Pediatric Imaging

The Imaging Center at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital provides the most advanced pediatric diagnostic imaging technology and services in the region. With a focus on personalized care and specialty expertise, we serve children of all ages, in addition to pregnant moms, and are dedicated to providing safe care at the highest level.

Imaging Services

Advanced imaging technology helps doctors provide accurate diagnostics by taking very detailed pictures of bones, soft tissues, organs and blood vessels.

With Computed Tomography (CT), doctors are able to quickly identify any issues using a pediatric CAT scan, a painless and noninvasive procedure. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) also produce very detailed images. But instead of using ionizing radiation (X-rays), MRIs use strong magnets and radiofrequency waves to generate 2- and 3-dimensional images of a particular organ or body part.

In addition to the CT and MRI scan, we offer a wide range of services including:

At SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, your child will benefit from the latest and safest imaging technology that offer the lowest-dose of radiation possible. To enhance your child’s comfort and safety, our CT and MRI suites invite your child to watch their favorite movie on a flat-panel screen and even choose a color theme for the room. Depending on the type of scan, your child can watch the movie on a TV on the ceiling above the MRI or on a special pair of goggles made just for kids.

Why Choose Us

We help you and your family get the most out of the imaging process by providing:

  • Individualized care in a safe and pleasant environment
  • Carefully calibrated equipment to provide the highest quality images using the lowest dose of radiation possible
  • Pediatric technologists certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and board certified in their specialty
  • Pediatric radiologists board certified by the American Board of Radiology
  • Physicians specially trained in areas such as pediatric cardio-imaging (heart) and neuroradiology (head, brain)
  • Safe anesthesia and sedation services when necessary

CT Scan Safety

Our SLUCare Physician Group pediatric radiologists and staff are experts in the use of diagnostic imaging procedures that utilize ionizing radiation such as the CT scan. We reduce the risk of radiation to patients and families by:

  • Using procedures that involve radiation only when medically necessary and appropriate
  • Using alternatives such as ultrasound and MRI when appropriate
  • Reducing the need for multiple studies involving radiation
  • Investing in the latest imaging equipment adapted for children to provide for the safest imaging
  • Utilizing sedation and anesthesia when necessary to ensure your child’s safety
  • Providing a variety of distraction techniques to help relieve stress and reduce your child’s anxiety.
  • Interpreting every test, providing expertise that will help you and your child’s doctor make the best decisions about care
  • Providing specialized care to educate parents on the imaging test process

If your child has been referred to us for a CT or MRI, we will help you prepare and guide you through the process. To learn more about our services….

Scheduling Your Imaging Appointment

Knowing what to expect at your child’s appointment can ease concerns and help your visit go smoothly. Please call us if you have any questions about the image study process.

To schedule your child’s imaging appointment, call 314-577-5652. One of our imaging schedulers will ask you several questions, including:

  • Your child's name and address
  • Your home / cell phone numbers
  • Your child’s medical history
  • The name of the test or procedure being ordered
  • The name and phone number of the ordering physician
  • Your child’s allergies, if any
  • The type of insurance you have

What Should You Bring on the Day of the Procedure?

It’s important that your child is dressed in comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing for any imaging exam. You can leave valuables such as jewelry at home. Please let us know beforehand if your child uses any monitoring or medical equipment at home. To help your appointment go as smoothly as possible, please bring:

  • A valid driver’s license or Photo ID (Parent)
  • Insurance card
  • Court-signed guardianship papers, if you are not the biological or adoptive parent
  • Your child's medications
  • Your child's favorite pacifier, blanket or comfort item
  • For babies - a sippy cup or bottled formula, a change of clothes
  • A stroller is sometimes helpful for young children

Family Support

One or two parents or guardians can accompany your child into the imaging room. Siblings or other family members will be asked to remain in the waiting room. However, each situation will be evaluated individually depending on your child’s needs.

Parents will be asked to wait in the waiting area once the exam begins. If your child is being sedated, you can visit your child in the recovery area as your child awakes.

If your child will need sedation or general anesthesia, and you have other children with you, it’s best to arrange for child care, or to bring a second adult to assist you. We ask that family members wait until after they are outside of the exam room to use their cell phone to ensure focused care of your child.

How Can I Help to Prepare for My Child Visit?

Preparation is key to help your child feel less anxious about their image test. The best way to prepare your child for an imaging exam is to explain to them what the process involves in a simple way that they can understand. To assist you, our Imaging department's Child Life Specialists are available to answer your questions about how to prepare and support your child during the procedure.

What If My Child is Sick on the Day of the Test or Procedure?

Imaging exams are best performed when your child is in their usual state of health. If your child is experiencing symptoms of cough, fever, runny nose, vomiting or diarrhea, please call the Imaging Schedulers at 314-577-5652 (Option 1). It may be necessary to reschedule the test to ensure the best outcome.

If you have questions that you would like to discuss with a nurse, please call the Imaging departments’ Phone Nurse at 314-577- 5652 (Option 1), Monday-Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm. We look forward to caring for your child.

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