Examination Procedure Information

X-Rays:

X-Rays are still images (similar to photography) that allow our radiology team to see through the skin at the underlying bones and soft tissues for signs of any abnormality.

X-Ray technology has come a long way since the 1920s, when X-Rays were first used for medical purposes. At Blacktown Medical Imaging we can proudly say that we are using the very latest technology in Digital X-Ray systems. This not only helps the speed of the examination, helping you get on with your day faster, but also reduces your radiation exposure by up to 30%.

CT Scans

A CT scan (or CAT scan as it has been traditionally called), is an examination that uses X-Rays which are sent and detected at multiple angles to achieve a detailed 3D image of your anatomy. The examination involves you lying on a table whilst the region of your anatomy which is being scanned, moves through a “donut like ring” (which is the scanner) to achieve the image. Our state-of-the-art multislice scanner enables us to achieve amazing image quality with 75% less radiation dose than standard CT scanners

Generally a scan will take 10 to 20 mins to acquire all the necessary information to provide the most accurate and complete study for our patients. However, some scans may take longer depending on the complexity of the exam and individual patient needs. Some examinations require patients to complete preparations on site and stay after the procedure for observation and care. If you have any questions about examination times, please contact our practise.

At Blacktown Medical Imaging we understand that Blacktown is a very multicultural city. This is why we have employed multi-lingual staff on site to assist you in communicating any questions about your examination. It is also a good idea for you, if you have any difficulty in communication, to bring a friend or relative to translate and assist you where available.

Please advise staff of any medical conditions and especially of any allergies you may be living with. It is also very important that you let staff know before the examination if there is any chance you are pregnant or if you are breast feeding.

Some examinations will require an intravenous injection of a contrast medium. This is often necessary to help differentiate the various types of tissue within your body. If your examination may require an IV contrast injection it is important that you follow the preparation listed below:

• Hydrate your body with plenty of water in the hours before your examination.
• DO NOT EAT ANYTHING OR DRINK ANYTHING APART FROM WATER for 4 hours before your appointment time.

The following anatomic regions often require an injection of IV contrast:-

• Head
• Neck
• Chest
• Abdomen and pelvis

Please call our friendly reception staff if you have any questions.

Ultrasound:

Ultrasound is a widely used imaging technique, which displays very detailed images using sound waves at a frequency much higher than the human ear can hear. During an ultrasound examination, direct contact with the skin by a scanning tool is needed to obtain an image. Hence, your highly skilled technician (sonographer) will initially ask you to change into a gown or fold clothing away from the area that is to be scanned. Your privacy and modesty is very important to us at Blacktown Medical Imaging. If you have a preference to whether a male of female staff member performs your scan, please let our reception staff know at the time of your booking.

Children can be quite frightened by medical examinations. That is why at Blacktown Medical Imaging we have a special paediatric ultrasound room with a colourful environment and a DVD player so during the ultrasound your child can feel comfortable with our friendly staff performing the test. If your child has a favourite DVD, bring it along for the scan and they can watch it on our 32 inch LCD televisions, which are installed in all of our ultrasound rooms.

An important note for female patients coming for a pelvic or obstetric examination:
Most pelvic ultrasounds and some obstetric ultrasounds will require a transvaginal (internal) ultrasound at the time of your examination. Transvaginal scanning is the best way to obtain a very detailed image of your pelvic anatomy, improving the accuracy of your test. During the transvaginal scan you will be asked to remove any clothing and underwear from your waist down and asked to lie on the examination bed, completely covered by a gown/sheet to maintain your privacy. The sonographer will then insert a probe that has been sterilised and covered into your vaginal canal to perform then scan. Transvaginal scanning should never be very uncomfortable or painful. If you ever feel pain or wish to stop the examination at any time, please let the sonographer know and they will end the examination immediately. If you have any questions about the examination please ask the reception staff or your sonographer at the time of your examination. Should you have a preference for a female staff member to perform your scan, please let our reception staff know at the time of your booking.

How long will an ultrasound examination take?
A typical ultrasound examination will last approximately 20 minutes, with a few exceptions. If there are multiple examinations required on the same day, this would increase your examination time. Also there are a few ultrasound examinations that take a little longer to perform, namely obstetric ultrasound which can take from 40 – 60 minutes as it is very dependent on your baby’s position during the scan. Therefore, it is a good idea to allow a few hours of free time after your obstetric scan in case the scan cannot be completed in the allocated time due to the baby’s position in the womb. In such a circumstance, the sonographer will often ask you to go for a short walk and allow time for the baby to move into a different position.