RADIOLOGY EXAMS
WHAT TO EXPECT: X-rays may be completed in your room or you may be taken to the radiology department.
The technician will knock before entering, introduce themselves and their licensure, cleanse their hand with gel or at the sink explain the exam and how much time it will require.
They will check your name band and ask you to verify your date of birth. This is a key step for safety.
Your Role: don’t let them proceed with the exam until your name and birthdate have been verified with your name.
After your exam, they will thank you and the exam will be sent to be read by physicians. The technician does not read the film.
ED doctors may initiate treatments based on a preliminary reading, but the official reading by the radiologist may take about an hour.
PLAIN FILMS X-RAY
With plain films x-rays, radiation exposure is limited. For most exams, you would experience similar levels of radiation during a cross country commercial airline flight.
​
Expect: All jewelry, metal and zippers etc must be removed from the examination region, including bras, and pants when those regions are to be imaged.
​
Expect: Anyone of child bearing age should have their groin/abdomen shielded by a lead apron or shield unless that region is the focus of the exam.
​
Expect: a typical x-ray takes 10 minutes from start to finish and the actual radiation exposure last the duration of a standard photograph.
​
Expect: Upon completion of the exam, you will be thanked and escorted to a changing area if necessary or back to the reception area.
COMPUTERIZED AXIAL TOMOGRAPHY, CATSCAN OR CT SCAN
With a CT Scan, radiation exposure is regulated but not insignificant, especially for children or those who may be pregnant. For most CT exams, you would experience similar levels of radiation during ________ cross country commercial airline flight.
​
Your Role: It is important that you discuss prior radiation exposures with the ordering physician so they can help you identify the risks as benefits of the examination.
​
Expect: All jewelry, metal and zippers etc. must be removed from the examination region, including bras, and pants when those regions are to be imaged.
Expect: Anyone of child bearing age should have their groin/abdomen shielded by a lead apron unless that region is the focus of the exam.
​
Expect: Q typical x-ray takes 10 minutes from start to finish and the actual radiation exposure last the duration of a standard photograph.
​
Expect: Upon completion of the exam, you will be thanked and escorted to a changing area if necessary or back to the reception area.
ULTRASOUND
Radiation is not present in an ultrasound.
​
Expect: Clothing must be removed from the examination region and a gown will be used. A blanket should be offered.
​
Expect: Anyone of child bearing age should have their groin/abdomen shielded by a lead apron unless that region is the focus of the exam.
​
Expect: The gel should be warmed prior to application.
​
Expect: A typical ultrasound exam requires 30 minutes from start to finish but the actual time may vary due to the level of detail desired for your exam.
​
Expect: Upon completion of the exam, you will be thanked and escorted to a changing area if necessary or back to the reception area.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING OR MRI
Radiation is not present in MRI but the exam requires your body enters a space smaller than a coat closet for up to an hour without movement.
Your role: discuss your tolerance of small spaces and limited movement with your physician.
​
Expect: It is imperative that all jewelry, metal and zippers etc. must be removed from your body before the examination.
​
Your Role: Discuss all implanted devices such as pace makers, bone screws, dental repairs and implants or implanted chemotherapy seeds with the physician ordering the exam.
Expect: A typical MRI takes about an hour from start to finish. Movement during the exam will extend the duration.
​
Expect: Upon completion of the exam, you will be thanked and escorted to a changing area if necessary or back to the reception area.