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Radiology

Radiology is the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses using equipment such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) to make images of the inside of the body. Our Radiology team is specially trained to care for infants, children and teens. We have the largest group of board-certified pediatric radiologists in the Northwest, and perform and read more than 91,000 exams a year. We provide a complete range of diagnostic tests. We also do procedures that use imaging techniques to reduce the number or size of incisions needed (minimally invasive procedures). Our facilities have state-of-the-art technologies, including digital imaging, to provide your child with the most advanced diagnostic services and treatments available.

We keep your child's safety in mind at all times. We take great care to use the lowest amount of radiation possible to produce the best image. Your child's healthcare provider may suggest that your child receive medicine to put them to sleep during an exam. If so, your child's team will include one of Seattle Children's anesthesiologists who are specially trained and have extensive experience in working with young patients.

Our team knows how important the comfort of your child is during testing and treatment. We make sure you understand the reasons for your child's testing and treatment, and try to make you and your child comfortable during all phases of your stay.

Meet the Radiology care team.

Services we provide

We provide a full range of diagnostic tests, including:

• Diagnostic X-rays

  An X-ray is a form of energy that can pass through your child's bone and tissue to create an image. A doctor called a radiologist looks at the images to find and diagnose conditions in the body.

• Fluoroscopy
  • Voiding cysto urethrogram (VCUG) (Spanish)

    A VCUG uses a kind of X-ray (fluoroscopy) and a dye (contrast agent) to help doctors examine the urethra, bladder and ureters. The X-ray pictures taken during a VCUG show your child's bladder capacity, ability to hold and empty urine, and whether the urine moves backward toward the kidneys during urination (reflux).

  • Upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) with small bowel follow through
  • Barium enema
• Computed tomography (CT) scans (Spanish) (Russian) (Vietnamese)

  A CT scan, sometimes called a "CAT scan," uses X-rays and computers to take a series of detailed pictures. The pictures provide a multidimensional look at your child's body tissues and structure.

• Upper gastrointestinal series (UGI) with small bowel follow through

  An upper GI series with small bowel follow through looks at your child's esophagus, stomach, small intestine and the beginning of the large intestine. The test is done using a kind of X-ray (fluoroscopy) and a barium contrast agent that your child swallows. The contrast agent helps us see these body parts on X-rays. The images can help doctors see if stomach contents are moving backward into the esophagus (gastroesophageal reflux).

• Barium enema

  A barium enema uses a kind of X-ray (fluoroscopy) and a barium contrast agent to help doctors evaluate your child's colon. The colon is also known as the large bowel or large intestine. The contrast agent, which is given to your child through the rectum, helps us see the colon on the X-ray. Your child may have the test for several reasons, most of which have to do with the ability to have a bowel movement.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (Spanish) (Russian)

  An MRI uses a very strong magnetic field, radio waves and computers to take a series of detailed pictures. These pictures provide multidimensional views of the brain and spine (central nervous system) and soft tissues. MRI scans do not use radiation.

  • Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) bone scans

    A DEXA scan is a special type of X-ray. It is used to study your child's risk for breaking bones (fractures) by measuring the density of the bones in the entire body, focusing especially on the spine and hips. DEXA scans are more sensitive than ordinary X-rays, so they can help diagnose low bone density or bone loss at an earlier stage.

• Positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan (PET/CT scan)

  A PET/CT scanner is a special device that combines two different imaging machines. PET is very useful for viewing abnormalities in cells. CT is especially good at viewing the structure of the body. By combining images from PET and CT scans, doctors can see where abnormal cells are located. Doctors often use PET/CT scans to detect cancer and find out how far it has advanced. The scans are also often used to find diseases of the brain and heart.

• Ultrasound (sonography)

  Sonography uses sound waves to make pictures of your child's body. We place the ultrasound "camera" (transducer) on your child's skin. The transducer sends sound waves that bounce off the organs in your child's body and back to the transducer to create a picture on a screen. Ultrasound is especially good for showing soft tissue, such as the organs inside the belly (kidneys, bladder, liver, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas) and in the pelvic area (uterus and ovaries).

• Interventional Radiology

Seattle Children's provides health care for the special needs of children regardless of race, sex, creed, ethnicity or disability. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho.