X-ray services are available at both Rotorua and Taupō Hospitals. An X-ray is a quick and simple imaging test that helps doctors see inside your body. It is most commonly used to look at bones, but it can also show other areas such as your lungs and soft tissues. Different parts of the body appear differently on an X-ray: Bones show up as white Air spaces (like your lungs) appear black Fluids and soft tissues appear in shades of grey What to Expect During your X-ray: You may be asked to remove any metal objects (such as jewellery, glasses, or belts), as these can affect the image. You may be asked to change into a gown. A radiographer will help position you correctly for the scan. You will need to keep very still, and at times may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds To take the image, the radiographer may step into a nearby control area. This is completely normal: They can see you at all times through a window. They can speak with you and hear you at all times. How Long Will It Take? Most X-ray examinations are quick and straightforward, and usually take around 15–30 minutes, depending on the type of X-ray you need. X-rays use a very small amount of radiation and are considered safe. If you have any concerns or think you may be pregnant, please let the staff know before your examination.

CT Scans are available at Rotorua and Taupo Hospitals A CT scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images of your body. It provides more detail than a standard X-ray and shows bones organs and blood vessels. What to Expect On Arrival: On arrival you will be greeted by a staff member who will explain your scan. For some scans you may be given contrast (either as a drink or an injection) to help show certain parts of your body more clearly. Staff will explain this if needed and complete a questionnaire, to ensure you understand. CT contrast highlights all your organs, vessels and body parts and assists the doctors reporting your images to make a diagnosis. During your CT scan: You will lie on a bed that moves slowly through a large, doughnut-shaped scanner. The scan is painless and usually very quick. You will need to keep still, and may be asked to hold your breath briefly. Staff and family members will not be allowed to remain in the CT scanning room, for safe practice. How Long Will It Take? Appointment times vary, on average please allow 30 minutes for your CT scan. Appointment times may be delayed as we also scan Emergency and inpatients on our CT scanners. If you have any concerns or think you may be pregnant, please let the staff know before your examination.

MRI scans are available at Rotorua Hospital. MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves to create very detailed images of your body, especially soft tissue like muscles joints and organs. it does not use X-rays. What to Expect Before your scan: Anyone entering the magnet room must be safety checked. You will be asked to fill in a safety questionnaire. This will include questions about your medical history and any previous surgery. If you have any surgical implants, please bring any information you have been given about the implant(s). You will be asked to remove any jewellery, money, keys, wallets, pens, mobile phones and any other items which contain metal. You may prefer to leave these items at home. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. Once you have undergone the safety check you will be taken into the magnet room and positioned on the MRI scanners bed. When the MRI scan is being undertaken it is noisy. You will be given headphones to wear with an intercom system. You will be given a "squeeze" ball to use if you wish to be removed from the scanner. It is important that you hold completely still while the MRI images are being taken. You may be requested to follow some breathing instructions. How long will the scan take? The scan time depends on which part of the body is being scanned. Generally, most body parts take 30mins to be scanned. Please allow 90 minutes with us for your appointment including instructions, safety questionnaire and scan time. Some examinations may require you to have an injection of contrast agent to help gain specific information, and/or Buscopan to reduce bowel motion. If you require either of these for your scan the staff member looking after you, on the day of your exam, will go over the relevant information and explain this further. Can I bring a support person into the scan room with me? Yes, but for safety reasons we place heavy restrictions on who we allow into the area. Please discuss your needs with the staff member looking after you. When will I get my results? The results of the scan will be sent to your specialist. You will be contacted by them unless you have made other arrangements.

Ultrasounds are available at Rotorua Hospital only. 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. Doppler ultrasound A Doppler study is a noninvasive test that can be used to evaluate blood flow by bouncing high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) off red blood cells. The Doppler Effect is a change in the frequency of sound waves caused by moving objects. A Doppler study can estimate how fast blood flows by measuring the rate of change in its pitch (frequency). A Doppler study can help diagnose bloody clots, heart and leg valve problems and blocked or narrowed arteries. 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.

Fluoscopy is available at Rotorua Hospital. Fluoscopy is a type of X-ray that provides real-time moving images of the inside of your body. This allows doctors to see how certain parts of your body are working or to guide procedures safely and accurately. It is commonly used to examine: the digestive system joints and bones the urinary system certain image-guided procedures Interventional Guidance: Fluoroscopy helps guide interventional procedures such as catheter placement and biopsy. Comparison to X-rays: Standard X-rays are like a still photograph, while fluoroscopy is like a video showing movement and function in real time. What to Expect Before your exam: Depending on the study requested you will be provided with instructions for your fluoroscopy exam when your booking is made. On arrival you will be greeted by a radiology staff member who will explain your procedure and get you changed if required. Appointment times vary, on average please allow 45minutes for your fluoroscopy study. There could be a delay, as we also perform emergency and inpatient procedures in our fluoroscopy room. Some studies may require contrast to be used. Radiology staff will inform you of the contrast being used and ensure, with your consent, you are happy to proceed. Contrast is used to highlight certain organs vessels and body parts. This assists the doctors or practitioners reporting your images to make a diagnosis. During your procedure: You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. Depending on the type of test, you may be given a contrast liquid (such as Barium) to drink, or it may be administered in another way. You will be positioned on an examination table, and the MIT and/or Radiologist will guide you through each step. You may be asked to: Move into differenct positions Hold your breath briefly. Follow simple instructions during the procedure. The Images are viewed in real time, so the team may adjust things as the examination progresses. Radiology staff will talk you through the procedure for the Fluoroscopy study and will be happy to answer any questions related to your study.