Patients of The Radiology Clinic
Patient Preparation
The Radiology Clinic has been specifically designed to meet the needs of the Sunshine Coast Community. Our Radiologists are well-known and trusted by your doctors and chosen health providers.
Our imaging and clerical staff have been chosen for their combination of outstanding technical skills and their ability to make patients relaxed and comfortable.
We have provided details below that will help make your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible. Please follow the appropriate information and contact us if you have any questions.
-
Maroochydore:
Street parking along Plaza Parade, 2hr time limits apply.
We have free, off-street, private parking behind our building. Follow signage from the driveway.
Forest Glen:
Free parking is available in the IGA complex.
-
Please arrive at least 10 - 15 minutes prior to your appointment for all scans. This will help us in making sure we are able to take all your details prior to your appointment. You may also be required to complete consent forms or get changed prior to your examination.
-
Please remember to bring to your appointment:
Referral
Medicare or DVA
Pension Card
WorkCover number or approval letter (If applicable)
Previous images/reports
Relevant blood tests
-
Bulk Billing is available for eligible patients for most scans. If your examination will incur a cost, our Reception team will let you know upon booking.
X-Ray Preparation
An x-ray involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.
-
If you are pregnant or think you could be pregnant, please let us know prior to the examination. In some situations, we can still X-ray you safely using protective equipment.
-
There is no specific preparation required for X-ray. There is no need to fast, and you can take all medication as usual.
-
It is helpful to wear loose fitting clothing without metal buckles, fasteners, or zips.
Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
A BMD scan is a high-precision type of X-ray that measures your bone mineral density and bone loss. If your bone density is lower than normal for your age, it indicates a risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures.
-
If you are pregnant, or could be pregnant, please let us know prior to your examination.
-
There is no specific preparation required for a BMD scan. There is no need to fast, and you can take all medication as usual.
-
The scan is performed on an open bed, so you won’t need to worry about confined spaces.
-
It is helpful to wear loose fitting clothing without metal buckles, fasteners, or zips.
CT Scan Preparation
CT is a ‘donut’ shaped machine that uses Radiation to create cross sectional images of your anatomical structures. CT is far more in depth than X-ray.
The Radiology Clinic has invested in Low Dose CT scanners to ensure patients are receiving the minimum amount of radiation possible, without compromising image quality.
CT is an excellent tool that can provide advanced diagnosis for a range of disorders and can be used to scan most parts of the body. In particular, it can detect subtle fractures, tumours, kidney stones, strokes and narrowing or blockage of arteries.
For some CT scans, an Iodine dye may be used to enhance the image quality. The use of this dye will require you to fast for 4 hours before the appointment. This dye is injected via IV, and is most often used when scanning the chest, abdomen or pelvis. You will be asked to complete a screening form prior to having this dye administered, to minimize any risk of adverse reaction.
Please let our team know if you may be pregnant or are a diabetic taking Metformin prior to your CT scan.
-
If you are pregnant, or could be pregnant, please let us know before your examination.
-
You may be asked to change into a patient gown. If so, a gown will be provided for you along with somewhere to secure personal belongings. Please remove all piercings and leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
-
Some CT scans require an IV contrast agent, typically iodine-based, to enhance the visibility of blood vessels, organs, and potential abnormalities. This helps the radiologist assess the images more accurately for diagnosis and treatment planning.
No contrast - Sinuses, Spine, Limbs
Contrast - Abdomen, Pelvis, Chest
Some patients should not have an iodine-based contrast agent due to exisiting health issues or allergy. If you have problems with your kidney function, please inform our staff when booking or checking in for your scan. You may be able to have the scan performed without contrast.
You will be asked to sign a consent form that will detail the risks and side-effects associated with contrast media. It is injected through a small tube placed in a vein called an intravenous (IV) line.
