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MRI

MRI is a procedure used to obtain very detailed images of the internal organs & structures of the body.

CT

CT is a non-invasive procedure, used to take cross-sectional images of internal organs, bones & soft tissues.

Screening

Screening or fluoroscopy uses radio-opaque contrast agents and dynamic imaging techniques

Mammography

A mammogram is a special kind of x-ray that uses low-dose radiation to produce images of the breasts.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves instead of radiation to produce images of internal tissues and organs.

Bone Densitometry

Bone densitometry is a form of radiography that is used to measure the extent of bone loss.

General X-Rays

General x-rays are the oldest and most commonly used form of diagnostic imaging. Non-invasive & painless.

PACS/RIS

PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System)
RIS (Radiological Information System)

MRI

MRI is a procedure used to obtain very detailed images of the internal organs & structures of the body.

CT

CT is a non-invasive procedure, used to take cross-sectional images of internal organs, bones & soft tissues.

Screening

Screening or fluoroscopy uses radio-opaque contrast agents and dynamic imaging techniques

Mammography

A mammogram is a special kind of x-ray that uses low-dose radiation to produce images of the breasts.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves instead of radiation to produce images of internal tissues and organs.

Bone Densitometry

Bone densitometry is a form of radiography that is used to measure the extent of bone loss.

General X-Rays

General x-rays are the oldest and most commonly used form of diagnostic imaging. Non-invasive & painless.

PACS/RIS

PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System)
RIS (Radiological Information System)

MRI

MRI (MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING)

MRI, MR or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a procedure used to obtain very detailed images of the internal organs and structures of the body. MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce images on a computer using specialised software. As these images show more detail and are usually clearer than other forms of imaging, doctors can use them to identify problems and diseases that may not otherwise be detected. These conditions include tumours and diseases of the internal organs such as the brain, heart and liver. MRI is a non-invasive procedure; however certain drugs may be prescribed (Either orally or intravenously) in order to enhance imaging.

  • East Coast Radiology Mthatha
  • Life Beacon Bay

(Note: Prior booking is necessary)

At Home:

  • Reserve at least 2 hours for the procedure.
  • Follow your normal routine. Eat normally and take any prescription medication as usual unless instructed otherwise by your doctor or the x-ray department. Only certain procedures require special preparation in this regard.
  • When you make your booking, please inform our staff of any allergies you may have or if you are in any stage of renal failure.

 

At The X-Ray Department:

  • Please inform the radiographer if:
    • you know whether you have any metallic implants or prostheses such as a cardiac pacemaker, artificial heart valves, cerebral aneurism clip, neurostimulator, etc. Please inform the radiographer if you have had any previous surgeries. Certain models of implants and prostheses may be affected by the magnetic field.
    • you are or have been a metal worker or if you have had any injuries (especially to your eyes) caused by metal or metal fragments.
    • you are or may be pregnant.
  • Please remove any personal items before the procedure. These items include; jewellery, watches, cell phones, metal belts, wallets, spectacles, etc. Dentures and hearing aids also need to be removed. These items may interfere with the operation of the MRI or even be damaged during the procedure (credit cards, magnetic tags, etc.)
  • The radiographer will ask you to fill out an information form before the procedure. Please make sure that the details given are accurate.
  • An intravenous sedative may be given in some cases to ensure patient comfort and procedure success. If this is necessary, you will not be able to drive after the procedure.
  • An enhancing agent called a contrast may be required in some cases. This agent will be administered intravenously.
  • If any of these forms of medication are needed, you will be required to sign a consent form.

 

The Procedure:

  • You will be helped onto a padded examination table and positioned correctly for the scan.
  • The table will travel into the MR machine, which is a circular, tunnel shaped apparatus that is open at both ends.
  • You will be able to communicate with the radiographer throughout the procedure. Please follow the instructions and ask questions if you are unsure of anything.
  • It is vitally important to remain absolutely still throughout the procedure. Failure to do so will result in poor image quality and the procedure may need to be repeated.
  • During the procedure, you will hear loud humming and/or thumping sounds – do not be alarmed, this is quite normal. Ear plugs are available and music will be played to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible.

 

After The Procedure:

  • You may resume normal activity after the procedure. There are no side effects (Except when sedation was needed).
  • Results will be available to your referring doctor on our PACS system and these will be discussed with you during your next consultation.

CT

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

CT (Computed Tomography), also known as CAT (Computed Axial Tomography), is a fast, non-invasive procedure that is used to take cross-sectional images of the internal organs, bones and soft tissues of the body. These images can then be used to create detailed 3-D models using a computer. The images are often used to detect various forms of cancer as tumours can be clearly seen and even measured.

