Pediatric Radiology
Radiology imaging can help save children’s lives too. Pediatric radiology is a subspecialty of radiology involving imaging exams to diagnose illnesses, injuries, and diseases of infants, children, and adolescents (ages 0-17). At Delaney Radiology, we perform X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds on our pediatric patients. For college athletes, the need for an arthrogram or pain injection is also a possibility and a request we can also accommodate.
Importance of a Pediatric Radiologist
Finding a fellowship or board certified sub-specialty trained pediatric radiologist can be quite challenging. However, when it comes to children, it is worth the search. A pediatric radiologist will be able to assist referring providers in finding the most appropriate and safest exam for their young patients that other radiologists may not be familiar with. They are trained to look at scans with extensive knowledge and time for your child. Luckily, Delaney Radiology has 2 pediatric radiologists that are available for your family should the need ever occur. Dr. E. David Evans and Dr. Melinda DuBose have both received extensive training specifically for pediatric radiology.
Image Gently
Some radiology exams, like ultrasound and MRI, do not use radiation to scan patients. Being said, ultrasound is a very common and least invasive exam for pediatric patients. However, sometimes an ultrasound is not the appropriate exam and a CT or X-ray, which does use radiation, must be done. Because children’s bodies are still developing and growing and are sensitive to radiation, Delaney does not treat pediatric patients like adults. That is why it is so important to use the expertise of a pediatric radiologist to ensure the accurate dosage. Here at Delaney, we proudly participate in the Image Gently® campaign. Image Gently® is a movement to raise awareness that for radiation use, “one size doesn’t fit all”. Here are a few techniques we use to image your child safely:
- Lowest radiation dose necessary – determined by size and age of the child
- Proper shielding
- CT scan – perform only a single phase/scan and scan only the indicated area
- Fluoroscopic procedure techniques – use the lowest pulse rate
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