new technology in medical imaging

Dayton Children’s added three new medical imaging systems in recent months to provide kids with the best options for their specific needs.

DXA

Bone Densitometry (DXA) is a radiographic instrument used to measure bone loss. Its primary use is to diagnose osteoporosis and asses risks for potential fractures. In pediatrics, it can be used to evaluate the overall skeletal health from infancy to adolescence. These tests are non-invasive and are performed using very low radiation dose and can be completed in a matter of minutes.

Dayton Children’s will continue to provide quantitative CT bone densitometry in addition to DXA. Each system has its advantages and decisions on which to use will be based on patient condition and need, as determined by the provider.

NM-CT SPECT

This is a hybrid scanner that combines the sensitivity of nuclear medicine studies to detect diseases based on their metabolic characteristics with the anatomic accuracy of CT scans.

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) creates 3-dimensional images of the target organ or organ system. Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive material placed in the body to show blood flow or other movement that indicates how an organ functions.

The information from the nuclear medicine is co-registered or overlaid on the CT scan to help locate the exact site of disease. The CT scanner will have the same low dose software as the other two CT scanners currently in use.

EOS Biplane Radiology System

EOS 2D/3D is an innovative low dose medical imaging system that can take a scan while a patient stands or sits. It provides excellent anatomic detail with very low radiation dose. It is especially useful for patients with scoliosis but can be used to evaluate the legs and hips. The image data can be reprocessed into 3D images and important measurements can be made for the orthopedic surgeon in planning for surgery.

medical imaging at Dayton Children’s

Parents can feel safe bringing their children to Dayton Children’s imaging department. We are accredited by the American College of Radiology and strong advocates for safe and low dose radiation for children.

When possible, Dayton Children’s will use non radiation producing imaging tools to assess a patient’s condition. The radiologists at Dayton Children’s are early adopters of the Image Gently pledge which promises to take certain steps to reduce the amount of radiation in patients. In order to ensure safe imaging of our patients Dayton Children’s:

• Requires all radiologists to be board-certified in pediatrics and have taken the Image Gently pledge
• Uses child-size radiation doses and follows American College of Radiology’s “Imaging Gently” guidelines
• Works together with a child’s physician to ensure the correct procedure to minimize radiation. We may suggest an alternate way to image the child first without radiation if possible.
• Scans only the indicated area
• Reviews each order before scanning and assigning a specific protocol for the scan
• Uses shielding when it does not interfere with the area that we are imaging
• Screens each order to determine if sedation is necessary to minimize the need for repeats due to motion
• Routinely reviews our CT dose techniques to be sure we are using the smallest amount of radiation possible

Dayton Children’s is one of just 50 hospitals in the country and the only one in the Dayton area to offer MRI video and audio to help children relax. In addition, services include child life specialists trained in distraction techniques and if necessary, sedation with specially trained pediatric anesthesiologists.