Children are more sensitive to radiation than adults, so imaging for kids is chosen and dosed carefully — the international 'Image Gently' approach. Radiation-free scans (ultrasound and MRI) are preferred where they'll answer the question; when X-ray or CT is needed, the dose is scaled down to the child's size. Helping a child feel calm and prepared also makes scans go more smoothly.
Key takeaways
- Children are more sensitive to radiation, so scans are chosen carefully.
- Ultrasound and MRI (no radiation) are preferred where suitable.
- When X-ray or CT is needed, the dose is scaled to the child's size ('Image Gently').
- Preparing a child calmly helps the scan go smoothly.
Children need a little extra care with imaging — both for safety and for comfort.
Why children need extra care
Children are more sensitive to ionising radiation than adults: their tissues are growing and dividing rapidly, and they have a long life ahead in which any effect could appear.[2] Internationally, this is captured by the “Image Gently” campaign — the idea of scanning children only when needed, and at a child-sized dose.[1]
How scans are made safe
- Radiation-free first. Where they can answer the question, ultrasound and MRI (no radiation) are preferred for children.[2]
- Dose scaled to size. When an X-ray or CT is needed, the dose is reduced to match the child’s smaller body, and modern CT scanners can lower it significantly.[1]
- Only the area needed is scanned.
The benefit of the right diagnosis is always weighed against a very small risk.
Comfort matters too
A calm, prepared child copes far better. A few things that help:
- Explain simply what will happen — and that scans like X-ray, ultrasound and MRI don’t hurt.
- Bring a favourite toy or comforter, and dress them in clothing without metal for X-ray/MRI.
- For MRI, which is noisy and enclosed, children can often be scanned without sedation from about age 6–7; many centres offer headphones, music or a movie. Younger children may need sedation to stay still.[3]
Frequently asked questions
Is a scan safe for my child?
Radiation-free scans (ultrasound, MRI) are very safe. For X-ray or CT, the dose is scaled to your child’s size and kept as low as possible, with the benefit weighed against a small risk.[2]
Will my child need to be still or sedated?
For X-ray and ultrasound, just briefly still. For MRI, many children manage without sedation from about age 6–7; the department advises for younger children.[3]
How can I prepare my child?
Explain it simply and calmly, reassure them it won’t hurt, and bring a comfort item. Feeling prepared makes a big difference to how a child copes.[1]
Sources
- RadiologyInfo.org (RSNA & ACR) — Radiation Dose (pediatric / Image Gently) — www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/safety-xray
- RANZCR / InsideRadiology — Radiation risk of medical imaging — www.insideradiology.com.au/radiation-risk/
- RANZCR / InsideRadiology — Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) — www.insideradiology.com.au/mri-hp/
