When it comes to radiology, one size does not fit all.
Imaging tests help physicians and healthcare providers better understand what’s going on inside your child’s body. We use imaging to identify bone fractures, diagnose an illness, monitor response to treatment or aid doctors during a procedure. It’s an important tool in providing appropriate, effective medical treatment.
Imaging tests can also expose children to radiation. Since children’s bodies are still developing, too much exposure can put them at risk for radiation-related health problems.
The Joe Buck Imaging Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital
The Joe Buck Imaging Center at St. Louis Children’s Hospital is dedicated to reducing radiation exposure for pediatric patients who receive imaging services. To accomplish this, we follow national guidelines to keep radiation dose as low as reasonably possible – it’s our commitment. At the Joe Buck Imaging Center, you’ll find:
Pediatric radiologists and technologists specially-trained in pediatric imaging so that your child gets the right test as quickly and accurately as possible.- Child-sized radiation doses. Every imaging test is individualized to deliver the lowest radiation dose possible.
- Flash CT technology, a pediatric CT scan which uses up to 75% less radiation than a standard adult CT.
- A dose reduction team, continually monitoring exposure and looking for ways to preserve the benefits of medical imaging and reduce its risk.
- Collaboration with your child’s primary care provider to select the safest, most appropriate imaging test. Since 2005, the number of CT scans performed by St. Louis Children’s Hospital has decreased by half due to conscientious selection of more appropriate diagnostic tests.
- Child life specialists, to make your child’s experience better. They help to minimize the scan time and limit the number of “retakes” needed.
Additional Resources:
ImageGently.org
Radiologyinfo.org
