Programs and Services: Q-Z
Radiology
When your child is scheduled for a radiology test, both you and your child may have questions about it. We encourage parents to read this information, then talk about the test with their child.
What is an upper gastrointestinal series?
An upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) is a test that examines how the upper digestive system functions. The upper gastrointestinal system includes the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach), the stomach, and the small intestine (where food is digested and partially absorbed).
How is the test performed?
A technologist will take you and your child into an exam room. You will see a large table and camera connected to a television screen. If not pregnant, you may stay with your child during the exam.
The technologist will ask your child to put on a hospital gown and lie on the table. An initial X-ray may be taken of your child's stomach area. A radiologist will give your child barium in a bottle, a cup, or through a feeding tube. Barium is a liquid, which makes it possible to view the intestinal tract. The barium is flavored to make it easier for your child to drink.
The radiologist may gently push on your child's abdomen or move him into various positions to make the different parts of the intestinal tract more visible. The radiologist may also ask your child to think of her favorite food in order to stimulate stomach activity.
Several X-rays will be taken from different angles as the barium moves through the digestive system. It is important for your child to remain still while the images are being taken.
The radiologist will check the images to make sure they are complete before you leave the facility. A report will be sent to your child's doctor.
How do I tell my child about this test?
Because you know your child best, explain this test to your child in a way that he will understand before you come to Children's. The staff also will explain the procedure to you and your child before and during the test.
Will it hurt?
For many children, the most important thing to know is whether or not this test will hurt. Assure your child that although there may be some discomfort, it will only last a few minutes. Remind your child that this test is being done to help the doctor find out how her body is working inside. By talking about the test with your child, you may help her be more comfortable during the test, which will make the procedure easier for your child and you.
Does my child have to do anything
different before the test?
Your child's stomach must be empty for the test. She should not eat or drink anything, including water, for a number of hours before the test, depending on her age. A Children's staff member or your child's doctor will tell you how long your child must not eat or drink anything.
After the test, you should encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids. The test itself usually takes from 45 to 60 minutes. If your child's small bowel is also being examined, an additional 1 to 3 hours may be necessary.
Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
What can my child expect after the test?
After the exam, your child might experience nausea or vomiting and have white–looking stools. This is normal. Encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids and resume normal activity.
General radiology requirements
- Pregnant mothers: Women who are pregnant can't be in the exam room. They must have a family member or friend over the age of 18 accompany their child into the examination room during the exam (with the exception of the ultrasound and nuclear medicine rooms).
- Family or friends under the age of 18 years old: If you are not the patient and under the age of 18 years old you will not be allowed to remain in the radiology exam room during the exam.
- Siblings: Siblings are not allowed in the radiology room while the exam is being performed (with the exception of the ultrasound rooms). Please make arrangements to have an adult accompany them in the waiting room.
- Attire: Children wearing clothing with snaps or buttons will need to change into hospital attire. Any item such as jewelry, undergarments with metal, or EKG patches in affected area will be removed prior to the exam.
Some of our procedures require sedation. Our radiology staff will contact you if sedation is required.
If sedation is required, your child will need to follow our guidelines about eating and drinking before the procedure. See our NPO and Sedation Guidelines for more information, as well as our patient / family education material to learn more about Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Spanish). Talk with your physician if you feel this may be an option for your child.
If you elect sedation for your child, your provider must order sedation when scheduling the radiology procedure.
Our sedation nurses can help you understand our guidelines. Call one of the following locations:
- Children's – Minneapolis (612) 813-5864
- Children's – St. Paul (651) 220-7140
- Children's West (952) 930-8679
As children grow, their bones grow and develop too. Bone development can be adversely affected due to diet, exercise, a person's hereditary genes and other medical conditions.
One of the most common tools used to measure bone density, is called a DEXA scanner, or more formally called a Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry scanner, which Children's - St. Paul's radiology department now provides.
