ABSTRACT
During the past decade, significant developments in surgical
techniques, anesthesia, and intensive care have advanced and
improved the care of the sick newborn baby. All imaging
modalities have reached a new higher level of sophistication
and the range of invasive and interventional radiology
procedures has also greatly increased. These advances have
placed greater demands on pediatric radiology departments
which must be well staffed, funded, and equipped to keep
pace with these developments. Because of this plethora of
available tests, it is essential that both conventional radio-
graphic and high-technology imaging facilities be used
efficiently and rationally. A logical sequence of investigations
should be applied commencing with the simplest and least
invasive, and, where possible, minimizing exposure to
ionizing radiation. At all times the As Low As Reasonably
Achievable (ALARA) principle should be foremost in our
mind. This approach may provide the diagnosis and obviate
the need for more complex, invasive, and expensive studies,
even if these additional modalities are readily available.
Duplication of information, obtained from these various
imaging modalities, which does not improve or influence
management of the patient, should be avoided.
