Skeletal survey x ray (1311)

Your child’s skeletal survey is scheduled for (date) ______________ at (time) __________, in the Imaging (Radiology) Department at:

Children’s Wisconsin in Milwaukee. When you get to the hospital, stop at a Welcome Desk for directions and a badge. 
Other: 

What is a skeletal survey?

A skeletal survey is a set of x-rays that looks at the major bones of the body. It includes the skull, arms, legs, ribs, spine, pelvis, hands and feet. The x-rays look for any problems with your child’s bones. The number of x-rays will depend on the age of the child.   

What happens before the x-ray?

When you come to Imaging, someone will greet you. Your child will put on a hospital gown and robe. Then you will wait in the waiting area. A person skilled in taking x-rays, called a technologist, will talk with you about the test. Please be sure to ask any questions you have.

Special instructions

• Your child will need to take off any jewelry, hair extensions or piercings before the x-rays are done. Hair braids need to be undone. All beads and other hair items need to be taken out of the hair. All these things make it hard to see the bones on the x-ray.
• Your child will need to lie very still during the x-ray. If your child does not feel well, it may be hard to lie still.  If your child has a cold or is sick on the day of the x-ray, call Central Scheduling 414-607-5280. Your child’s appointment may be changed to another day.
• Siblings and pregnant caregivers will not be able to come into the room with the patient.
• When it’s time for the x-rays, the technologist will bring your child to the x-ray room. Your child will lie down on a table. It is very important to keep your child in the right position. To keep your child from moving, the technologist may use : 
  - A sheet or blanket to wrap around your child’s body, arms or legs.
  - Sandbags to position and limit your child’s movement.
  - An arm board.
  - A special chair or other type of equipment.
  - A Velcro band/strap for the body or extremity.
  - Medical tape may be used to make sure your child does not move.  The sticky side will not be put directly on your child’s skin.
• The x-rays are then taken.  

Note:  The small risk of radiation is greatly outweighed by the information gained from the x-ray.

• When all the x-rays are reviewed, your child can go home.      
• Your child may need a second part of the skeletal survey in 3 weeks. Central scheduling staff will help make the follow-up appointment.  

Results

Your healthcare provider will get the results of the test within 24 hours. The provider will contact you if further follow-up is needed.