Preparing for a Pediatric X-Ray: Your Questions Answered

June 27, 2024

Portrait of experienced focused pediatrician showing skiagram of serious sick child. Little girl pointing on x-ray by finger.

What follows is the third in a 3-part series on imaging procedures. The first part focused on mammograms, and the second part explained how to prepare for a CT scan.

X-ray machines are like large cameras that take special photos of the inside of the body. Doctors use these photos to look at a patient’s bones and organs to help figure out if something is wrong.

What to expect before, during and after your visit

Before the X-ray

You may be asked to help your child change into a medical gown.
A technologist, the person who takes the X-ray, will take you and your child to the X-ray machine.

During the X-ray

The technologist will help your child get into the right position for the camera. It is important that your child not move so that the X-rays are not blurry.
The technologist will step outside the room so they can take your child’s X-ray.
Taking your child’s X-ray only takes a few seconds.
If you have any questions during your child’s X-ray exam, you can always ask the technologist.

Afterwards

Once the technologist checks to see if the X-ray images are good and not blurry, you can go home.
A radiologist who specializes in reading pediatric imaging studies will review the X-ray and send the report to your doctor.
You’ll be able to see the X-ray results in your child’s Connect account. Your doctor will also receive a copy to review and discuss with you.