What is Pediatric Radiology?

To successfully diagnose a pediatric condition, high quality images are required to give a diagnosis and an environment must be created where the child is comfortable. This is one of the most essential elements to Pediatric Radiology. For imaging departments in Pediatric Radiology, this is very easy as rooms can be tailored to suit a child's needs. For example, bright wall designs, visual stimulation and toys are utilized. These can be permanent fixtures as the Department is designed for the children/Pediatric Department.

Pediatric Radiology comes with many challenges. Unlike adults, children cannot always understand/comprehend a change of environment. Therefore, staff are usually required to wear colorful uniforms, usually 'scrubs', as opposed to a normal hospital uniform. It is also important to recognize that when a child is unwell, they follow their instincts, which is usually to cry and stay close to their parents. This presents a huge challenge for the radiographer, who must try to gain the child's trust and gain their co-operation. Once co-operation has been achieved, there is another big challenge of keeping the child still for their imaging test. This can be very difficult for children in a lot of pain.