Imaging & Radiology

Pediatric radiologists diagnose illnesses, injuries and diseases in newborns, babies, children and teens using imaging technology including X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, nuclear medicine and MRIs. Our specialists use specific tests and exams to answer your doctor's questions based on your child's size, health and other needs. The machines can be scary or loud for children, so our staff makes your child as comfortable as possible. They work only with children and are well-trained and experienced in comforting patients and distracting them during exams.

You will be referred to our pediatric radiologists by your primary care doctor, a Children's Hospital specialist or another hospital. You can learn more about imaging procedures we perform below.

Upon arrival, park in Parking Garage C (you will receive a parking pass when you register) and follow the signs to the North Tower entrance for Admitting/Outpatient Registration. After you complete the registration process you will be directed to the Radiology Department lobby.

Radiography (X-Ray)

When an X-ray is taken, radiation is used to create a two-dimensional view of the inside of the body. X-rays can be taken of any part of the body. Usually, two or more X-rays will be taken of the area the ordering doctor asks us to image to give the radiologist more information.

Learn about your child's X-Ray exam

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What is an MRI Scan?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe and painless test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the body's organs and structures. An MRI does not use radiation.

Your child will lie down on a table that is slid into a large donut-shaped magnet. During the test, the tunnel picks up the positions of the atoms in the body and analyzes them. The result is a clear, cross-sectional image of the body. It can be converted into 3-D pictures of any particular body part. The pediatric radiologists will read the results and send their discoveries to your doctor.

Let's Get ETCHucated - A Day in the Life of Brianna, MRI Technologist (February 2025)

Join Brianna for a day in her life as an MRI technologist. Watch as she prepares Olivia for an MRI of her brain 🧠✨

MRIs can be used to detect problems with the:

• Brain
• Spine
• Skeleton
• Chest
• Joints
• Eyes
• Heart
• Ears
• Circulatory System

The MRI machine sometimes makes loud knocking and buzzing noises. Help your child prepare by telling them what will happen and that you will be nearby during the test.

Learn how to prepare for your child's MRI.

CT Scanner

A CT scanner is a large, donut-shaped machine with a short tunnel in the center. CT scans use X-rays that are coming from inside the donut -shaped machine to take a 3-dimensional picture of the body. The CT scanner will help take detailed images of your child's internal organs, bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels. CT scans can help diagnose a variety of conditions, including abdominal pain, head injuries, and congenital conditions. Pediatric radiation dose protocols are used to provide quality images and deliver the lowest dose possible and provide high quality images. Most CT scans take about 5–15 minutes and your child will need to hold their body still during that time.

Learn all about your child's CT scanner test

Fluoroscopy

You may be referred to a pediatric radiologist by your child's pediatrician or specialist for a fluoroscopy. Your child will drink a white liquid called barium. The radiologist will do an X-ray of the barium moving through the digestive system. A fluoroscopy can help find the cause of unexplained vomiting, nausea, stomach pain and indigestion. You will receive specific instructions before the fluoroscopy is performed. These guidelines depend on your child's age and will involve him or her not eating for a period of time before the test.

Read here how to Read here how to prep your child for a Fluoroscopy procedure.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses sound waves instead of radiation to take images of the inside of the body. Ultrasounds may be ordered to find out more about bladder, stomach, kidney, head and pelvic problems. The procedure will take place in a dimly lit room with a large TV screen in it. The radiology staff member will put lotion on the spot to be imaged, then hold a camera to that spot. They will move it around and take pictures at each spot. The procedure is not painful.

Learn here all about the ultrasound test for your child

Nuclear Medicine

A nuclear medicine test uses small amounts of a special liquid known as a radiopharmaceutical to look at how organs in the body work. The radiopharmaceutical is given either by an IV line, by a catheter placed into the bladder; or by eating a solid or liquid meal before a test. Nuclear medicine scans can show changes taking place inside the body that other tests cannot. These detailed pictures help doctors evaluate a problem, choose the best treatment, or see how well a treatment is working. Nuclear medicine scans typically take longer that other scanning types due to the way the pictures are taken. During all nuclear medicine scans, your child will need to hold their body still to obtain the best quality images.

Learn about the many ways Nuclear Medicine tests can help your child.

Sedation

Sedation is sometimes required for tests that require children to stay perfectly still for a long amount of time. Because we only treat children, our sedation team knows how to tailor sedation plans for patients of all ages and sizes.

Read more about our sedation procedures

Who can I call with questions?

If you have any questions, please call or text 865-541-8116 to speak with a member of the Radiology or Sedation team.

Someone from our Radiology team will call or text to confirm your appointment and answer any questions you may have regarding your appointment. If you have any questions, please contact us at 865-541-8116.

You can also see these instructions and more information here about Imaging and Radiology at East Tennessee Children's Hospital.