Exam Safety
Conscious / IV sedation

Sedation may be necessary in some circumstances to help a patient complete an imaging examination or interventional procedure. Sedation, administered by intravenous (IV) injection, is used to relieve patient discomfort, emotional tension and to achieve the patient's cooperation with the study or treatment.

The type and level of IV sedation selected by the radiologist will vary depending on the patient's age and the type of exam or procedure being performed. Under sedation, patient consciousness is maintained. Patients retain the ability to breathe on their own and respond to instruction, but they may not remember the experience.

IV sedation is administered to an adult by a registered nurse under the direction / supervision of the radiologist. Infants and children are administered sedation by a pediatric intensivist (physician) assisted by a pediatric nurse. Infants and young children generally require a lengthier period of post procedure observation than an adult.

It is generally advised that patients receiving sedation should have nothing by mouth after midnight before the procedure, with the exception of clear liquids and usual medications. Parents should contact the radiology department for special instructions with regard to very young infants.

After any examination or procedure involving IV or oral sedation, patients must not drive, operate machinery or make important (legal) decisions for 24 hours. Patients should rest quietly for the remainder of the day.