Is It Safe to Scan a Child, and How Much Radiation Do They Get?

Why are children more sensitive to radiation than adults?

Children's cells divide faster than adult cells because their bodies are still growing. Rapidly dividing cells are more vulnerable to damage from ionising radiation. A child also has more years ahead in which any theoretical effect could develop. That is why paediatric imaging safety centres on two principles: justification (is this scan genuinely needed?) and optimisation (can we get a clear image with a lower dose?).

This does not mean scans should be avoided altogether. It means every image should earn its place. When a child has a spinal curve, hip concern or leg-length question, imaging is often the only way to guide the right care. The goal is to get the clearest picture at the lowest possible dose.

How much radiation does a child get from an X-ray?

The dose depends on the type of scan, the body area, and the equipment used. A single chest X-ray delivers a very small amount of radiation, roughly equivalent to a few days of natural background radiation from the environment. Spine and pelvis X-rays use more because the area is larger and the tissues are denser.

For conditions that need repeat monitoring, cumulative exposure is the real concern. A child with scoliosis might need full-spine images every six to twelve months across several years of growth. Each scan adds to the total. That is why choosing the lowest-dose technology matters so much for young patients.

How does EOS reduce radiation for children?

EOS uses a slot-scanning technique with ultra-sensitive detectors, originally developed from Nobel Prize-winning physics research. Instead of a single broad flash of X-ray, the beam sweeps in a narrow line from head to toe while the child stands naturally. This method captures a full-length image with about 90% less radiation than a standard X-ray, around ten times less.

Because the child stands during the scan, the image shows real weight-bearing alignment. This is particularly important for scoliosis, hip conditions, and leg-length differences, where gravity changes the picture. A lying-down scan relaxes muscles and can mask the true position of bones and joints. One standing EOS image can often replace multiple conventional X-rays, further reducing the total dose over time.

Learn more about EOS scan safety and radiation or read about EOS imaging for growing spines.

What happens when you book a paediatric scan?

The process is straightforward and designed to put both parent and child at ease. No GP referral is needed for paediatric imaging at ScanAlign.

What safety principles apply to children's scans?

Every paediatric scan at ScanAlign, low dose standing imaging follows the ALARA principle. ALARA stands for "as low as reasonably achievable." It means using the smallest dose that still produces a diagnostic-quality image. For children, that also means using paediatric-specific protocols that adjust the scan settings for a smaller body.

Frequently asked questions