-
Please inform our staff when you schedule your CT scan if you have had an allergic reaction to any contrast media previously. IV contrast will not be administered if you have had a severe or anaphylactic reaction to any contrast media in the past. If you had mild to moderate reactions in the past, you would likely need to take medication prior to the CT scan. These plans will be discussed with you in detail when you schedule your exam.
-
You may be required to fast prior to your examination. This will be discussed with you upon booking your appointment. If you are unsure, please chat with our Reception team.
-
Please let us know if you are diabetic.
-
All patients can take their prescribed medications as usual. Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.
Ultrasound Preparation
An ultrasound scan is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from the inside of your body. Ultrasound does not have any known risks, side effects or complications and is considered very safe.
Most people associate ultrasound scans with pregnancy. However, the test has many other uses including investigating muscles, joints, the abdominal organs, heart and blood vessels. It is also used to guide therapeutic treatments such as cortisone injections.
At The Radiology Clinic ultrasound scans are performed by Accredited Medical Sonographers with the results being reported by our Radiologist and delivered to your referring doctor.
Your scan time will vary depending on the complexity of the requested examination. Most simple ultrasound scans take approximately 15-20 minutes, however more time is required for complex studies such as certain obstetric or vascular scans.
We advise arriving 10 minutes before your appointment time, as some preliminary paperwork may need to be completed.
Please note, only one adult (and no children) may accompany the person having the scan.
Some Ultrasounds require fasting or a full bladder.
For specific instruction, select from the exam list provided or give our Reception team a call on 07 5391 0366.
-
Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to the scan.
Over the following 30 minutes, drink one litre of water and hold.
A full bladder is required for this scan.
-
6 weeks to 20 weeks
Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to the scan.
Over the following 30 minutes, drink 500ml of water.
Hold bladder for the scan.
After 20 weeks
Start drinking 300ml of water, 90 minutes prior to the scan.
Try not to empty your bladder after that.
-
No preparation.
-
Do not eat or drink for 8 hours prior to appointment.
You may have small sips of water only.
-
Please empty your bladder 90 minutes prior to the scan.
Over the following 30 minutes, drink one litre of water and hold.
A full bladder is required for this scan.
-
No preparation.
-
Do not eat or drink for 8 hours prior to the appointment.
You may have small sips of water only.
-
No preparation.
MRI (3T) Preparation
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a non-invasive, advanced test that creates detailed images of bodily structures using a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves. MRI produces 3D images that can be viewed from several angles, ensuring accurate and advanced diagnosis.
MRI is most used to detect joint issues, spinal cord or disc issues, bone infections, tumours or irregularities in the internal organs and brain injury or stroke. Sometimes, the use of Gadolinium dye may be required to enhance the images.
As MRI relies on a magnetic field, the presence of metal in or around your body can be a safety hazard, or can reduce image quality. Unless the metal/device you have is MRI safe, you may not be an eligible candidate for this test. Some examples include:
Pacemakers, loop recorders or defibrillators
Implanted drug infusion pumps
Implanted nerve stimulators
Cochlear Implants
Shrapnel or bullet fragments
Metal pins, screws, plates or surgical staples
If you have any of the listed conditions and you have been referred for an MRI, please let us know so we can determine whether it is safe to proceed.
Please ensure you let us know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before your appointment.
-
No fasting is required.
Please arrive 15 mins prior to your appointment to complete your MRI safety questionnaire.
Please remove all jewellery before your appointment, if possible, leave at home for safe keeping.
-
No fasting is required.
Please arrive 15 mins prior to your appointment to complete your MRI safety questionnaire.
Please remove all jewellery before your appointment, if possible, leave at home for safe keeping.
-
No fasting is required.
Please arrive 15 mins prior to your appointment to complete your MRI safety questionnaire.
Please remove all jewellery before your appointment, if possible, leave at home for safe keeping.
-
Fasting is required for 8 hours before your examination.
Gadolinium dye may be required. This will be discussed with you before your examination.
Please arrive 15 mins prior to your appointment to complete your MRI safety questionnaire.
Please remove all jewellery before your appointment, if possible, leave at home for safe keeping.