Preparation Of Pediatric Patients For Radiologic Procedures

Note:  If both barium enema and Upper GI are done, barium enema should be done first.
 

DIGESTIVE TRACT
ESOPHAGUS, BARIUM SWALLOW (pharynx and esophagus):

  1. 0-2 years: No prep.
  2. 2-17 years: No prep.

 

UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL SERIES (pharynx, esophagus, stomach and duodenum):

  1. 0-2 years: No solid foods on the day of the exam but may have liquids until 3 hours prior to the exam. 

 

SMALL BOWEL EXAMINATION:

  1. 0-2 years: Nothing by mouth for 3 hours prior to the exam. 
  2. 2-17 years: a. Nothing by mouth 4 hours.
      b. If the exam is scheduled for the afternoon, the patient may have clear liquid up to 5 hours prior to the examination.

 

Note:  Laxative and cleansing enemas are recommended in patients with recent barium enema study. 
 
FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS
 

  1. Special arrangements to be made with Radiology appointment desk to schedule these children first, and request should be clearly marked that the patient is diabetic.
  2. Insulin requirements should be adjusted as necessary.


BARIUM ENEMA (COLON EXAMINATION WITHOUT AIR CONTRAST):  No Prep
 

AIR CONTRAST BARIUM ENEMA:
1.  Evaluation of colonic bleeding, possible polyp.

  1. 0-2 years: No prep.
  2. 2-10 years: a. Low-residue diet for days one and two prior to the exam.
      b. Clear liquid diet for 24 hours prior to the exam.
      c. No milk or milk products for 24 hours prior to the exam.
  3. 10-17 years: a. Low residue diet for days one and two prior to the exam.
      b. Clear liquid diet for 24 hours prior to exam.
      c. No milk or milk products for 24 hours prior to the exam.
      d. Magnesium Citrate 1 bottle evening prior to exam.
      e. Dulcolax suppository per rectum morning of exam.

    
GENITOURINARY TRACT
EXCRETORY UROGRAPHY (IVP) NOTIFY RADIOLOGIST IF PATIENT ALLERGIC TO CONTRAST:

  1. 0-2 years: Nothing by mouth for 3 hours prior to the examination.
  2. 2-6 years: Nothing by mouth for 4 hours prior to the examination.
  3. 6-17 years: Nothing by mouth for 4 hours prior to the examination.


FOR DIABETIC PATIENTS
1. Special arrangements to be made with Radiologic appointment desk to schedule these children first, and request should be clearly marked that the patient is diabetic.
2. Insulin requirements should be adjusted as necessary.

Note:  1. Patients with impaired renal function; suspected renal hypertension or other special studies, the radiologist should be consulted in advance.
          2. No preparation is necessary in children with abdominal trauma or other acute abdominal problems necessitating excretory urography.
 

VOIDING CYSTOURETHROGRAPHY:  No preparation. 
 
OTHER:
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY OF ABDOMEN AND/OR PELVIS:
             1. May need Fleet or saline enema if patient has had recent barium study.
             2. Add GI
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING:  No preparation.
             1. Need to check for surgical clips in brain, metallic fragments, pacemakers, and study not to be done if present.
 

ABDOMINAL ULTRASOUND:

  1. Under 4 years: Do just before next feeding.
  2. 4-12 years: Nothing by mouth 4-6 hours.
  3. 12-Adult: Nothing by mouth 6-8 hours.