When Your Child Needs an X-ray

During an X-ray exam, a small amount of radiation is used to make pictures of bones and some internal organs. These pictures (called X-rays or radiographs) can help the healthcare provider find bone and joint problems. They can also be used to check organs, such as the heart or lungs. An X-ray exam takes only a few minutes.

Before the X-ray

What you need to do before your child has an X-ray:

• Remove any metal objects (such as glasses, belts, or clothing with zippers) from your child’s body. These things can interfere with X-rays and affect the results.

• Follow all other directions given by the healthcare provider.

When to notify the technologist

For your child’s safety, let the technologist know if your child:

• Has had the same body part X-rayed before

• Has metal in the body part being X-rayed

• Has any health problems

• Is taking any medicines

• Is pregnant or may be pregnant

During the X-ray

An X-ray exam is done by a radiology technologist. A radiologist is also on call in case of problems. This is a healthcare provider trained to use X-rays to test or treat patients.

Your child needs to lie still during the X-ray exam.

Here is what you can expect during your child's X-ray:

• You can stay with your child in the X-ray room. You’ll be given a lead apron to wear for your safety. Pregnant women aren’t allowed in the X-ray room.

• Your child may stand or sit or lie down on an X-ray table. This depends on the body part being X-rayed.

• Movement affects the quality of the results. If your child can’t stay still during the exam, they may be held down.

• A lead apron or shield may be placed over part of your child’s body.

• The technologist is nearby and sees your child through a window.

• Your child may be asked to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds to improve X-ray results.

After the X-ray

What to expect after the X-ray:

• There is a short wait while the X-rays are reviewed. More X-rays will need to be taken if the pictures are unclear.

• Unless told not to, your child can return to their normal routine and diet right away.

• The X-rays are reviewed by a radiologist, who may discuss early results with you. A report is sent to your child’s healthcare provider, who follows up with complete results.

Helping your child get ready

You can help your child by preparing them in advance. How you do this depends on your child’s needs:

• Explain the exam to your child in short and simple terms. Younger children have shorter attention spans, so do this shortly before the exam. Older children can be given more time to understand the exam in advance. 

• Make sure your child understands which body parts will be involved in the exam.

• As best you can, describe how the exam will feel. X-rays are painless, so your child won’t feel anything when pictures are taken.

• Let your child ask questions.

• Use play when helpful. This can include role-playing with a child’s favorite toy or object. It may help older children to see pictures of what happens during the exam.

Radiation risk

Having an X-ray exam exposes your child to low doses of radiation. If an X-ray exam is ordered for your child, the healthcare provider has decided that its value outweighs any risk. Talk with your child's healthcare provider if you have any concerns.