  • Life St. Dominic’s
  • East Coast Radiology Mthatha
  • Life Beacon Bay
  • East London Private Hospital

(Note: Prior booking is necessary)

At Home:

  • You will be notified during booking of requirements with regard to eating and drinking. You may be required not to eat or drink for a few hours before your procedure. This is necessary if you need to take a contrast agent to enhance the image clarity. This contrast may need to be taken orally or it may be intravenous. Please inform the staff if you have any allergies (especially to iodine) as special medication may be needed to reduce the risk of complications due to allergic reaction.
  • When you make your booking, please inform the staff if you are in any stage of renal failure.

 

At The X-Ray Department:

  • Please inform the radiographer if:
    • You have had any recent illnesses or other medical conditions and if you have a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid problems.
    • you are or may be pregnant.
  • Please remove any personal items before the procedure. These items include; jewellery, watches, cell phones, metal belts, wallets, spectacles, etc. Dentures and hearing aids also need to be removed.
  • As mentioned above, an enhancing agent called a contrast may be required in some cases. This may lead to a delay in the procedure as the contrast may need to be taken over the course of a period of time prior to the procedure being started.
  • If any of these forms of medication are needed, you will be required to sign a consent form.

 

The Procedure:

  • You will be helped onto a narrow, padded examination table and positioned correctly for the scan.
  • The table will travel into the CT machine, which is an apparatus with a tunnel or hole through it that is open at both ends.
  • The machine will position the table so that the images of the correct part of the body can be taken. The table may therefore move back and forth through the CT.
  • The radiographer may ask you to hold your breath at times during the procedure.
  • Once the procedure is completed, the radiographer may ask you to wait while he/she checks the quality of the images. Another pass through the machine may be necessary if the image quality is not sufficient.

 

After The Procedure:

  • You may resume normal activity after the procedure. There are no side effects of the CT procedure.
  • Results will be available to your referring doctor on our PACS system and these will be discussed with you during your next consultation.

Screening

FLUOROSCOPY

Screening or fluoroscopy is a form of radiography that uses radio-opaque contrast agents and dynamic imaging techniques to assess the functioning of processes such as peristalsis or blood flow in real-time. Contrast agents may be swallowed, injected or administered by enema depending on the procedure.

  • Life St. Dominic’s
  • East Coast Radiology Mthatha
  • Life Beacon Bay

(Note: Prior booking is necessary)

At Home:

  • Preparation is procedure specific. You will be given instructions upon making your booking.
  • When you make your booking, please inform our staff of any allergies you may have or if you are in any stage of renal failure. (This is important if you need to be given intravenous iodine contrast agent.)

 

At The X-Ray Department:

  • Please inform the radiographer if you are or may be pregnant.
  • You may be required to take the contrast agent. This may require a waiting period depending on the procedure.
  • If an intravenous or intra-arterial contrast is given, you will be required to sign a consent form.

 

The Procedure:

  • The radiographer or radiologist will give instructions to guide you through the procedure.

 

After The Procedure:

  • You may resume normal activity after the procedure. Procedure specific instructions will be given to you afterwards if necessary.
  • Results will be available to your referring doctor on our PACS system and these will be discussed with you during your next consultation.

Mammography

Mammography

A mammogram is a special kind of x-ray that uses low-dose radiation to produce images of the breasts. These images can be used for early detection of breast cancer or other diseases and conditions of the breasts. East Coast Radiology has specialised mammographers (radiographers who specialise in mammography) who are trained to ensure that our patients are as comfortable as possible during the procedure.

  • Life St. Dominic’s
  • Life Beacon Bay

(Note: Prior booking is necessary)

At Your Referring Doctor’s Office:

  • Discuss any changes, issues or symptoms you have noted with your referring doctor prior to coming in for the exam.

 

At Home:

  • You should not put any deodorant, powder or lotion on your breasts and surrounding areas on the day of your exam.
  • It is best to try to make your appointment for the week after your menstrual period has ended and not the week before as your breasts may be more tender during that time.

 

At the X-Ray Department:

  • Please inform the mammographer if:
    • you have noted any changes, issues or symptoms in your breasts.
    • you are or may be pregnant.
  • Please remove jewellery and other personal items before the procedure.
  • You will be asked to remove your clothing from your waist up. You will wear a gown during the procedure.

  

The Procedure:

  • The mammographer will guide you through the procedure.
  • The breast needs to be compressed slightly in order to achieve the desired images for assessment. Some patients may experience minor discomfort.
  • In some cases, an ultrasound will be requested by the radiologist for further assessment.

