Quality and Outcomes Reports - Imaging (Radiology)
Radiation dose
Why we measure it - Every day, our bodies absorb small amounts of radiation from the environment. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin participates in the Image Gently campaign, an initiative created to increase awareness of the opportunities to lower radiation doses when imaging children. We perform many different types of imaging tests that use lower doses of radiation than what is naturally absorbed on a daily basis.
What this means - When a child needs an imaging test, we make every effort to use the lowest radiation dose possible. Nuclear Cystograms, chest X-rays and head CT scans produce less radiation than what is naturally released in the environment and absorbed by the body on a daily basis.
About the data - We have illustrated the amount of radiation in everyday life versus commonly ordered imaging exams. Millisieverts are the units used to measure the amount of radiation absorbed by the body. These are average dosages only.
Related dimensions of care:
What we're doing to provide the best care:
- Your child's safety is our number one concern. Our radiologists review all tests that are ordered to see if other tests can be used that do not use radiation. If an X-ray or CT scan is needed to show a better result, we use the lowest amount of radiation possible.
- Children's Hospital is one of three pediatric hospitals in the country that uses the state-of-the-art EOS low-dose radiation scanner. This scanner is mainly used for children with a spine problem called scoliosis.
Team approach:
- Our experienced technologists are comfortable working with children. They will educate you and your child about what to expect during an imaging scan. They use special techniques to help position your child to get the best image. Lead shielding is used, when needed, to protect the child's body as much as possible from radiation.
- Our Child Life specialists help calm and relax your child before, during and after a scan. They know many ways to help your child cope during a test. Distraction and relaxation techniques are often used such as listening to music, watching movies, and playing with games or toys.
- If you or your child have any concerns about a scheduled test, team members are available to speak with you to answer questions.
- We have physicists on staff to ensure the correct dose of radiation is given to each patient and to make sure the medical equipment that uses radiation is working safely.
Patients and Families:
- To schedule an appointment with our imaging department, please call Central Scheduling at (877) 607-5280 or (414) 607-5280. To schedule an appointment with interventional radiology, please call (414) 266-3152.
- Follow instructions very carefully before and after imaging tests for your child's safety and comfort.
Referring physicians:
- Referring physicians can access our specialists for consultation or transport 24 hours a day. Call our physician referral line at (800) 266-0366.
- Health care providers from outside of our southeastern Wisconsin service area are encouraged to use our web-based
e-Consult service. This service is available for non-urgent patient cases only and gives providers access to our specialists to review patient cases, obtain medical advice or second opinions, and receive care recommendations for rare symptoms and illnesses.
e-Consult is not to be used by the general public, parents/guardians or families. - Care guidelines for medical professionals
- Educational materials
- Pocket Directory
If you have questions about this Web page, email us or call (414) 266-6556.
