Pediatric Radiology
When your child needs imaging, you want answers you can trust and a team that understands what your child needs to feel safe. At OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, our pediatric radiology team provides child-friendly imaging and guidance every step of the way, whether your child needs an X-ray or more advanced pediatric diagnostic testing.
What is pediatric radiology?
Pediatric radiology uses imaging – such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT and MRI – to help diagnose illnesses, injuries and developmental conditions in infants, children and teens. Because kids have different needs than adults, pediatric radiologists and pediatric radiologic technologists use child-specific equipment, techniques and safety practices, including lower radiation doses when possible. The goal is to capture clear images while keeping your child comfortable, safe and at ease during their exam.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Your child’s experience depends on the imaging study their provider orders. Before your visit, you’ll receive instructions about how to prepare. When you arrive, our team will explain what will happen, answer your questions and help your child feel as relaxed as possible.
Some tests, like MRI or certain interventional procedures, may require pediatric sedation or anesthesia so your child can stay still and comfortable. For many visits, a child life specialist is also available to offer distraction, help reduce anxiety and support you and your child throughout the exam.
Meet Your Care Team
During your visit, you may meet pediatric radiologists, pediatric radiologic technologists, nurses, child life specialists and pediatric anesthesia providers. We work together with your child’s referring provider to support your family’s needs.
Radiology Services We Provide
Your child may have any of these pediatric imaging and diagnostic services, including:
- CT scans (low-dose pediatric protocols)
- MRI
- Nuclear medicine
- Pediatric interventional radiology procedures
- Pediatric neuroimaging
- Pediatric swallow studies
- Pediatric X-ray
- PET/CT
- Ultrasound
- Upper GI and esophagram studies
- Vascular access and catheter placements
- Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)
Voiding Cystourethrogram for Your Child
A VCUG helps your child’s provider see how their bladder and urinary tract are working. It’s commonly used to look for reflux or structural differences. Our team walks you through each step so you know what to expect and your child feels supported during the exam.
Calming Child Life Care
Your child may feel like imaging is unfamiliar or stressful. Child life specialists help create a calmer experience with age-appropriate support – like reading a story, blowing bubbles or offering guided distraction. They’re specially trained to make your child feel safe, confident and rewarded for their bravery.
Pediatric Neuroradiology
Pediatric neuroradiology focuses on getting images of the brain, spine and nervous system. These studies often help diagnose neurological conditions or guide treatment decisions. Our neuroradiology team works closely with pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons to ensure your child receives coordinated care.
Neuroradiology Services We Provide
We offer:
- Brain and spine CT
- Brain and spine MRI
- Cranial and spinal angiography
- Interventional neuroradiology
- Nuclear medicine studies for neurological conditions
- Pediatric neurointerventional imaging
