Radiology (X-Ray)

Tests offered by the Radiology Department include:

• General X-ray
  An examination that uses small amounts of radiation to show structures inside the body such as the bones and lungs.
• Contrast studies
  Diagnostic tests where a contrast dye such as barium, which shows up on X-ray, is swallowed or given through a tube to help outline structures of the body on X-ray.
• CT Scanning
  A computer system that uses X-rays to take more complex pictures of the internal structures of the body.
• MRI Scanning
  A scan using a magnetic field rather than X-ray to take pictures of the body.
• Nuclear Medicine
  An imaging specialty that uses radionuclides (drugs or medicines that contain small doses of radioactivity) to study the structure and functions of the body.
• Fluoroscopy
  An imaging technique that uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of the body.
• Ultrasound
  A scan that uses sound waves to take pictures of the body.
• Interventional Cardiology
  A specialised X-ray study, performed under general anaesthetic, to find out detailed information about the blood vessels of the heart.
• Protection of the Unborn Child
  In cases where X-rays are used to acquire an image of the abdominal area, we are legally obliged to ask any girls over the age of 14 whether there is any chance they might be pregnant. This is to protect any unborn children from receiving unnecessary exposure to X-rays. This does not apply for MRI or ultrasound examinations.