Using an x-ray procedure, the DEXA scanner helps determine the strength of the patient's bones by measuring their bone density. Other means of assessing bone strength are also available but a DEXA scan is currently the most accurate method and it uses the lowest amount of radiation for a pediatric bone scan.
The ins and outs of Children's new DEXA scanner
- Direct referrals to Children's radiology department accepted. A separate order is required.
- All scans are read by a Children's pediatric radiologist with specialized training in DEXA scanning.
- DEXA scanner operated by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certified technologists.
- Coordinated, pediatric focused care – all in one location – with sedation capabilities when needed.
- Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
DEXA scan appointments can be scheduled at Children's - St. Paul by calling centralized scheduling,
(612) 874-5399.
The technology
- Is three to five times more efficient radiation doses compared to other systems.
- Is the first system designed to look beyond bone mineral density.
- Detects subtle bone changes in a variety of clinical applications.
- Delivers rapid scans and near radiographic imaging.
NPO Guidelines (nothing by mouth)
These guidelines are for radiology exams requiring NPO status, but without sedation.
>12 months of age
4 hours NPO
0-12 months
3 hours NPO
Sedation Guidelines
Minimal Sedation Guidelines
(Chloral hydrate or Versed)
>12 months of age
4 hours NPO
0-12 months
3 hours NPO
Note: Sleep deprivation recommended for children requiring minimal sedation.
Moderate-Deep Sedation Guidelines
(Intensivist [Propofol or other IV sedation] is required)
Solid Foods
8 hours NPO
Infant Formula/Milk
6 hours NPO
Breast Milk
4 hours NPO
Clear Liquids
3 hours NPO
Note: Depending on dose Chloral Hydrate can be minimal or moderate sedation.
Our sedation nurses can help you understand our guidelines. Call them in Minneapolis-- (612) 813-5580, St. Paul--(651) 220-7140, or West--(952) 930-8679.
We know kids–inside and out
At Children's, caring for children means caring for their physical and emotional needs. In addition, medical equipment at Children's is tailored to fit children and is designed to deliver the lowest dose of radiation possible.
We have answers to your questions
When your child is scheduled for a radiology test, both you and your child may have questions about it. This section has answers to the common questions parents and children frequently ask us, and information about how you can prepare your child for the test.
We encourage parents to talk about the test with their child. In addition, our staff can help address your concerns before, during, and after the test.
Why is my child being tested?
Ask your child's doctor before the appointment.
What should I know about the test itself?
Call Children's radiology department, or ask the technologist or radiologist before and during the test.
Who can help me prepare my child for this test?
Child life specialists are trained to help children understand and cope with medical procedures.
Children's - Minneapolis child life (612) 813-6259
Children's - St. Paul child life (651) 220-6465
Children's West child life (952) 930-8773
How do I tell my child about this test?
Because you know your child best, explain this test to your child in a way that he will understand before you come to Children's. The staff also will explain the procedure to you and your child before and during the test.
How can your child relax?
It is important that your child remains still while the X-rays are being taken. Many parents find it helpful to practice relaxing and being still with their child. Some children find it easy to relax by imagining that they are in their favorite place, or doing their favorite activity. The more relaxed you and your child are, the easier the test will be.
Consider bringing some of your child's favorite books or quiet toys with you to the hospital, to read or play with during waiting periods. For other suggestions, see "How can I help support my child during the test?" below.
The radiology staff understands that children and adolescents may worry about being touched by someone other than you. If this is a concern to your child, explain that this touching is necessary because it will help find out how his body is working.
How should we prepare?
For infants: The test may cause a temporary change in their routine feeding and/or sleeping schedule. Parents can help maintain a sense of routine by being with their infant as much as possible. It also is helpful to bring along your child's favorite blanket or toy. If your child must not eat before the test, make sure you feed him just before the fasting time begins.
