Radiology Services
The following services are provided by Osborne Park Hospital Radiology and can be accessed via a GP or specialist referral.
General x-rays
X-rays are a form of radiation that allows very high energy to penetrate through the body and create an image or picture. They are simple and fast medical images and are commonly used to diagnose injury or disease related to bones and joints and the heart and lungs.
For most x-rays there is no special preparation, however upon arrival, you may be asked to change into a gown and remove jewellery, eyeglasses and any metal objects that may interfere with the images. It is important to tell staff if there is any chance you might be pregnant.
A radiographer will escort you to an x-ray examination room, explain the procedure and position you appropriately. You may be required to sit, stand or lie.
It is important that you stay completely still when instructed to do so as any movement may create a blurred image. Sometimes there will be a need for additional images to be taken to obtain more information to help the radiologist make a diagnosis. There is no need for concern as it is quite common. In most cases the extra x-rays are performed to obtain a better view of your anatomy or body structure.
The entire procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes, depending on the number of parts of your body being examined and your mobility.
The benefits of having an x-ray are far more important that the small estimated risk of the effects of radiation and radiographers are trained to use the smallest possible amount of x-rays required to produce a satisfactory image.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a form of high-frequency soundwaves which are used to produce a picture or image onto a screen showing the inside of your body. This form of imaging is painless and does not involve any radiation. It is commonly used during pregnancy and for some abdominal, pelvic, musculoskeletal and vascular conditions.
Some ultrasounds will require preparation such as fasting or filling your bladder, please confirm any requirements when making your booking.
Your scan will be performed by a Sonographer (ultrasound technologist) or radiologist. You will be taken into the Ultrasound room and may be changed into a gown. The procedure will be explained and you will normally be asked to lie on a bed and the area to be examined is exposed while the rest of your body is covered. A water-based gel will be applied onto your skin so that the sound waves can pass easily into the area being examined. An ultrasound transducer is used to perform the examination and this will be moved across the body in a sliding and rotating action. Some pressure may be required. While this may be uncomfortable, this should not cause any pain. You may be asked to do simple movements to improve the quality of the imaging.
Examinations generally take approximately 30 minutes, however some examinations may take longer because of the detailed imaging required. Please ask us how long your type of ultrasound normally takes when you are making your appointment.
Computed Tomography (CT)
CT uses x-rays to take pictures in very fine slices through the part of the body that your referrer has asked us to investigate. From these images a computer can build a three dimensional image showing soft tissues, bones and blood vessels in great detail. Most CT examinations are simple, fast and painless. The benefits of having a CT are far more important than the small exposure to radiation and radiographers are trained to use the smallest possible amount required to produce a satisfactory image.
In general, you will be in the department for approximately 45 minutes, with around 15 minutes on the actual scanner. You are positioned on a flat table which moves in and out of the CT scanner. You may have to hold your breath for 5-10 seconds and it is important not to move during the scan as this will affect the quality of the pictures.
Many CT scans require an injection of contrast media to show blood vessels and some organs. The staff will discuss iodine based contrast with you and you will be required to sign a consent form. Staff will use a needle to insert a cannula (small plastic tube) into a vein in your arm so that the contrast can be administered during the examination. Contrast is usually administered by an injector pump or by hand injection. During the injection, some people will get a strange metallic taste in their mouth and feel a warm sensation throughout their body. This is a common experience and usually goes away within a few minutes.
Interventional Radiology
Osborne Park Hospital Radiology provides a number of interventional radiology services, including but not limited to:
- Steroid injections of Joints, bursa or nerve root
- HSG (Hysterosalpingogram)
- Biopsy and FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration)
- Fluid aspiration and
- Barium studies.
Please phone our department to arrange an appointment on (08) 6457 8236.
Before the procedure a member of staff will explain the procedure to you and ask for your consent. You will be asked to change into a gown. A nurse, radiographer and/or sonographer (ultrasound technologist) may assist the radiologist (a doctor specialised in reading x-rays and ultrasounds) throughout your procedure. In most cases, imaging guidance is used to assist the radiologist with the procedure.
Dental x-rays
Also known as OPG (Orthopantomogram), is a special type of x-ray of the lower face, teeth and jaws and are often requested by dental specialists.
The OPG examination requires you to stand with your face resting on a small shelf and to bite on a sterile mouth piece to steady your head. You must stay very still while the x-ray is taken.
There is no preparation for an OPG however you must remove jewellery, eyeglasses and any metal objects that may interfere with the images.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is a radiology imaging modality that uses x-rays to produce real time images during a diagnostic or interventional procedure. This information helps the radiologist answer clinical questions regarding anatomical function and structure of the body part being examined.
Most fluoroscopy examinations require preparation. You will be advised of specific details when you make your appointment.