Suspected NAI skeletal survey should not routinely be performed out of normal departmental working hours. Owing to the inherent technical difficulties and legal responsibilities, a skeletal survey should be performed when there is a full complement of radiographic and radiological staff to image and report the examination(2). [2]

If, due to exceptional circumstances, (for example, if there is concern for siblings who remain with the potential abuser) a survey is required out of hours, this must be discussed with the on-call consultant radiologist and radiographer. A child referred for a suspected NAI radiographic examination out of hours will have areas of acute injury imaged in the normal way, as part of the routine investigation of an injured child.

Investigation of acute injury may include ultrasound (US), Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). These requests will be discussed with the on-call radiologist and radiographer.