Child MRI or CT Scan with Anesthesia: Who to Call & What to Ask 

If your child is going to have anesthesia, you can call one of our anesthesia imaging nurses at the following numbers to answer all your questions about anesthesia: 

• 513-636-6392, Burnet campus Anesthesia Imaging 

• 513-517-0474, Liberty campus Anesthesia Imaging  

• 513-636-3200 or 513-636-6392, Eastgate Campus Anesthesia Imaging  

Questions to consider asking your anesthesia team: 

• What time should my child stop eating and drinking before their procedure? 

• How long is the scan expected to take? 

• Will my child need an IV? Will the IV be put in while my child is awake or after they’re asleep? 

• Is it possible to complete labs while having an IV placed? 

• Is it possible to complete the imaging without anesthesia? 

• Can parents or guardians go to the induction room for anesthesia? 

• What medications should my child take or hold prior to their procedure? 

• Does my child need a child life specialist or a behavioral health specialist? 

• What if I need to reschedule my appointment? (Call 513-636-4251) 

• What clothing items or accessories will be removed prior to going into the MRI or CT, such as jewelry, hair accessories, hearing aids, diabetic devices, among other items? 

• How will I get the imaging results?  

• How long will my child need to stay in the recovery room following anesthesia? 

The following links may answer any additional questions about anesthesia in radiology: 

https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/locations/services/mri

https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/service/r/radiology/services/anesthesia

Eating and drinking guidelines can also be found on the Cincinnati Children’s App.