Sedation

A mild sedative may be administered for some procedures when the patient cannot tolerate the test otherwise or in pediatric cases where the patient is unable to lie still enough to perform the procedure. Patients who feel they may need sedation to complete the exam should inform their referring physician prior to scheduling the exam so that it can be scheduled with Diagnostic Imaging accordingly.

Sedation – Adult
Sedation may be administered in one of two ways.

• The patient’s referring physician may prescribe the sedative for the patient to take prior to arrival for the exam or;
• A trained medical professional will administer the sedative upon arrival at Diagnostic Imaging. The patient will be instructed to arrive early at a specified time prior to the exam to allow for the sedative to take effect.

Adult patients should always have someone available as a driver/escort after the procedure is completed.

Sedation – Pediatric
Children under 5 years old should come prepared to be sedated even though most may not require it. Cooperation level will be determined at the time of the exam.

• Clear liquids are allowed up to 2 hours prior to exam.
• Solid food and semi-solid liquids should be withheld as follows:
  a. Under 6 months – 4 hours
  b. 6 – 36 months – 6 hours
  c. Over 36 months to 5 years – 8 hours