was caused by medical radiation, it has been suggested in some studies that exposure to radiation levels during diagnostic CT scans may slightly increase the risk of future cancer. The evidence for this is still controversial, and needs to be interpreted against the risk of developing cancer over ones lifetime. For every 1,000 children, 200 to 400 will eventually develop cancer during their lifetime, regardless of exposure to medical radiation (risk of 20 percent to 40 percent). The theoretical increased risk of cancer during ones lifetime from a single CT scan is a small fraction of this baseline risk. Unnecessary radiation should be avoided, but for any child the risk/benefit ratio of each CT scan must be considered with regard to the child's specific clinical condition and concerns.

How do you minimize the radiation exposure for pediatric patients?

At Children's National, we specialize in caring for children. CT protocols are designed specifically for the needs and protection of children. The CT protocols use reduced radiation doses determined by the age and size of the child, and are limited to the area of specific medical concern. All CT scans are performed by certified CT technologists with experience in pediatric CT and are overseen and interpreted by board-certified radiologists with subspecialty training and certification in pediatric radiology.

Who do I talk to if I have concerns?

Information Sheets - Radiology Exams

These information sheets were created by our child life specialists to be child-friendly and helpful to our parents that will be having radiology exams.

PDF

Bone Scan

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Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

PDF

Dimercaptosuccinic Acid (DMSA) Renal Scan

PDF

Contrast Enema

PDF

Lasix Renal Scan

PDF

MIBG

PDF

MRI Enterography (MRE)

PDF

MRI with sedation

PDF

MRI without sedation

PDF

Ultrasounds

PDF

Upper Gastrointestinal Series

PDF

Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)

PDF

Xray

Send Us Your Imaging Exams

Children's National Hospital makes it easy for patients, families and referring physicians to electronically exchange medical images and other health-related records with our providers before your initial consultation or follow-up visit. Learn more about this secure HIPAA-compliant service.

Learn how to send your exams

Contact Us

If you are seeking additional support for the procedures listed above or support for your child with any of the following procedures barium enema, modified barium swallow study, MR Urogram, Nuclear Cystogram, PET scan please contact the child life specialist on the radiology unit.

Call 202-476-3338 Email us