Pediatric Radiology

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Inova’s nationally renowned pediatric radiologists provide diagnostic and treatment imaging services in the pleasant, supportive surroundings of Inova Children’s Hospital dedicated pediatric radiology department. We work with state-of-the-art equipment and offer skilled technologists and nurses.

In addition to our child-friendly suite designed especially for our young patients, our highly trained Child Life specialists are on hand to help young patients understand their procedures and lessen any fears.

Our pediatric radiology team selects the most appropriate child-focused imaging techniques to diagnose medical and surgical conditions. Imaging services include:

• Computed tomography (CT)
• Diagnostic radiography (X-ray)
• Fluoroscopy
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Neuroimaging (CT and MRI)
• Neuro interventional radiology
• Nuclear medicine
• Ultrasound
• Vascular interventional radiology

Schedule an exam

To make an appointment with our pediatric radiologists, call our radiology scheduling line at 571-423-5400. Or, if your child requires anesthesia for an exam, call 703-776-2588.

Bring to your child’s exam:

• Medication list
• Insurance card
• History of previous surgical procedures
• Referral form from your physician

Exam preparation

You will be given specific information about exam preparation from your physician or the schedulers when you make your child's radiology appointment. The information below is meant to provide guidelines for exam preparation, but always call your doctor if you have questions.

Some exams require that your child fast before the exam or procedure. This is known as NPO (an acronym of the Latin, "nothing by mouth"). NPO means no fluids (including water) or food are allowed for a specified number of hours before the exam. Your physician will provide you with appropriate NPO guidelines for your child's test.

Guidelines for different types of exams

• Fluoroscopy
  
  Esophagram, upper GI and small bowel
  Follow NPO guidelines from your physician. Bring a drink that your child enjoys to the exam. Your child may be asked to drink this during or after the exam.
  
  Tube injection or tube placement
  If your child is fed intermittently or by bolus, skip one meal. If your child gets continuous feeds, discontinue nourishment for two to three hours.
  
  Contract enema and VCUG
  
  • My Child is Having a VCUG
  No prep is usually required.
  
  IVP
  No prep is usually required.
  
  
• Ultrasound
  
  Abdominal ultrasound and vascular ultrasound of the abdomen/pelvis
  Follow NPO guidelines from your physician.
  
  Renal/bladder and pelvic ultrasound
  Bring your child to the exam with as full a bladder as possible.
  
  Vascular, hip, spine, musculoskeletal, head, scrotal and thyroid
  No prep is usually required.
  
  
• CT, MRI and nuclear medicine
  
  
  • My Child is Having a CT Scan
  • My Child is Having an MRI

  Any CT exam with contrast
  Follow NPO guidelines from your physician.
  
  Gastric emptying/milk scan
  Follow NPO guidelines from your physician.
  
  All other CT, MRI and nuclear medicine exams
  Specific preparations will be given when you schedule your child's appointment.

Exam results

Results will be sent to your child's physician within 48 hours of the exam. An exam disk is available at the time of the exam or by calling 703-776-3240.