General X-Ray
The results of these tests will be sent to the referring healthcare provider. The patient will be asked to remove any type of jewelry, metal or zippers from the chest area so it does not interfere with the image. The patient will be provided with a gown to wear during the exam.
Chest X-Ray
A chest x-ray looks at the structures of the chest. It allows the radiologist to identify problems with the lungs and evaluate the heart region.
Abdomen X-Ray
An x-ray of the abdomen demonstrates the internal structures of the abdomen. It allows the radiologist to identify abnormal bowel patterns and kidney stones. A single abdominal x-ray may be taken prior to GI (gastrointestinal) imaging to evaluate bowel preparation.
Spinal X-Rays
Spinal x-rays take a look at portions of the spine including the upper regions of the neck (cervical spine), middle back (thoracic spine) and the lower back (lumbar spine, sacrum and/or coccyx).
Skull, Facial Bones, and Sinus X-Rays
Skull, facial bones and sinus x-rays are images that demonstrate regions of the head. They are used to identify problems concerning the structures of the skull, facial bones and sinuses.
Extremity X-Rays
Description - An extremity x-ray looks at the bones in the affected area. The radiologist is able to assess injury of the bones for possible fracture and evaluate the surrounding soft tissue for abnormality. The following exams may be ordered to evaluate portions of the extremities:
Fingers
Hand
Wrist
Radius/ulna
Elbow
Humerus |
Toes
Foot
Ankle
Tibia/fibula (lower leg)
Knee
Femur |
This information is intended for educational purposes only. This should not replace medical advice from your doctor. Please call your doctor if you have any medical questions concerning your health.
Ultra Sound Scan
Ultrasound is a scan used to study internal body structures. It works by sending out high frequency sound waves, directed at the internal body part being examined, and recording the reflected sound or 'echoes' to create an image. The sound waves are emitted from a small, vibrating crystal in a hand-held scanner. The high frequency of the sound means it can't be heard by the human ear. An ultrasound scan doesn't produce high quality images, but it is non-invasive and doesn't involve radiation. It is commonly used to study the abdominal organs, pelvic organs and breast tissue.
Different uses of the ultrasound scan
An ultrasound scan is most commonly used in the following instances:
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Pelvic scan - may be performed if a woman is suffering pain during sex, or has abnormal periods, fibroids, cysts or other conditions associated with the female reproductive system.
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Abdominal scan - may be used to investigate abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abnormal sounds and lumps. Structures that may be examined include the gallbladder, bile ducts, liver, pancreas, spleen, kidneys and large blood vessels. Structures that contain air (such as the stomach and bowels) can't be examined by this process, because air prevents the transfer of sound waves emitted by the scanner.
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Pregnancy scan - used to check for foetal abnormalities (such as spina bifida), check the age and sex of the foetus, and monitor foetal growth and development. An ultrasound scan during pregnancy may need to be performed every three months (each trimester), according to the doctor's recommendations.
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Other uses of ultrasound scan - bladder and urethral scans (to check for a condition called diverticulum), breast scans (to further investigate an abnormality picked up by physical examination or mammogram) and a scan of the eye (to check its internal structures). A special type of ultrasound scan, called a Doppler ultrasound, is sometimes used to detect the speed and direction of blood flow in certain regions of the body
Medical issues to consider
An ultrasound scan doesn't require any special preparation beforehand. However, you may need to have a full bladder prior to the scan.
Ultrasound procedure
You will be asked to lie down on an examination table or bed. A gel is rubbed on the your skin in order to provide better contact between your body and the scanner, as some of the sound waves used don't pass through air. The technician then places the hand-held scanner on the body surface above the organ or tissue to be studied.
Immediately after the ultrasound
An ultrasound scan usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. After the procedure, you will be given paper towels (or something similar) to wipe off the gel. You can then get dressed. The results of the ultrasound scan are usually sent to your doctor, so you will have to make an appointment with them.
Taking care of yourself at home
The ultrasound scan is a safe, non-invasive procedure that doesn't pose any known risks, side effects or complications. The scan itself is painless, drug-free and non-invasive, so there is no 'recovery time' needed. You can go about your normal business as soon as you've finished the scan.
MEDIQ X-RAY
