Key investigations

Key investigations for suspected button battery ingestion are antero-posterior and lateral X-rays of the neck, chest and abdomen.

Further imaging is only required after endoscopic removal of a button battery, to evaluate the extent of injury to critical structures. Further imaging may include computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the mediastinum, neck or abdomen. Do not perform CT or MRI before X-rays of the neck, chest and abdomen, and endoscopic removal of a button battery if seen on X-ray.

The key investigation for a suspected button battery insertion into the vagina or rectum is a targeted pelvic X-ray.

The key investigation for a suspected button battery insertion into the ear or nose is a targeted facial X-ray.