Patient Preparation

What is Ultrasound?

High-frequency soundwaves are referred to as ultrasound. These sound waves are used in ultrasound tests to produce a picture or image on a screen that shows the inside of your body.

A qualified health practitioner( Sonographer/ Radiologist) at Perth Medical Imaging performs an ultrasound by moving a smooth, hand-held device called a transducer across the body in a sliding and rotating motion. The high-frequency sound waves are sent into your body by the transducer. Different sound waves are reflected in different ways by different soft tissue, structures, or regions of the body. These sound waves are transformed into electrical impulses, which are projected on a screen as a moving image.

There are numerous advantages to using an ultrasound. It is painless and does not use radiation, making it extremely safe. Unless your doctor specifically requests it, there will be no injections. The high-frequency sound waves ensure that photographs have a lot of detail and can see the tiniest components of the body. Ultrasound is ideal for imaging newborns and youngsters since it may be done while they are moving.

You will be supervised by a health professional, and you will have the opportunity to express any concerns you may have.

Ultrasound Preparation:

Preparation of Ultrasound will depend on the type of ultrasound you required. Some of the most common exams are listed below, along with the preparation requirements. Because preparation details may differ significantly amongst ultrasound providers, it is recommended that you contact us if you have any concerns. 

Abdominal ultrasound: Fasting for 6 hours. No smoking/chewing gum. Regular medications can be taken with a small amount of water. Please let us know if you are a diabetic while making your booking.

Pelvic/ Renal ultrasound: Drink 3-4 glasses of water 1 hour prior to your examination. Do not empty your bladder until after your ultrasound.

Obstetric ultrasound – 1st trimester, 2nd trimester, Nuchal translucency scan: Drink 3-4 glasses of water 1 hour prior to your examination. Do not empty your bladder until after your ultrasound.

Small parts – Thyroid, Breast, Testes: No preparation required.

Musculoskeletal Ultrasound: No preparation required.

Vascular – DVT, Carotid arteries, Leg arteries, Renal arteries, Chronic venous insufficiency ultrasound: No preparation required.

What is X-ray?

To visualise the chest, airways, spine, and bones, digital X-rays are widely employed. This is a type of X-ray imaging that uses digital X-ray sensors. Time efficiency and the ability to digitally transfer photographs are two advantages.

Perth Medical Imaging does not require an appointment for an X-ray. Simply bring your referral to your local provider. Perth Medical Imaging prefers that all patients call the practice before arriving for initial screening during Covid lockout times.

PREPARING FOR AN X-RAY 

  • To your appointment, please bring your referral (note from your doctor) as well as your Medicare and/or Pension Health Care card. All previous photographs and reports pertaining to the region being photographed should be brought with you.
  • There is no need to make an appointment. You may not need to change into a gown if you wear light, comfortable clothing with no buttons, metal zips, buckles, or hooks surrounding the area being x-rayed.
  • X-rays do not require any preparation.
  • It is important that you tell your own doctor and staff at PMI, if there is any chance you might be pregnant. This is important information, as it will make a difference in the way the X-ray is carried out or a different test altogether might be required.
 

FAQ -

An ultrasound takes approx 15-60 minutes depending on the complexity.

Yes. Eating before your obstetric /gynaecological ultrasound is permitted.
You are required to have a full bladder. It is necessary to drink 600-800ml of water two hours prior to the scan and do not go to the toilet before the scan.

It's possible that you'll be requested to change into a gown. A little plastic probe is dragged over the skin above the area being inspected after a transparent jelly is applied to the skin. Throughout the exam, many photos are taken.

During the scan, the sonographer will normally ask you questions about your medical history and the reason for the evaluation so that the best examination for your problem may be performed.

Getting the greatest photos can be difficult, and it takes a lot of effort and concentration on the part of the sonographer. During a female pelvic ultrasound, an interior examination may be performed with consent.

The radiologist may need to examine you or scan you in order to confirm some findings.

It is the radiographer’s duty to perform the test and ensure the images are of high quality for the radiologist (specialist) to interpret them.

From 15-45 minutes depending on the region requested.

For an exact description of the technique, it will depend on what area you are having X-rayed. In general, however;

It's possible that you'll be requested to change into a gown. You may be asked to lie on a table, stand, or sit depending on the area being examined.

It is critical that you remain completely still during your X-ray.

Premature babies are particularly vulnerable to the dangers of x-rays. Before getting your x-ray, please tell your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect you could be.

It is the radiographer’s duty to perform the test and ensure the images are of high quality for the radiologist (specialist) to interpret them.

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