BMN Blog

The “just right” theme repeated in the classic fairy tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears hits close to home at Children’s of Alabama’s Pediatric Imaging Center (PIC), where services are tailored especially for kids. Every inch of the PIC, located at Children’s South Pediatric Outpatient Center in Birmingham, is designed with children in mind to ensure their experience is “just right.”

Imaging services provided include:

• X-ray/Fluoroscopy Exams
• CT Exams
• Ultrasound Exams
• MRI Exams
• Sedation Services for CT and MRI Exams

The PIC offers specialized pediatric equipment and protocols for patients ranging from infants to adolescents. Some imaging exams require the use of radiation, and children are more sensitive to radiation exposure than adults. Exams at the PIC are performed at the lowest radiation exposure necessary while still producing quality images for doctors to interpret. PIC Manager Jackie Canter says the staff – from receptionists and nurses to technologists and radiologists –works to ensure the patient and family experience is as comfortable as possible.

“We know it can be scary for a child and her parents to have to do something they’ve never done before at our facility. Not only is there a different set of rules for communicating effectively with children, the protocols for their treatment is also different because their bodies are still developing,” Canter said.

The PIC’s soothing décor and color scheme, as well as age-appropriate distraction techniques, are used to help ease patients’ anxieties. For example, a mini mock CT scanner lets patients practice what their procedure will be like. During an MRI, staff can pop in the patient’s favorite DVD for the duration of the scan. Suddenly, a trip to the PIC isn’t so scary after all. 

PIC benefits include:

• Pediatric Trained Doctors and Staff
• Low Dose Radiation
• Latest Technology
• Same Day Results for Most Exams
• Convenient Location and Parking
• Kid Friendly Environment
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For more information, visit childrensal.org/childrens-south-pediatric-imaging-center.