Depending on what your referrer is asking for there will be preparation that varies for the individual scans and will be explained to you in detail when your appointment is booked.
Images acquired will be interpreted by our radiologist (specialist). A final report will be sent to your referrer within 48 hours.
Common Preparation
- It is recommended that you wear loose comfortable clothing.
- You should arrive 10 minutes before the appointment to complete paperwork.
- It is important to bring the referral form, Medicare card, healthcare/pension card and any previous imaging reports related to the specific area being scanned.
- You should notify GMI of any allergies, existing medications you have.
- You should advise GMI if you may be pregnant.
- You should advise GMI prior to the appointment if you’re on blood thinning/anticoagulants.
- You should have someone to drive you home following the procedure.
- You need to wait 10 days between having a vaccination and an image guided injection.
Ultrasound Procedures
Musculoskeletal Injection
When performing guided injections into joints, tendons and bursas, Ultrasound is extremely helpful in heightening accuracy of needle placement which improves the effectiveness of the injection.
- No preparation.
- Injection may involve Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Durolane, or Cortisone steroid.
- The injection may impair the function and mobility of the part being examined. You may require someone to drive you home post procedure.
Fine Needle Aspiration and Core Biopsy
Commonly performed for breast, lymph nodes & other superficial or deep tissue lesions.
- Preparation – Need to cease anticoagulants (blood thinners) for up to 7days prior. Please check with your referring doctor.
Nerve Block
- You will require someone to drive you home post procedure
Arthrogram
- 4 hours fast prior to procedure
- You will require someone to drive you home post procedure
CT Procedures
Facet Injection
A Facet Injection is an anti-inflammatory injection targeted toward a particular joint in the spine. It temporarily shuts down pain signals and is performed after a CT scan to pinpoint the exact location for treatment.
- The doctor will discuss with you the site and nature of the pain as well as address any questions or concerns prior to the procedure.
- You will be placed on your stomach or side.
- Our doctor will identify the injection position and sterilise the skin with antiseptic.
- Our doctor may inject local anaesthetic to numb the area.
- The exact position to locate the area will require imaging guidance.
- Our doctor will then carefully administer the injection after having checked the position of the needle under CT image guidance.
Epidural Injection
An epidural is a therapeutic injection designed to provide relief from pain or inflammation in and around your spinal nerve roots. This is accompanied by a CT Scan to help the technician/radiologist guide the injection exactly to the right location.
- The doctor will discuss with you the site and nature of the pain as well as address any questions or concerns prior to the procedure.
- You will be placed on your stomach or side.
- Our doctor will identify the injection position and sterilise the skin with antiseptic.
- Our doctor may inject local anaesthetic to numb the area.
- The exact position to locate the area will require imaging guidance.
- Our doctor will then carefully administer the injection after having checked the position of the needle under CT image guidance.
- During the injection, you may feel tingling, pins and needles, pressure or a burning sensation, however this discomfort usually goes once the injection is complete.
If you feel sharp pains you should advise the technician/radiologist immediately.