Menu Close

Diagnostic Imaging Scans with Anesthesia

Your child must stay still during diagnostic imaging (DI) tests so that images are clear. In some cases, your child may get sedation medicines or general anesthesia for imaging tests such as a CT scan, PET scan, or MRI.

  • Sedation uses medicines that cause relaxation or sleepiness.
  • General anesthesia causes a complete loss of consciousness, like a deep sleep.

Many patients can have scans without anesthesia. The care team will decide whether to use anesthesia based on several factors such as your child’s age, the type of scan, how long the scan takes, and your child’s medical needs.

Diagnostic imaging scanner

Some patients may need sedation or anesthesia medicines to help them stay still during imaging tests.

Before the scan

Your care team will instruct you and your child on how to prepare for the imaging test. For scans with anesthesia, your child may need additional tests or appointments. Your child’s schedule may include:

  • A physical exam or lab tests
  • Anesthesia
  • The imaging test
  • Recovery

NPO instructions

Sometimes, your child must go without food or drink before certain procedures, scans, or tests. Going without food before a test is called fasting. You might also hear it called NPO, which is short for a Latin phrase that means “nothing by mouth." Having anything in the stomach during anesthesia puts patients at risk for getting food or liquid in the lungs. Always follow the fasting guidelines or NPO instructions given by your care team.

During the scan

If your child has general anesthesia, a parent or family caregiver can usually stay with your child until they are asleep. An anesthesia provider will monitor your child to make sure they are safe and comfortable.  

The start and end times for your child's test will depend on several factors. These include:

  • The medicines used for anesthesia or sedation
  • The type of diagnostic imaging test
  • How many images are needed and the area of the body being scanned

The care team might need more time to get a different view or image or to perform more testing. Gathering more information does not mean that there is a medical issue with your child. The care team wants to make sure the results are as complete as possible.

Anesthesia recovery

It will take some time for your child to wake up and be alert after anesthesia. After the test, your child will be taken to a recovery area for monitoring. Nurses watch heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and alertness to be sure your child can safely leave the testing area. The length of time can vary based on how quickly your child wakes and recovers from anesthesia.

Scans without anesthesia

Anesthesia is safe for most patients. But health care providers try to limit the use of general anesthesia in children when possible. Talk to your care team about options for your child. There might be other ways to help your child stay still during some imaging tests.

Find information on diagnostic imaging without anesthesia.

Questions to ask your care team about scans with anesthesia

  • Does my child need general anesthesia or sedation for this scan?
  • How long will the scan take?
  • When does my child need to stop eating or drinking before the test?
  • What are the risks or side effects of general anesthesia?
  • Am I able to stay with my child while they get general anesthesia?
  • Am I able to be with my child in the recovery area?

Key points about diagnostic imaging scans with anesthesia

  • Your child will have to stay very still for the scan so that the images will be clear.
  • Based on age and other factors, your child might need general anesthesia or sedation medicines for a diagnostic imaging test.
  • Your care team will give instructions on how to prepare for the scan including fasting guidelines.
  • An anesthesia provider will be with your child and monitor them during the test to make sure they are safe and comfortable.
  • After the test, your child will be taken to the recovery area until they are alert and it is safe for them to leave.

—
Reviewed: January 2024

Related Content

  • Child and mother pose for picture taken by nurse in hospital room
    Anesthesia

    Anesthesia is the use of medicines that alter consciousness and block sensations of pain during medical tests and procedures. Read about anesthesia in children.

  • MRI scanner
    Imaging Tests

    Learn about what imaging tests do and how they play a role in your child’s treatment.

  • Medical staff assist with diagnostic imaging scan.
    Diagnostic Imaging Scans Without Anesthesia

    Many children can have diagnostic imaging tests without anesthesia or sedation medicines. Learn strategies to help your child stay still and calm during scans.