Checking in and staying safe
When you and your child arrive at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, you will check in at the front desk or a kiosk and wait until your name is called. When it’s your child’s turn, a team member will take both of you to the radiology department.
The Joe Buck Imaging Center at St. Louis Children's is committed to keeping kids, families, and staff safe. Because the MRI machine is a big magnet, everyone will need to remove any metal such as jewelry, glasses, and keys. You can expect to be asked screening questions as well as given safe clothing to wear. Our MRI technologists are experts in MRI safety, so please feel free to ask any questions about safety measures.
Know before you go: A guide for kids
What is an MRI?
An MRI is a big magnet that works like a camera to take pictures of the inside of your body, without even touching you. Doctors look at these pictures to see what is going on inside your body.
What will happen during my MRI?
A team member will ask you your name and date of birth and then walk you and your caregiver back to the changing room. Next, you will have to change into hospital clothing before your scan.
When you go into the MRI room, you will see a large, tunnel-shaped machine. Some kids say it looks like a spaceship or a donut. To have your pictures taken, you'll lie on a table inside the machine. You might need anesthesia, a medicine that helps you sleep, during your MRI. If you don't, you can relax during your MRI by watching a movie or listening to music.
When your MRI begins, you might feel the table move slowly. Nothing inside the tunnel will touch you or hurt you. Once you’re comfortable, the technologist will leave the room to take your pictures. Don’t worry, you won’t be alone. The technologist will talk to you through the headphones, which is also how you will hear the movie or music.
The MRI machine makes loud buzzing and thumping noises and may vibrate the table while it takes pictures. These sounds are normal and mean the machine is working.
What is my job?
Your job is to hold very still during the scan. If you move, the pictures will be blurry, and the technologist might need to take them again.
Know before you go: A guide for parents
Parent role
You can help your child stay calm and relaxed by remaining calm yourself. If your child has difficulty coping, the technologist can provide verbal reassurance through the headphones.
Important notes
Scan times vary from 20 minutes to two hours. Depending on the type of scan, your child may need contrast, a medicine given through an IV that helps make the images clearer.
If you would like more information about your child’s scan or want to speak to a Child Life specialist about helping your child cope during the appointment, call 314-454-6139. The technologist completing the exam can also page Child Life on the day of your appointment for additional support.
Practice tips
- Talk to your child about getting pictures taken of their body.
- Have your child practice lying as still as a statue. Use a timer to see how long they can lie still and gradually increase the time as they succeed.
