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In most cases, one or both parents are allowed to stay in the examining room with the child if they want. Occasionally, the radiologist may feel it's in the best interest of the child that only medical personnel be in the room.

Tests such as this are vitally important to diagnose and help manage your child's health problems. The radiologist will interpret the test and report the findings to your doctor. You may discuss the results with your doctor.

Please feel free to ask the technologist or radiologist about any part of the test you don't understand. Presbyterian has the best interest of your child at heart, and we want to be sure that all your questions are answered.

To prepare for the exam, please make sure your child eats no solid foods for four hours before the test. Clear liquids are OK. Please tell us if your child is allergic to contrast material, iodine, or medications; or has asthma or other medical problems.

First, your child will lie down on the examining table. A regular X-ray will be made of his or her abdomen to look for the position of the kidneys and to look for stones. Next, a technologist or radiologist will inject a special X-ray dye into a vein, usually in the arm. This dye, called contrast material, will show up on X-ray film and make it easier to see the structure of internal organs. The technologist will make a series of X-rays as the dye travels through the kidneys, and the radiologist will then review the films. Your child will need to lie still while the images are being made. If agitated, he or she may need to be restrained.

The series of x-rays should take about 30 minutes.

The dye may make your child feel flushed or nauseous, or may leave a funny taste in his or her mouth. These effects will go away quickly, and many children feel no effects at all. The amount of radiation your child receives will not endanger his or her health.