Sedating Patients for Radiologic Studies

Many different practice models for radiology sedation can provide satisfactory patient care. Adherence to recognized safety standards and the training and experience of sedation providers are critical for a successful program. Pediatricians should develop an appreciation of safe practices in the radiologic environment and the requirements related to individual studies and procedures. Sedation needs in radiology are diverse. Imaging procedures such as MRI, CT, and nuclear medicine studies require hypnosis to achieve results without motion artifact. Invasive studies may require the use of analgesic and anxiolytic agents. IR procedures often require the use of multiple agents.