Preparation for Sedation
It is important for your child’s safety to follow the eating and drinking guidelines below if your child is being sedated:
- Foods – Your child should not eat any solid foods, including applesauce, pudding, gum, or candy in the 8 hours prior to their sedation start time.
- Formula and milk – your child can drink formula (with no additives, no cereal) and milk up to 6 hours before their sedation start time.
- Breast fed babies can have breast milk up to 4 hours before their sedation start time.
- All infants and children can have clear liquids up to 2 hours before their sedation start time. Jello is not considered a clear liquid.
- All patients are to have nothing to eat, drink, or chew in the final 2 hours prior to sedation start time.
If your child is ill at the time of the scheduled test/procedure, we may need to reschedule for another day. Please call us to speak with a nurse if your child is not feeling well.
These guidelines help to ensure the safest conditions for your child. If you have any questions or concerns, please call our nurse scheduler at 865-541-8398, or text the sedation team at 865-541-8116.
On the day of Sedation
To help make sedation as easy as possible for you and your child
- Bring anything you think will be comforting or entertaining during expected wait times.
- Be positive-don’t relay your fears or negative experiences to your child.
- Remain calm and take care of yourself. You will be able to provide better support to your child if you are rested and comfortable.
- Bring a spouse, friend, or a family member with you, leave younger children at home if possible, so your attention can be focused on your child. A second adult can be very helpful during your journey home with a child who is still a little sleepy.
- If your child still uses a stroller, please bring it with you.
- Please dress your child in comfortable clothing. If your child is having a sedated MRI they will be changing into a gown or provided scrubs.
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.
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.
East Tennessee Children's Hospital is a 2025-2029 Center of Excellence in Pediatric Sedation from Society for Pediatric Sedation
