Parents/guardians of the child must fully understand the extent and nature of the skeletal survey prior to examination and informed consent must be obtained. Informed consent must be obtained by the referring paediatrician, and documented in the child’s medical record. However it is recognised that in some circumstances a court order may be required.

If consent is declined the skeletal survey request will be referred back to the patient’s medical consultant, who may apply to the court or local authority for consent(8) [2]. Parental/guardian consent must be verbally reaffirmed by the examining radiographer(s). Where there are language difficulties, translation services must be used prior to, and during, the examination.