X-ray
Gympie Radiology provides the full range of diagnostic x-ray services for paediatric and adult patients.
X-ray or radiography is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. An X-ray examination involves exposing a part of the body to a small amount of radiation passing through the area of interest. When x-rays pass through the body they are absorbed in varying amounts by different tissues to produce an image for the radiologist to interpret.
Gympie Radiology has installed GE’s newest Discovery DR system. This has been shown to minimise dose and increase sensitivity, without reduced specificity. Dual energy subtraction also enables soft tissues or bones to be subtracted from an image to further highlight subtle pathology.
Preparing for your examination
Please be aware that all plain X-rays do not require an appointment. You will be seen on a walk in basis. However if your referral request an x-ray in conjunction with another modality an appointment may have to be made.
What to bring
- A referral from your GP or specialist
- Medicare card
- Pension/concession card
- Previous films from other clinics where you have had an X-ray or other examination on that area, for comparison
Usually no advance preparation is required for most X-rays. Eat normally and take medication as usual.
Please tell us if you are pregnant as direct X-rays to your unborn baby should be avoided.
Reasons for an X-ray
X-rays are useful to examine fractures, bone growth, arthritis, foreign bodies etc.
What to expect
Depending on the body part being examined, you may be asked to change into a gown before your examination.
All metal objects which are in the field of interest could show up on the images and overlap important findings. For this reason, removal of these items is preferable. You will be asked to remove:
- Jewellery
- Bras
- Zippers
- Buttons
- Body piercings
- Glasses
- Dentures
- Hearing aids
Our equipment utilises the latest radiation reduction techniques and the risks at these exposure levels are thought to be very small and outweighed by the information obtained by performing the scan.
When can you get your results?
The images obtained are digitally recorded. At Gympie Radiology our highly trained and qualified Radiologists interpret the images and provides a report for your doctor and/or referring health care provider within 24 hours, although usually with a couple of hours depending on the complexity of the scan.
You will be able to take your images on the day or collect them at a time that is convenient for you. You may need to make a follow up appointment to discuss the results with your referring practitioner.
We invite you to ask any additional questions you may have before or after your examination.