 

After The Procedure:

  • You may resume normal activity after the procedure. There are no side effects of the procedure.

 

Results will be available to your referring doctor on our PACS system and these will be discussed with you during your next consultation.

Ultrasound

Sonography

Ultrasound (sonography) uses sound waves instead of radiation to produce images of internal tissues and organs. A probe is placed directly on the skin during the procedure. Ultrasound has no known negative effects and is painless. It is the type of scan used to monitor the development of an unborn child during pregnancy. It can also be used to determine the possible cause of inflammation, pain and swelling of internal tissues. The procedure is performed by an ultrasonographer or a radiologist.

  • Life St. Dominic’s
  • East Coast Radiology Mthatha
  • Life Beacon Bay

(Note: Prior booking is necessary)

No special preparation necessary (unless advised by your doctor).

 

At Home:

  • In some cases, you may be asked not to eat or drink for a number of hours before the procedure.

 

At the X-Ray Department:

  • No special preparation necessary. In certain cases, you may be asked to drink additional water to fill your bladder.

 

The Procedure:

  • The ultrasonographer or radiologist will give instructions to guide you through the procedure.

 

After The Procedure:

  • You may resume normal activity after the procedure. There are no side effects of the procedure.
  • Results will be available to your referring doctor and these will be discussed with you during your next consultation.

BONE DENSITOMETRY

dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry

Bone densitometry or DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) is a specialised form of radiography that is used to measure the extent of bone loss. The procedure is most commonly performed on the hips and lower spine and used to diagnose osteoporosis.

  • Life St. Dominic’s

(Note: Prior booking is necessary)

No special preparation necessary.

At the X-Ray Department:

  • Please inform the radiographer if:
    • you are or may be pregnant.
    • you have had another procedure recently that required a contrast agent.

The Procedure:

  • The radiographer will give instructions to guide you through the procedure.

After The Procedure:

  • You may resume normal activity after the procedure. There are no side effects of the procedure.
  • Results will be available to your referring doctor and these will be discussed with you during your next consultation.

General x-rays

General x-rays

General x-rays are the oldest and most commonly used form of diagnostic imaging. They are non-invasive, painless procedures that can help to diagnose irregularities and diseases of the bones, internal organs and soft tissue. A small amount of radiation is used to produce images of these internal organs and tissues which can then be assessed by a radiologist.

  • Life St. Dominic’s
  • East Coast Radiology Mthatha
  • Life Beacon Bay
  • East London Private Hospital
  • East Coast Radiology Medicross East London
  • East Coast Radiology King William’s Town

No special preparation necessary (unless advised by your doctor).

 

At the X-Ray Department:

  • Please inform the radiographer if:
    • you are or may be pregnant.
  • No special preparation necessary. The radiographer will guide you through the procedure.

 

The Procedure:

  • The radiographer will give instructions to guide you through the procedure.

 

After The Procedure:

  • You may resume normal activity after the procedure. There are no side effects of the procedure.
  • Results will be available to your referring doctor on our PACS system and these will be discussed with you during your next consultation.

PACS / RIS

A PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is a system used by radiology practices and hospitals to store, manage and view the digital images created during the various studies.  A PACS also makes the distribution of images and reports more efficient as this occurs digitally, without requiring vast amounts of paper and film. Referring clinicians can view reports and images almost instantly once studies have been completed by the radiologists.

 

A RIS (Radiological Information System) aids with managing patient details, workflow and report distribution. This system works together with the PACS to improve efficiency and reduce waste by creating a near paperless workflow. Reports are delivered directly to referring clinicians by email.

 

This increase in efficiency most importantly has advantages for patients as it reduces their waiting time in the practice as they no longer have to wait for results once their examination has been completed. Results are sent directly to referring doctors electronically.

 

East Coast Radiology is the first practice in Africa to be using the Fuji Synapse 5 PACS. It is a state of the art system that utilizes the latest medical imaging technology to make images available to referring clinicians online without having to download large files. The user interface is very user-friendly, while allowing scope for advanced features and image manipulation.

 

Patient confidentiality is vital and the Synapse 5 PACS has military grade security features which are also backed up by extra security precautions on the East Coast Radiology network. Only referring clinicians may access images and reports from studies.

 

User guides for referring clinicians can be found on our Downloads and Forms page.

 

UPDATE:

As of 17 September 2018, we are no longer printing images or reports for general x-rays or routine mammograms. Results will be sent electronically to referring clinicians. 

 

Any queries regarding the PACS can be directed to logit@eastcoastradiology.co.za or alternatively you can call 043 722 2453 ext. 256 (IT) or ext. 220 (Support Services)