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SickKids

X-ray

Location: 170 Elizabeth St., Main floor Atrium (beside Starbucks)
Phone: 416-813-6090
Fax: 416-813-7644
Reception hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday
Outpatient appointments: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday
Walk-in hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday
All other hours: Emergencies only.
There are no outpatient and/or walk-in appointments on statuatory holidays. Emergency and inpatient services only.

X-ray was the first modality in Diagnostic Imaging. In an X-ray, a small amount of radiation is used to create a two-dimensional view of the inside of the body.

The technologist takes two to three images from different angles of your child in different positions to provide the best quality images. These images are used to detect abnormalities in bones, lungs and other internal organs.

Test preparation

X-ray exams take between 10 and 90 minutes depending on the number of views required, the illness, age and co-operation of the child. Our certified technologists are experts in working with children and will make your child as comfortable as possible during the exam.

A child wearing a protective gown for X-rays while two staff in face masks prepare her for an X-ray test.

The X-ray machine will not touch your child. They must remain still on the table for long enough to complete the test and prevent images from being blurry.

The positions needed to get the best images can be awkward or uncomfortable. Please bring a comfort item from home or a short video on your phone to help distract your child during the exam

An immobilization device may be used to keep your child still and safe throughout the exam. These won’t hurt your child and allow us to take images quickly.

Support

Child Life specialists are available from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to help prepare and support your child during the scan. They can explain the process to your child and help them adjust to the hospital experience.

If you are pregnant, you will not be allowed to stay in the X-ray room with your child. Please bring someone else with you who can stay with your child during the test, if needed.

Contact Child Life Specialists

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