“Is there a difference between pediatric radiology and adult radiology?”
Considering the sensitivity of children towards radiations through X-rays and scans, is there a different radiation technology used for kids as compared to adults? I am just wondering for future reference since my son is really clumsy and I wouldn't doubt that he would need one in the future.
10 Answers
Pediatric radiology is a sub specialty in radiology. Radiation doses from X rays and/or CT scans are usually less than for adults no matter where your child has the study.
No.
We always try to use the least radiation as possible to provide a diagnosis. This is particularly true in pediatric radiology.
Children are not little adults so there is much difference in doing imaging exams on them beyond just adjusting the dose of the minimal radiation used to do X-rays and CT scans. The Society for Pediatric Radiology, to which most Pediatric Radiologists belong, initiated a program to which most quality hospital and outpatient imaging centers subscribe, Imaging Gently. The point is that radiation doses and the different views be only those necessary to get a diagnostic exam.
Beyond these common sense measures, careful consideration should be given as to which exam is best, taking into mind whether the answer can be achieved without radiation at all. For instance, ultrasound rather CT for some abdominal problems. Or MRI rather than CT for head and neck problems.
Beyond these common sense measures, careful consideration should be given as to which exam is best, taking into mind whether the answer can be achieved without radiation at all. For instance, ultrasound rather CT for some abdominal problems. Or MRI rather than CT for head and neck problems.
MRI does not utilize any ionizing radiation, so that is your best choice other than ultrasound.
Hi,
The technology is the same for adults and children, but with children, radiation doses are decreased when a CT scan or radiography is required. Whenever possible, alternative imaging modalities not using radiation, such as US or MRI, are used in the pediatric population. Pediatric radiologists have additional training in techniques, preferred imaging modalities, and have additional expertise in the pediatric disease spectrum.
Regards,
Donald Massee, MD
The technology is the same for adults and children, but with children, radiation doses are decreased when a CT scan or radiography is required. Whenever possible, alternative imaging modalities not using radiation, such as US or MRI, are used in the pediatric population. Pediatric radiologists have additional training in techniques, preferred imaging modalities, and have additional expertise in the pediatric disease spectrum.
Regards,
Donald Massee, MD
As with pediatrics and adult medicine, there is a difference. If you have more to ask, ask.
Yes, there is a difference between pediatric and adult radiology. The American College of Radiology has set standards for pediatric radiology called Image
Gently, WWW.ACR/image gently.org.
Hope this helps,
Arfa Khan, MD, FACR
Gently, WWW.ACR/image gently.org.
Hope this helps,
Arfa Khan, MD, FACR
Yes. The film size is smaller. The radiation dose is smaller. Kids are often covered with a lead apron over the genitals or other radiation sensitive areas. Ultrasound is used instead of ionizing radiation at facilities that are more experienced in using ultrasound, for example, in the diagnosis of appendicitis.
Hope this helps. Hopefully, your son won't need an X-ray anytime soon!
BRIAN DECOSTA
Hope this helps. Hopefully, your son won't need an X-ray anytime soon!
BRIAN DECOSTA
it is the same technology, but being smaller in size, pediatric radiation doses are smaller than adult.
