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Before coming to the hospital, read the explanation that follows and explain to your child what will happen during the test. For young children, use simple words and explain only shortly before the test.

Children 4 years and under may require sedation for their procedure. You will be given certain eating and drinking restrictions necessary to complete the exam. The day of the exam a parent or guardian needs to be present to sign informed consent for sedation.

If your child is an infant, it is helpful to bring along a bottle of formula or juice with you for after the test. It is also recommended that you bring a pacifier, blanket or special toy to help calm your child.

For older children, it is helpful to bring a book or toy to play with while waiting and a favorite video to watch or cassette to listen to during the test. It is helpful to have another caregiver stay with your child's siblings during the pictures.

A technologist will place a small needle into a vein in your child's hand or foot -- this is called an IV. The needle stick hurts for just a moment. When the needle is in, the medicine is injected through it into the vein and the needle is removed. After this, there is a 90-minute wait before the test is continued. You may go for a walk during this wait.

After the 90-minute wait, the child will lie on a soft table while a special camera is used to take pictures from above and below the child. If sedation medicine is necessary so that your child can hold still for the pictures, a nurse or doctor will explain it to you. It will take from 35 to as much as 90 minutes to take all of the pictures. During this time the camera will not touch or hurt your child. You are encouraged to stay with your child during the test. Children are often more cooperative and less apprehensive when a loved one is present.

It is possible that during the procedure your child may experience some discomfort. Please tell the doctor, nurse or technologist if pain occurs.  

Your child will remove the medicine from the body when he / she urinates. Your child should drink plenty of fluids and urinate often to help clear the medicine from his / her body. It should be completely out of your child's body within 24 hours. As always, you and your child should wash your hands after the child urinates or when handling urine-soaked diapers or sheets.

After the test, your child may return to regular daily activities and meals. If your child had sedation medicine, a nurse will give you additional instructions concerning activities and meals. Results of the test will be sent to your child's doctor who will contact you about the results.