X-ray
All x-ray imaging is based on the absorption of x rays as they pass through the different parts of a patient’s body. Depending on the amount absorbed in a particular tissue such as muscle or lung, a different amount of x rays will pass through and exit the body. The amount of x rays absorbed contributes to the radiation dose to the patient. During conventional x-ray imaging, the exiting x rays interact with a detection device (x-ray film or other image receptors) and provide a 2-dimensional projection image of the tissues within the patient’s body – an x-ray produced “photograph” called a “radiograph.”
A standard X-Ray is painless. You cannot see or feel X-Rays. Everybody receives a small amount of radiation from the environment every day. The radiation received from any single X-Ray is very small, and would be similar to the amount you would be exposed to on a transatlantic flight.
Are there any risks?
Unborn children are at greater risk from being exposed to X-Rays because they are still developing. For this reason, routine X-Ray examinations may not be performed on women who could be pregnant or get pregnant within 28 days of a normal menstrual period. For some examinations that need higher doses of X-Ray, this may be reduced to 10 days. If you are or suspect that you may be pregnant, please tell the radiographer before the X-Ray is carried out. All the information you give will be treated with the strictest confidence.
For more details please contact your Radiation department.
Ultrasound
An Ultrasound Examination involves the placement of a jelly-like substance over the area that is being examined. The radiologist then moves a probe up and down over the jelly to visualize the area of interest. An Ultrasound Scan, sometimes called a sonogram, is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body. This is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure and the examination generally last approximately 15-20 minutes.
For any ultrasound examination of the abdomen, the patient needs to be starved/nil per mouth for a period of 4 hours prior to the examination.
All pelvis ultrasounds for masses, nodes, cysts, etc. require the patient to have a full bladder prior to the examination.
In order to fill the bladder, the patient needs to drink water/clear fluids only. We need a full bladder in order to obtain the best possible image quality/clarity.
For more details please contact your Radiation department.
Intervention
Interventional radiology is a medical sub-speciality of radiology which utilizes minimally-invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system. The concept behind interventional radiology is to diagnose and treat patients using the least invasive techniques currently available in order to minimize risk to the patient and improve health outcomes.
The Procedures
Using X-rays, CT, ultrasound, MRI, and other imaging modalities, interventional radiologists obtain images which are then used to direct interventional instruments throughout the body. These procedures are usually performed using needles and narrow tubes called catheters, rather than by making large incisions into the body as in traditional surgery.
Many conditions that once required surgery can now be treated non-surgically by interventional radiologists. By minimizing the physical trauma to the patient, peripheral interventions can reduce infection rates and recovery time, as well as no hospital stays. We offer the following procedures:
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy
- Liver Biopsy
- Lung Biopsy
- Pleurocentesis
- Paracentesis + Ascites Tap
For more details please contact your Radiation department.
CT Scan
Computerised tomography (CT or CAT scan) is an imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed images of areas inside the body which enables physicians to diagnose and treat medical conditions. The scan times can be anything from 5 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the type of scan.
The examination usually involves having intravenous (IV) contrast as well as oral and/or rectal contrast. There is a risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast media which contains iodine. If a patient is allergic to iodine, the appropriate cortisone and antihistamine preparations must be followed.
It is important that you notify our staff of any allergies to iodine or shellfish.
For more details please contact your Radiation department.
Planning Scans
The 200 Rivonia Road Radiology radiographers assist the radiotherapist by performing a non-diagnostic CT scan in order to help plan a patient’s radiation treatment. Each scan can range between 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on the type of radiation treatment required. Certain scans require preparations which will be explained to the patient by the radiation department and these preparations are important in order for adequate treatment planning.
For more details please contact your Radiation department.
MRI scans
We are happy to inform our patients and doctors that our Siemens Magnetom Sempra 1.5 Tesla MRI machine has been installed and we are operational and are taking bookings.
This machine is designed to deliver consistently high quality scans and will give patients an improved, positive experience. The patient will have a more comfortable experience during their scan as the machine is designed to deliver up to 97% reduction in sound pressure; has ultra-light examination coils and reduced or shortened breath-hold times.
We will be able to accommodate all scan requests such as brain, spines, MSK and breast examinations.
The Magnetom Sempra extends beyond routine imaging and can do specialized exams such as advanced neuro and oncology exams. The TrueForm magnet design enables fat suppression in those regions where they are needed most including joints, abdomen and head/neck region.
For more details please contact your Radiation department.
Leading Radiologists
We offer X-ray, Ultrasound, Interventional Procedures, CT scans, Planning Scans, MRI scans. All radiology procedures are overseen by trained specialist Radiologists and staff using the latest radiology technology.