An ultrasound scan obtains pictures of soft tissue using sound waves that are of a frequency above the audible range of the human ear. A small hand-held sensor is pressed carefully against the skin surface; this generates sound waves and detects any echoes reflected back off the surfaces and tissue boundaries of internal organs. The sensor can be moved over the skin to view the organ from different angles, these pictures are displayed on a screen and recorded for subsequent study.

A Consultant Radiologist who has trained and specialises in the technique of ultrasound will perform the scan and will provide a descriptive report of the findings to your doctor.

Yes, some preparation may be required. You may need to ensure that your bladder is full before an ultrasound can commence on your pelvis, kidney or bladder. For other ultrasound scans, including the gall bladder and pancreas, you may be required to fast for a specified number of hours. It is also important that you advise the radiology department in advance if you have had a similar ultrasound recently or if there is any reason that you cannot undertake specific preparations.

The Ultrasound takes place in the Ultrasound room, which is a dimly lit room. Patients are required to lie on the scanning table. A gel will be applied to your skin over the area to be scanned, for example, the abdomen. The gel allows the sensor to slide easily over the skin and helps to produce clearer images.

The process of carrying out a scan usually takes about 10–15 minutes. On rare occasions there may be a delay due to unforeseen circumstances in which case you will be duly advised.

Ultrasound itself is not uncomfortable. If a full bladder is required, there may be some associated discomfort. It may be necessary to apply some pressure to the skin surface over an inflamed organ, eg, the gallbladder, This may cause a temporary increase in the level of pain experienced in that area.

An X-Ray is a picture of the internal structures of the body produced by exposure to a controlled source of X-Rays.

A trained Radiographer will perform your X-Ray.

No. However, it is important that your advise the Radiology Department in advance of your X-Ray if you have recently had a similar X-Ray or if you are a woman who is or may be pregnant.

There are minimal risks involved with X-Rays; however, a plain X-Ray uses a small amount of radiation, equivalent to that which we all receive from the atmosphere over a period of 2 or 3 days. The Radiographer will always use all available methods and equipment to reduce the radiation dose to the patient.

In the case of Female patients who are, or may be pregnant, the Radiographer will cover the lower abdomen or pelvis with a lead apron, as the foetus is more sensitive to radiation.

None at all.

No, you will not feel the X-Ray itself. However, in order to obtain better images, the Radiographer may request you to hold some positions that may be uncomfortable, but these should never cause pain.

The process of taking the X-Ray will last only a few seconds, However, if more than one image is required this should take no more than 10 minutes.

A CT scan, is carried out by using a special X-Ray machine, which produces an image of a cross-section, or “slices” of the body.These pictures are displayed on a special computer screen and are reviewed by the Radiologist.

A trained Radiographer in consultation with a Radiologist will perform your CT Scan.

You may be given instructions that will relate to the part of the body to be scanned, but the radiographer will explain the procedure.
Depending on the area to be scanned, you may be required to fast for a period of time, take an oral medication or consent to having an intravenous medication.

The CT Scan will take place in a specialised X-Ray room. You will be required to lie on the scanning table and every effort will be made to make you as comfortable as possible, whilst ensuring that you are positioned to achieve the best possible images.
During the scan, you may be asked to hold your breath or not swallow while each image is being produced. In some cases an injection of a contrast medium may be required. A full explanation will be given to each patient in advance of this procedure.

CT scanning involves X-Rays. Female patients who are or may be pregnant must inform a member of staff in advance.
In some cases, the referring doctor and/or the Radiologist may believe that an injection of contrast medium is required to enhance the images obtained from the scan. These images may form the basis for your future treatment. During this injection the patient may experience a warm feeling or “hot flush” which last for a matter of seconds.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a technique that builds up
cross-sectional images of various parts of the body that warrant
investigation. An MRI scan includes use of a magnetic field, radio
waves and an advanced computer system to build up a series of
images.

A trained Radiographer in consultation with a Radiologist will
perform your MRI Scan.

Generally, there is no need to undergo any special preparations for an MRI Scan. However, for scans of the Abdomen/ Pelvic area you may be requested to drink a large amount of fluid in order to outline certain organs or on other occasions you may be required to fast for a period of time prior to your scan. A full explanation
will be given to each patient in advance of this procedure.

The MRI will take place in a specialised MRI room. You will be required to lie on the MRI Scanning table and every effort will be made to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible, whilst ensuring that your are positioned to achieve the best possible images. It is important that you remain completely still while the
images are being recorded. During the scan, you may well find the machine very noisy. If you feel uncomfortable or worried, do mention it immediately to the radiographer. In some cases an injection of a contrast medium may be required. A full explanation will be given to each patient in advance of this procedure.

Current research shows that this is an extremely safe procedure. However, it is important that you inform the radiographer, as your scan may have to be deferred if you have any of the following:-
1). Small fragments of metal inside your body or your eye,
2). A pacemaker,
3). metal heart values or
4). metallic clip on an artery at the base of your brain. During this scan you are placed in a very powerful magnetic field. MRI scans may not be advisable in early pregnancy, unless there are special circumstances.