Medical Imaging

Angiography is a diagnostic test performed to evaluate your blood vessels, usually arteries, and most commonly is used to look at the blood vessels of the brain, chest, abdomen and legs. Angiography is performed by a specialist radiologist and nursing team. Contrast is injected into the blood vessels to be viewed on the x-ray image in real-time. Blockages and narrowing of the blood vessels are easily seen and may sometimes be treated in the same visit. It may also be used to demonstrate leakage or bleeding from a blood vessel, such as in the bowel.

Patient information sheets

Angiogram

Angioplasty

A Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test is the only test that can diagnose osteoporosis before a broken bone occurs. This test helps to estimate the density of your bones and your chance of breaking a bone. It is recommended to have a bone density test of the hip and spine by a DEXA machine to diagnose osteoporosis. DEXA stands for “dual energy x-ray absorptiometry”. A bone density test can help you and your healthcare provider:

• learn if you have weak bones or osteoporosis before you break a bone
• predict your chance of breaking a bone in the future
• see if your bone density is improving, getting worse or staying the same
• find out how well an osteoporotic medication is working
• let you know if you have osteoporosis after you break a bone

Patient information sheets

Bone Densitometry

Computed Tomography (CT) is performed using x-rays and a sophisticated computer that obtains information from many angles to create cross-sectional slices. These slices can be put together to generate detailed images in any plane. CT is an excellent diagnostic tool which is used to detect multiple medical conditions and can also look quickly and accurately at the lungs, internal organs and the bowel. The scanners at Cabrini are among the lowest dose scanners available, with typically 40% less radiation dose than older models.

Patient information sheets

General x-rays are the most common diagnostic imaging test usually performed for assessing injured limbs or examining the chest for possible infection. A picture is taken of the inside of the body by a machine, which emits a small amount of radiation energy. The x-rays cast shadows of soft tissue and bone, these shadows are captured and displayed on a computer screen. General x-ray is a quick, painless procedure and the images can be made available to your referring doctor immediately.

Patient information sheets

General x-ray

OPG

Intervention radiology (IR) is an exciting area of modern medicine delivering precise, targeted treatment for complex diseases and conditions throughout the body. Using minimally invasive image-guided techniques, interventional radiologists provide high quality care with less morbidity and often at a lower cost than many surgical alternatives.

IR is practised across a spectrum, from basic procedures performed by clinical radiologists through to complex vascular, oncological and neurological interventions performed by versatile specialist radiologists with advanced skills in IR and interventional neuroradiology (INR).

Patient information sheets

Mammography is specialised medical imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to see inside the breasts. At Cabrini, we use the latest advances in mammography, including Digital and Breast Tomosynthesis to aid the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.

Digital Mammography is a mammography system in which the x-ray film is replaced by electronics that convert x-rays into mammographic pictures of the breast. These systems are similar to those found in digital cameras and their efficiency enables better pictures with a lower radiation dose. These images of the breast are transferred to a computer for review by the radiologist and for long term storage. The patients’ experience during a digital mammogram is similar to having a conventional film mammogram.

Breast Tomosynthesis, also called three-dimensional (3-D) mammography and Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) is an advanced form of breast imaging where multiple images of the breast from different angles are captured and reconstructed into a three-dimensional image set. It can result in:

• earlier detection of small breast cancers that may be hidden on a conventional mammogram
• greater accuracy in pinpointing the size, shape and location of breast abnormalities
• fewer unnecessary biopsies or additional tests
• greater likelihood of detecting multiple breast tumours
• clearer images of abnormalities within dense breast tissue

Contrast Enhanced Mammography is a breast imaging technique which combines 3D tomosynthesis digital mammography with an intravenous contrast agent. It is usually requested by a referring doctor to gain information about a current symptom or as a follow up test to monitor a previous condition. Contrast-Enhanced Mammography shows new or unusual blood flow patterns that develop when cancers grow. These highlighted areas make it easier to identify cancers earlier.

Patient information sheets

Contrast Enhanced Mammography

Mammography

Pre-stereotactic core biopsy – Patient preparation instructions

Post-stereotactic core biopsy – Patient preparation instructions

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an examination that can produce very detailed images of your body without the use of radiation. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to visualise your internal organs and soft tissues such as the brain, spinal cord, blood vessels, muscles, cartilage and skin. MRI uses a very powerful magnet; therefore it may be necessary check any surgical implants to determine if it is safe for you to have a scan. This includes pacemakers, aneurysm clips, stapes (ear) implants or other metallic foreign bodies. You are welcome to bring your iPod, mp3 player or iPhone as we are able to play music for the majority of our examinations.

Patient information sheets

The Nuclear Medicine department provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic and therapeutic Nuclear Medicine procedures. The department utilises two SPECT-CT Gamma Cameras, ensuring your patient has access to the highest quality state-of-the-art technology that optimises clinical diagnosis, patient outcomes and the lowest possible dose of radiation use.

Same day results are available for the majority of studies. Reports and images can be accessed online via InteleViewer (PACS).

Nuclear Medicine FAQs

Nuclear Medicine Referrer Guide (published by AANMS)

Contact

T: (03) 9508 7436
F: (03) 9508 1308
E: nuclearmedicine@cabrini.com.au

Specialist expertise on-site

All of our reporting consultants are dual-accredited, providing a wide range of clinical expertise. To enhance your patients’ diagnostic outcome, we can offer bookings on the days that the relevant Cardiac and Endocrinology subspecialist consultants are on-site.

Patient information sheets

PET/CT imaging is used extensively in oncology to direct biopsy, stage disease extent and monitor response to therapy. It is increasingly being used in the diagnosis of dementia, infection imaging and in cardiology.

PET/CT is able to provide doctors with a metabolic map of a specific anatomical site which then enables pathologies to be differentiated. The Cabrini PET/CT unit enables pinpoint accuracy using the lowest dose of tracer possible.

Contact

T: (03) 9508 7419
F: (03) 9508 1308
E: nuclearmedicine@cabrini.com.au

Patient information sheets

PET appointment preparation instructions

PET Scanning 

Fluoroscopy is a diagnostic test that uses real-time x-ray images and is most commonly used to asses https:// s the function of a particular body part. Fluoroscopy is routinely used to look at swallowing (Barium Meal), the bowel and bladder and is also an excellent tool for the radiologist when performing procedures such as lumbar punctures.

Patient information sheets

Ultrasound uses a sound wave with a frequency much higher than human hearing. Diagnostic Ultrasound, or Sonography, is similar in principle to sonar in a submarine whereby images are formed by detecting reflected sound waves or echoes. Most people are familiar with ultrasound examinations as they are routinely used during pregnancy. Gel is placed on the relevant body part and a small hand held ultrasound probe or transducer is applied. The transducer emits a high frequency sound wave, which then passes into the body. Some sound is reflected back to the transducer and this reflection is reconstructed as an image on a monitor. Ultrasound is used to image many soft tissue structures in the body including blood vessels, muscles and internal organs.

Patient Information Sheets