X-Ray

 

What is it used for?

X-rays can be used to detect a range of conditions in most areas of the body; most commonly in bones and joints, lungs,etc

 

What to expect during an x-ray exam?

X-rays are a type of radiation that pass through the body. During the exam, a detector captures x-rays passed through the body and transforms them into an image. The parts where the x-rays don’t pass through easily like bone show up as white and the black areas are the soft tissues. This exam will be carried out by experienced radiographers.

 

How do I prepare for my X-ray?

Usually there is no special preparation needed. It is advisable to wear loose clothing and avoid wearing jewellery or clothes containing metal zips or details.

 

How safe is it?

X-ray carries a certain amount of exposure risk to radiation. The use of low levels of radiation means the risk is minimal. Pregnant women should avoid undergoing x-rays. If your doctor recommends an x-ray and you are pregnant, please notify the staff immediately.

What is it used for?

Use to create detailed images of internal organs, blood vessels, and bones. They are used by doctors:

• To diagnose diseases
• As imaging guidance for certain tests and treatments or
• Assess the effectiveness of treatment

 

Some conditions they are used to diagnose include:

• Bone breaks, fractures, or injuries to internal organs
• Blood flow deficiencies/strokes
• Tumor, infection, or blood clots
• Internal bleeding

 

What to expect during a CT scan?

You will be asked to lie on a flatbed. This will move into a large donut-shaped machine with a tunnel-shaped opening. (2) As you pass into the machine gradually, the scanner will take cross-sectional images of your body using x-rays. During the scan stay very still and breathe normally to make sure that the images received are clear. The radiographer will operate the scanner from outside and will speak to you through an intercom.

The procedure may take between 50-30 minutes depending on the study and is painless.

 

How do I prepare for my CT scan?

You will be informed if any preparations need to be made before the scan. Eating and drinking may have to be stopped a few hours before the scan ‒ especially if a special dye is injected into your body to highlight certain areas. Wear loose clothing without metal details such as zips or buttons. Do not wear any jewellery or metal objects.

 

What do I do after the procedure?

After the scan, you can resume normal activities. If you were given a contrast material you might have to stay back for a while after the exam to make sure you don’t have a bad reaction to the dye. You might be asked to drink plenty of fluids to flush the contrast material from your body.

 

How safe is it?

CT scans use a very low dose of radiation, therefore the risk of developing cancer is minimal (3). The CT scan is not recommended for pregnant women as there is a risk that it could harm the unborn child.

What is it used for?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to create clear images of almost any part of the body including the head. They are used by doctors to diagnose symptomatic conditions and used as imaging guidance for certain tests and treatment or as an aid in evaluating whether a treatment is working or not. Some instances they are used for include:

• Brain and spinal cord conditions or injuries
• Brain tumour or stroke
• Breaks (fractures) injuries and illnesses in bone, muscle, and joints
• Heart and blood vessel conditions
• Issues in internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, pancreas, womb, etc

 

What to expect during an MRI test?

You will lie on a flatbed that passes into a round doughnut-shaped machine with a tunnel opening. The machine has a large magnet. A small device called a coil may be placed under the part of your body that needs to be examined. A contrast agent* may be given to you to highlight certain areas of the body and make the image clearer.  The radiographer will operate the machine from the control room. You will need to stay still during the exam which may last 30 to 45 minutes. The duration varies due to the size of the area to be scanned and how many images are taken. During the scan, the MRI scanner will make certain noises and you may be given ear muffs to block the noise.

 

How do I prepare for my MRI?

There are no special preparations to be made for the scan unless otherwise instructed. If contrast dye is being used you may be asked to stop eating or drinking a few hours before the surgery.

 

How safe is it?

Since MRI uses radio magnetic fields there is no risk of exposure from radiation. However, due to the strong magnetic field, patients with pacemakers and other metallic implants and individuals having metal/shrapnel lodged in their bodies should not undergo an MRI scan. If the particular MRI requires a contrast material, it is not recommended for pregnant women, especially during the first trimester as the contrast material can enter the foetal bloodsteam.

 

If you suffer from fear of confined spaces (claustrophobia) speak to the radiology team before undergoing the scan.

What is it used for?

A mammogram is used to:

• screen for abnormalities in the breast before they become symptomatic or
• evaluate whether the presence of suspicious changes in the breast (lump, skin thickening, etc) are cancerous or not.

 

Do I need a mammogram?

Women above 40 are recommended to get screened every 2 years.

Women below 40 with a high risk of breast cancer (family history of breast cancer, etc) may benefit from a mammogram screening. It is best to speak to your doctor who will evaluate your risk and will make their recommendation.

 

What to expect during a mammogram?

You will be asked to stand in front of the mammogram machine and the female technician will place one of your breasts on a platform adjusted to your height. They will further instruct you on how to keep your head, arms, and body to maintain a clear view of your breast. A transparent plate presses your breast against the platform. You will feel pressure for a few seconds. This enables the x-rays to pass through the breast tissue evenly for a clearer and detailed image. You should stay still to prevent blurring of the image.

 

How do I prepare for it?

It is recommended to undergo a mammogram the first week after your menstrual period. This is when your breasts are least likely to be tender. Your breast and underarms should be free from deodorant, antiperspirants creams, or perfumes.  as they may contain traces of metal that could blur the image. Wear a two-piece outfit with a front-open blouse.

 

How safe is it?

There is a very low dose of radiation and the exam lasts only for a few seconds. The benefits of screening outweigh the risk of exposure.

What is it used for?

Fluoroscopy uses a continuous x-ray beam to look at internal body organs. It is useful in examining the cardiovascular, digestive, and reproductive systems in real-time.

Some of the procedures done using fluoroscopy include: 

• Barium swallow or barium enema to view the GI tract
• Cardiac catheterisation including angiogram
• Insertion of catheters into blood vessels, bile ducts or urinary system
• Guidance in orthopedic surgery

How do I prepare for a fluoroscopy exam?

As fluoroscopy is used in an investigative or interventional procedure, the preparation needed may vary.

 

How safe is it?

As fluoroscopy uses x-ray it carries a certain amount of radiation involved. However, the chances that a patient will develop cancer from a fluoroscopic procedure are minimal. If the procedure is medically needed, the benefits will outweigh the risks. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant as it could be harmful to the foetus and alternatives will be explored.

 

What is it used for?

A bone density scan is used to determine your risk of developing a bone break by measuring your bone density levels. They help diagnose osteoporosis and calculate the risk of developing the disease.

 

What to expect during a DEXA scan?

You will be asked to lie on a flatbed and keep your legs straight or rest them on an elevated platform. During the scan, a type of x-ray is passed through the body. The lower back and the hip are usually examined by the scan. Your bone density measurements from the scan will be interpreted by a specialist.

 

How to prepare for it?

Stop taking calcium supplements at least a day before your scan. Wear loose and comfortable clothing without any metal detailing such as zips or metal buttons. Avoid wearing jewellery or watches.

 

Should I get a DEXA Scan?

DEXA is recommended for people at higher risk for conditions such as osteoporosis:

These may include individuals with:

• Broken bones or fracture after a minor fall or injury
• Degenerative bone conditions such as arthritis
• Use of medicines called glucocorticoids for long periods
• Postmenopausal women
• Younger women with early menopause or have had their ovaries removed

 

How safe is it?

DEXA is a safe examination as it uses a very low level of radiation.