What is a fluoroscopy, or barium swallow?This is an x-ray examination that looks at your oesophagus, (the tube that leads to your stomach). We will ask you to drink a chalky white liquid called barium, which shows up on the x-rays. We take x-ray pictures as you swallow the barium. The purpose of the test is to try and find …
Read moreMAG3 renogram
15th June 2018What is a MAG3 renogram?A renogram is an examination which looks at the function of your kidneys. MAG3 is the chemical name of the radioactive substance we use to image the kidneys. Can I have a MAG3 if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?If there is a possibility that you are pregnant or you are currently breastfeeding please inform the department …
Read moreBone scan
15th June 2018What is a Bone scan?Your bones are living tissue. Bones continually remodel themselves to help repair any damage. A bone scan will show your doctor how your bones are working and will show any conditions that are different from normal. There is no preparation required for this scan. Can I have a Bone Scan if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?If …
Read moreWhat is nuclear medicine?
17th May 2018Introduction All Nuclear Medicine procedures and scans involve the use of ionising radiation, a form of energy that is found in both natural and man-made sources. We are surrounded by sources of natural radiation all the time in our everyday lives; examples include radioactivity in building materials, rocks and soil, radiation coming from space – even the air we breathe …
Read moreImaging what is involved
27th April 2018Introduction Your doctor may refer you for one or more of the following imaging procedures while you are in hospital. General X-ray (for example, a chest x-ray) This is the familiar x-ray usually used for looking at broken bones, the chest or teeth. A machine directs a beam of x-rays through the part of your body that is being examined …
Read moreVenous sampling
19th March 2018What is Venous Sampling?Venous sampling is a procedure that involves inserting a catheter (thin tube) into a specific vein or veins, taking blood samples from them and sending them to the laboratory for testing. The results can help the doctors looking after you to make decisions about any future treatment. Why do I need venous sampling?The doctors in charge of …
Read moreTrans jugular liver biopsy
19th March 2018Introduction A liver biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue from the liver. Then the sample is sent off to the laboratory for analysis of the liver tissue, and it can be used to diagnose and monitor certain liver conditions. Why do I need a Trans Jugular (TJ) biopsy? The doctors in charge of your case want to diagnose, rule …
Read morePortal pressure measurements
19th March 2018What are portal pressure measurements? These are a measurement taken between the portal vein and Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) representing the liver’s portal pressure. Background Portal pressure measurements are taken in order to diagnose and monitor treatment of increased portal pressures caused by liver disease. High portal pressures happen because liver disease can cause increased resistance to blood flow through …
Read morePercutaneous gastrostomy insertion
19th March 2018What is a percutaneous gastrostomy? Percutaneous gastrostomy is a technique where a narrow plastic tube is placed through the skin, directly into your stomach, to give you liquid nutrition. Because it is done through the skin, it is called percutaneous, and gastrostomy means making an opening into the stomach. Why do I need percutaneous gastrostomy? There are several reasons why …
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