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If your child had to have computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or another diagnostic test, wouldn't you want to know the results right away? Most parents do, even though they typically endure a nerve-racking wait.
Now some radiologists are trying to take the wait out of evaluating test results. If the results of a radiology report aren't offered right away, you should ask.
The wait to get results can sometimes take several days, which can be hard for the family. So getting results quickly can ease a lot of anxiety, especially because tests done by general pediatric radiologists are usually normal.
Most parents would like to get the results of their child's imaging tests before they leave the radiology department - even if the results are abnormal.
When children have an ultrasound, x-ray, CT or fluoroscopy, parents want the results from the radiologist instead of having to wait to hear them from the patient's regular doctor.
However, many doctors feel very strongly that if they order a test, they - and not the radiologist - should give the results to the family. This is especially true when more than just radiology images are needed to make the diagnosis.
What are imaging tests?
Imaging tests, such as MRI's and CT's, are critical diagnostic tools for doctors. An MRI gives a very detailed picture of the internal organs and structures of the body without using x-rays. It is especially helpful in diagnosing tumors in the brain and spinal cord, as well as diseases and disorders of the eyes and ears. MRI's also can be used to examine joints and soft tissues.
A CT, also known as a CAT scan, is a computer-enhanced x-ray study that images a combination of soft tissue, bone and blood vessels and enables the diagnosis of a wide array of illnesses and injuries.
Typically, radiologists interpret the results of these imaging exams and send a report of the findings to the pediatrician or referring doctor, who then discusses the results with the parents. However, this is changing in some places. Not only are more people requesting immediate results, but technology is helping to take the wait out of radiology.
Internet transmission of images
The Internet is already helping radiology go "virtual." Radiologists can use the Internet to share medical images with top radiologists at other hospitals for diagnostic opinions. Using the Internet to transmit medical images is reliable, inexpensive and safe.
This is changing the way radiology is practiced. A hospital or clinic can have a virtual radiology department. If there's no specialist available to read brain images, they can be sent over the Internet to a top neuroradiologist 1,000 miles away.
Using the Internet to send digital images has proven reliable and inexpensive, and confidentiality isn't a problem.
Internet transmission gives experts with a more efficient way to get a second opinion, and patients anywhere can now get the same level of interpretation as they would get at a major medical institution.
Also, if the technician sees something abnormal when scanning, the images can be sent to be evaluated while the patient is still on the table.
Some imaging tests may take longer to evaluate or they need to be compared with other tests. So it's not always possible to get an immediate report. However, getting instant reports is the wave of the future under some circumstances.
Someday soon, receiving test results right away may be a common practice. Parents may even be able to get results on the Internet by using a password just like an ATM.
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External Sources
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Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
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Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital in Cleveland
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The Radiological Society of North America
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This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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