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ULTRASOUND
Is Ultrasound painful?
Ultrasound is a painless examination.
Can Ultrasound be harmful?
The American Institute of Ultrasound states that "...no confirmed biological effects on patients. caused by exposures and intensities typical of present diagnostic ultrasound instruments have been reported". Despite the use of ultrasound for several decades, no known harmful effects have been documented.
Why is a fast required for an abdominal scan?
A fast is required firstly to reduce bowel gas in the abdomen and secondly to distend the gall bladder which facilitates a more accurate assessment of gall bladder abnormalities. Ultrasound waves cannot pass through gas filled loops of bowel and therefore minimizing gas is important.
Why did I need to attend on two separate occasions?
The preparation required for an ultrasound varies from region to region. If your doctor has requested scans of two or more regions, it may be necessary to attend at separate times. Long procedures such as the assessment of the arteries of both legs are often performed in two sessions on different days.
This is often more acceptable for the patient and is less fatiguing for the ultrasonographer.
Why is a full bladder required for a pelvic scan?
A full bladder acts as a window through which clearer pictures of the pelvic structures such as the uterus, ovaries and prostate can be visualized. In addition, the bladder walls can only be assessed when the bladder is distended.
Why is gel applied during the scan?
Gel acts as a coupling medium allowing efficient transfer of the ultrasound from the probe into the body.
Will the gel stain my clothes?
The gel is colorless and water-soluble and will not stain your clothing.
Will I get any pictures of the baby and can I have a videotape of my obstetric scan? ?
A full series of images demonstrating all parts of the baby including the face will be provided.
GDXL has a policy of not providing videotapes of obstetric examinations.
Who performs the scan?
An ultrasonographer specifically trained in ultrasound usually performs the scan. At GDXL, the ultrasonographer must have completed a training programme in ultrasound or are undertaking such a programme, radiologist, a medically trained doctor who has specialized in radiology, may also perform part or all of the scan particularly if there is a requirement to clarify a finding.
How long does ultrasound take?
The time required depends on the particular examination. Most scans take around half an hour. Vascular examinations and echocardiograms take up to an hour or more.
X-RAY WITH CONTRAST
Is the contrast safe?
At GDXL, we use only non-ionic contrast, which is the safest product available. A sensation of heat, a metallic taste or smell or a sensation in the bladder may be experienced for less than a minute after the injection. Nausea and vomiting are uncommon with non-ionic contrast. There is a small possibility of an allergic reaction. Patients with a history of allergies or asthma may be given a short course of prednisone before contrast is administered. If a reaction occurs, emergency medications are available at GDXL where contrast is used.
Is breast-feeding safe after an injection of I.V. contrast?
There are no known harmful effects of I.V. Contrast in breast milk however as a precaution it is preferable to refrain from breast-feeding for 24 hours.
Formula or expressed milk can be given to your baby during this period.
Why is oral contrast used?
Scans of the abdomen and pelvis are easier to interpret if there is dilute barium in the bowel.
How is the barium or I.V. Contrast eliminated from the body?
The I.V. Contrast is filtered unchanged by the kidneys with most of the administered dose appearing in the urine within a few hours. Orally administered barium passes through the intestine and is not absorbed.
Are X-rays harmful?
X-Rays are high-energy ionizing radiation and as such can alter chemical structure. In diagnostic imaging, the radiation dose is small and confined to the region of interest. The small risk associated with the procedure is outweighed by the benefit of the results from the test.
Why did I have to wait for my X-Ray?
Not all patients having a general X-Ray examination have appointments. Often, a referring doctor sends a patient straight to X-Ray for an urgent examination particularly in trauma cases. It is therefore not possible to predict how busy an X-Ray practice will be from moment to moment. Scheduled patients are given preference over 'walk in' patients in non-urgent cases. It should also be noted that other patients in the waiting room may be having some other type of investigation using different equipment and different rooms. The availability of rooms varies sometimes unpredictably. It is therefore possible that you will be waiting longer than other patients in the waiting room will.
Can I wear jewelry?
Watches and jewelry may have to be removed if they are in the region of interest as they show up on X-Ray film.
Why were additional films required?
The radiologist may request additional views to clarify the examination. Extra films are also required if there has been a technical problem such as positioning, movement, or exposure, (Additional films may require an additional cost.)
Are other people allowed in the X-Ray room?
An escort is allowed in the room for examinations on children less than 16 years. A lead coat will be provided in this circumstance to the escort.
Why is a gown required?
Artifacts are caused by metal in clothing e.g. zips, belt buckles, studs and clips on bras, obscuring information.
Why do I have to keep still and hold my breath?
Movement including breathing causes blurring of the images. For a chest X-Ray, more information is obtained if the X-Ray is obtained during inspiration.
What is X-ray contrast and how is the I.V. Contrast eliminated from the body?
I.V. Contrast is injected into the blood stream during an IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram) to outline the kidneys. I.V. Contrast contains iodine and is colorless. It is sometimes referred to as "dye" but contrast is a more appropriate term. I.V. Contrast is filtered unchanged by the kidneys with most of the administered dose appearing in the urine within a few hours.
Is breast-feeding safe after an injection of I.V. Contrast?
There are no known harmful effects of I.V. Contrast in breast milk however as a precaution it is preferable to refrain from breast-feeding for 24 hours. Formula or expressed milk can be given to your baby during this period.
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