For preschoolers (younger than age 5): Explain what will be done during the test, and reassure your child that this is a "helping" test. Be honest with her about the procedure. Tell your child that it might be uncomfortable, but only for a few minutes. Lying flat on the exam table can be difficult for young children. Tell your child that you and the hospital staff understand that, and will ask her to lie still for as short a time as possible.
You also can tell your child that you will be close by so she does not become anxious about being away from you. It will help your child to talk about the test before you come to the hospital, either the night before or the day of the test. Young children often become overly anxious if they know about the test too far in advance.
For school-age children: Explain what will be done during the testing, and why it must be done. School-age children understand more about how their bodies work and benefit from these explanations.
Talk about the procedure with your child, giving him a chance to voice any questions or concerns. If your child has questions you cannot answer, tell your child he can ask the technologist.
For adolescents: Adolescents benefit from reassurance that their privacy will be respected and that their concerns are important.
Adolescents may have their own questions about the medical procedure. They are encouraged to ask the staff questions about the test at any time, or may call the radiology department before their appointment.
How can I help support my child during the test?
You play an important role in helping your child remain as calm as possible during radiology procedures. These tips can help you support your child:
- Ask your child how much she wants to know about the test while it's happening. Some children want to be told each step of the procedure in advance and while it's happening. Others do not want all the detail—they simply want to be distracted and supported. Talk with your child about this in advance, so you can share her wishes with the staff before the procedure begins.
- Talk about familiar, positive things. Talk about things your child likes, places he's enjoyed, things you're planning as a family, or good times you've had.
- Be descriptive. Imagine the places, things, or people you're talking about, and describe them to your child.
- Use praise often. Tell your child how well she's doing often during the procedure. Be specific to the child's behavior, such as:
"You're holding still. Good for you!"
"You're being a cooperative patient. Thank you!"
"You're doing just what we asked you to do!"
- Ask open-ended questions. Questions that engage your child in conversation may be more effective in supporting him during stressful times. Rather than ask, "We're going to have a great time when we go swimming, aren't we?" try "Which swimsuit do you want to wear when we go swimming?" or "Tell me what you like to do when we go to the pool."
General radiology requirements
Pregnant mothers: Women who are pregnant can't be in the exam room. They must have a family member or friend over the age of 18 accompany their child into the examination room during the exam (with the exception of the ultrasound and nuclear medicine rooms).
Family or friends under the age of 18 years old: If you are not the patient and under the age of 18 years old you will not be allowed to remain in the radiology exam room during the exam.
Siblings: Siblings are not allowed in the radiology room while the exam is being performed (with the exception of the ultrasound rooms). Please make arrangements to have an adult accompany them in the waiting room.
Attire: Children wearing clothing with snaps or buttons will need to change into hospital attire. Any item such as jewelry, undergarments with metal, or EKG patches in affected area will be removed prior to the exam.
Registration Information
You may pre-register on the Internet. Or you can call Admitting the day before the test is scheduled.
Non-sedation patients need to arrive 30 minutes before the appointment on the day of the test. Patients who will be sedated need to arrive 60 minutes prior to their procedure.
For all patients
While the radiology staff tries to maintain on schedule, occasionally a child requires more time than usual to complete a test. We ask for your cooperation if you are asked to wait for another child's test to be finished. Please understand the staff will take extra time if needed for your child as well.
Children's is "filmless"
Children's radiology services are "filmless." This means if a patient needs to show their images to an outside doctor, then Children's will put a copy of the patient's images on a CD. The doctor can then view the images on his or her office computer.
Locations
Children's – Minneapolis
Admitting Department: (612) 813-6231
Radiology Department: (612) 813-6248
Parking information: (612) 813-6111
2525 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis
(map and directions)
Children's - St. Paul
Admitting Department: (651) 220-6878
Radiology Department: (651) 220-6147
Parking information: (651) 220-6800
345 North Smith Avenue, St. Paul
(map and directions)
Children's Minnetonka
Radiology Department: (952) 930-8644
6050 Clearwater Drive, Minnetonka
Convenient, free parking
(map and directions)
