An X-ray is a high frequency, high energy wave form. It cannot be seen with the naked eye, but can be picked up on photographic film. Although you may think of an X-ray as a picture of bones, a trained observer can also see air spaces, like the lungs (which look black) and fluid (which looks white, but not as white as bones).

What to expect?

You will have all metal objects removed from your body. You will be asked to remain still in a specific position and hold your breath on command. There are staff present, but they will not necessarily remain in the room, but will speak with you via an intercom system and will be viewing the procedure constantly through a windowed control room.

The examination time will vary depending on the type of procedure required, but as a rule it will take around 30 minutes.

In ultrasound, a beam of sound at a very high frequency (that cannot be heard) is sent into the body from a small vibrating crystal in a hand-held scanner head. When the beam meets a surface between tissues of different density, echoes of the sound beam are sent back into the scanner head. The time between sending the sound and receiving the echo back is fed into a computer, which in turn creates an image that is projected on a television screen. Ultrasound is a very safe type of imaging; this is why it is so widely used during pregnancy.

What to expect?

After lying down, the area to be examined will be exposed. Generally a contact gel will be used between the scanner head and skin. The scanner head is then pressed against your skin and moved around and over the area to be examined. At the same time the internal images will appear onto a screen.

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning, is a method of obtaining pictures from inside the human body through the use of high frequency sound waves. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialised use of this technique to produce a picture of your unborn baby while it is inside your uterus (womb).

The sound waves are emitted from a hand-held nozzle, which is placed on your stomach, and reflection of these sound waves is displayed as a picture of the moving foetus (unborn baby) on a monitor screen.

No x-rays are involved in ultrasound imaging. Measurements of the image of the foetus help in the assessment of its size and growth as well as confirming the due date of delivery.

Service types: X-ray.

Lux Radiology captures all X-Ray imaging using modern digital technology.

This allows your doctor to have immediate and direct access to your high-resolution scan images on their computer, and ensures that your data is safe long-term for future comparisons.

Lux Radiology uses the PACS system to store images, and make the accessible to your GP or medical specialist.

All images are reported promptly. Any abnormal results are discussed with the referring clinician, and the patient when appropriate.

•     ACC related X-Rays surcharge - $40 per region or part ($20 for additional views)
•     Non ACC related X-Rays | Private - Please enquire with reception for prices
•     Non Resident ACC related X-Rays surchage - $100 per region or part ($50 for additional views)
•     Non Resident Non ACC related X-Rays - $300 per region or part

Injections

•     USS guided steroid joint injections ACC related with scan of affected joint within the past 4-6 weeks - $155 (30mins)
•     USS guided steroid joint injections ACC related with new scan to affected joint - $205 (40mins)
•     USS guided steroid joint injections Non ACC related* - $555 (40mins)

* Note: A referral from your doctor is required for all steroid injections. Your booking will only be confirmed upon receipt of this. If you are unable to obtain one in time for your desired booking, please book in to see a doctor at our K Rd clinic - Ponsonby Doctors.