Examinations

• X-RAY "DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY
• MULTISLICE CT
• INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES
• ULTRASOUND
• ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
• BODY COMPOSITION SCANNING
• NUCLEAR MEDICINE SCANS
• BONE MINERAL DENSITOMETRY
• MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)

X-RAY "DIGITAL RADIOGRAPHY

An X-ray uses a radiation producing machine to examine the bones and other internal organs and produce images for the radiologist to interpret. At X Radiology we use the most up-to-date digital radiography equipment for general x-rays. The images are taken utilising digital detectors and not the typical film used in other practices (just like the switch to digital cameras you may be using). These images are then available for viewing, printing and interpretation by the radiologist. This technology speeds and reduces the radiation dose required for the examination and significantly reduces the need for repeat examinations. The x-ray machinery is operated by a Radiographer. The images created are interpreted by a Specialist Doctor- a Radiologist.

A basic X-Ray does not require any special preparation. Depending on the body part being examined, you may be given a gown to wear instead of your own clothes. We also request removal of jewellery and body piercing items which may be in the field of view. This makes interpretation of the images more accurate. Lead lined gowns or special shielding devices may be necessary depending on the examination.

If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, tell your doctor and X Radiology staff as X-rays can affect an unborn baby.

MULTISLICE CT

X Radiology is equipped with a State of the Art 64 slice CT machine. This machine is able to perform CT examinations with improved speed and reduced radiation dose. Multislice CT is performed with increased resolution of the images, allowing 3D reconstruction and image reconstruction in different anatomical planes.

Our state of the art scanner allows us to effectively create a still-life picture of even moving structures such as the heart whilst still delivering lower dose scanning. Whilst radiation is involved in this type of scanning, the risks at these exposure levels are thought to be very small and outweighed by the information we can provide by performing the scan. It may be necessary to give you an injection of liquid into your veins during the scan. This contrast material allows us to look at your internal organs in different ways.

A very small number of people suffer reactions to contrast. In general these can be treated immediately with medication but are sometimes severe and associated with facial and throat swelling or difficulty breathing. It’s important to tell us and your doctor if you have suffered a reaction in the past. It is also important to tell X Radiology staff and your doctor if you are pregnant or have diabetes or kidney problems prior to your scan.

CT scanning can produce thousands of images that our doctors must then interpret accurately. Whilst we will always endeavor to meet our pledge of producing fast and accurate reports, we ask your patience to allow time for expert analysis. Some CT scans require special preparation and our staff will inform you of these when you make your appointment. You could also refresh your memory by looking at our exam preparation page. Please follow these instructions carefully.

INTERVENTIONAL PROCEDURES

At X Radiology we perform many interventional procedures including: facet joint blocks, nerve root blocks, biopsy of tissues, musculoskeletal therapeutic injections, and more. These complex procedures are generally performed using CT and Ultrasound guided techniques.

ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound to create images of internal organs and soft-tissues of the body. No radiation is used at all in this process. A Sonographer uses a hand-held scanning probe (transducer) placed against your skin and moves it around the area they are scanning. They will apply gel between the transducer and your skin.

At X Radiology we have the most up-to-date ultrasound equipment available. Our highly trained sonographers have many years of experience in this field. General ultrasound procedures usually require changing into a gown. No radiation is required and the procedure is extremely safe. For most ultrasound examinations prior preparation is important.

Please make sure preparation instructions are followed.

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

This is an ultrasound of the heart and is performed by a qualified technician using a dedicated ultrasound probe and software. The examination may take up to 45 minutes and requires changing into a gown.

BODY COMPOSITION SCANNING

Body composition scanning provides detailed, accurate information about lean body mass, body fat % and bone mineral content. The study provides detailed data on body regions eg. arms, legs trunk as well as a whole body assessment. There are hundreds of publications describing the technique which is now considered the “gold standard” in body composition assessment.
Body fat % is plotted against the Australian reference data to give a graphical reference. For those on weight loss programs, the study is a great way to monitor how the body is responding to changes a patient has made to diet and lifestyle.
The scan is performed on our Lunar Prodigy DEXA system and is extremely low dose. (Approximately 1/10 of a chest x-ray or 2 hours of natural background radiation on our scanner). You would receive a similar amount of radiation in your lounge room watching a State of Origin game.

The Advantages of DEXA Machine Measurements

 

• "Gold standard" for clinical body composition
• Whole body and regional results
• Reproducible and accurate results
• Rapid Scan time
• Superior image quality
• Validated by numerous publications
• Reference data for body composition

Classification	Women (% fat)	Men (% fat)
Athletes	14-20%	5-13%
Fitness	21-24%	14-17%
Acceptable	25-31%	18-25%
Obese	32% +	26% +

 

NUCLEAR MEDICINE SCANS

Nuclear medicine scans involve injection of a liquid radioactive substance in most cases (sometimes you swallow the solid or liquid form and sometimes could be asked to inhale it). This liquid will not make you feel any different. The radioactive tracer is then taken up by various organs in your body and we are able to identify its distribution in your body by imaging with a gamma camera.

These images are then processed by the nuclear medicine technologists and interpreted by our nuclear medicine specialists. Sometimes special additional views or images are required once the nuclear medicine doctor has viewed the initial images. You will be asked to wait after your images are taken untik this decision is made. These extra images may take the form of additional gamma camera images, special cross sectional or SPECT images or advanced image available only on state of the art CT/SPECT gamma cameras like ours at X radiology with CT simultaneously taken of small area of your body. This allows even more accurate reports to be provided to your doctors.

The radioactive substances we give you break down over time and are usually not detectable after 24-48 hours.

BONE MINERAL DENSITOMETRY

This technique uses low energy X-rays to measure the density of your bones. This is useful in assessing osteoporosis and fracture risk and can help your doctor treat these conditions.

Please bring previous BMD results.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)

MRI is a unique technology that allows the imaging of the body using a powerful electromagnet without the use of radiation. We have the unique advantage of having a wide bore short gantry magnet that allows scanning without the ‘cramped tunnel’ that most other MRI units use. We have designed our department housed in the historic “Old Toowong Library Building” to allow the most comfortable environment for patients having an MRI.

Our staff will ask questions regarding some special precautions needed for MRI imaging.