Digital X-ray
OPG(Orthopantomogram) - Dental X-Ray
General Ultrasound
Paediatric Ultrasound
Obstetrics Ultrasound
Doppler Ultrasound

Calcium Score
CT Arthrogram
Chest Imaging
Spine and Sports Imaging

Breast Ultrasound
Mammogram
Breast Biopsy and Fine Needle Aspiration(FNA)

Fine (FNA and Biopsy)
Epidural
Nerve Block
RFA
Joint Injection
Musculoskeletal Injection
PRP Injection
Viscosupplementation for Osteoarthritis

Digital X-Ray

Prime Radiology is delighted to offer the latest in digital imaging technology. Our sophisticated Digital Radiography unit (or) advanced digital X-ray equipment enables faster scan processing and requires less radiation than conventional X-ray (radiography) machines. X-rays are very safe. Radiography, the most common type of X-ray, produces very low amounts of radiation.

This technology also means that you no longer have to wait for a standard X-ray film to be developed. Instead, the information obtained from the scan is directly converted to digital data and instantly appears on a computer screen where it is then electronically sent to our radiologist’s computer for reporting. For patients who are referred from medical clinics which receive reports and images electronically, the time spent at our clinic is further reduced.

Conditions that may call for an X-ray include:

• Bone cancer
• Breast tumors
• Enlarged heart
• Blocked blood vessels
• Conditions affecting your lungs
• Digestive problems
• Fractures
• Infections
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Tooth decay
• Needing to retrieve swallowed items

X-rays can be performed on any of the following:

Abdomen, Bone, Chest, Teeth/mouth, Neck, Pelvis, Skull, Full body (skeleton), Hand, Joints During the digital X-ray procedure, electromagnetic radiation passes through the body onto “film” (now digitised and displayed on a computer screen). Dense structures such as bone absorb most of the radiation and appear white on the digital image. Structures that are less dense like air appear black. Everything in between looks a different shade of grey.

Use of digital X-ray:

Digital X-rays are used to diagnose a broad range of illnesses and injuries, including musculoskeletal injuries, cancer, blocked arteries, abdominal pain, sinus disease, spinal problems and other abnormalities.

X-ray procedure:

You may be asked to stand or lie down on an examination table, depending on the part of the body to be examined. You will be able to communicate with the technician during the procedure.

Benefits and risks of a digital X-ray:

There is little reason to worry about the small amount of radiation you will be exposed to when you receive a digital X-ray. Digital X-rays enable immediate diagnosis of certain conditions and offer no discomfort, and often even no preparation, for the patient.

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General Ultrasound

Prime Radiology uses sophisticated equipment which produces images on a video monitor for the radiologist to interpret. Most ultrasound procedures are fast, harmless and painless, is completed within 30 to 60 minutes. A hand-held transducer is an emitting silent, high-frequency sound waves is placed against the body and slowly passed over the area being examined

Ultrasound is used in the diagnosis of soft tissue conditions, and as such, it is routinely used to evaluate the solid abdominal and pelvic organs, muscles, tendons the breast and ligaments, as well as other small body parts, such as the lymph nodes and thyroid gland.

Ultrasound or Sonography is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves capability to produce high-quality images of soft tissues and motion within the body. Ultrasound involves no X-rays and has a wide array of applications in medicine.

While you lie on a comfortable examination table, your technologist will apply a warm gel to your skin. The technologist will then gently pass the transducer over the specified exam area several times. The exam will last about 30 minutes and is painless.

Procedure:

For most ultrasound examinations you will be required to change into a gown and lie on an examination couch. You will remain covered during your examination except for the area being imaged. In order to obtain optimal images a layer of gel will be applied to the area being imaged so that good contact is made between you and the ultrasound probe. The probe will be placed directly onto the gel and your skin for the duration of the examination. Ultrasound examinations are not painful and generally are not invasive but sometimes they can be uncomfortable if you have to maintain a full bladder or move a body part that might be causing you some discomfort.

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Ultra Low Dose CT Scan

Prime Radiology uses excellent, top of range CT scanning machine to detect a whole range of disorders and can be used to scan most parts of the body. In particular, it may be used to diagnose subtle fractures, tumours, tiny kidney stones, strokes and even narrowing or blockages of arteries. CT can also be used to look at the lungs, major body organs and bowel.

CT scanning is advanced radiological imaging that uses an X-ray beam that rotates around the patient to capture pictures inside the body. CT images are useful in studies of internal organs because they can separate overlapping structures precisely, producing cross-sectional images of all parts of the body.

CT is most used for studies of the head, spine, abdomen, pelvis, and chest. The CT scanner also is useful in determining the size and volume of tumours and other masses. This is especially helpful for cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy or surgery.

At Prime Radiology, CT procedure is fast and painless (although some patients experience a warm sensation if their study includes a contrast agent). Patients lie down on a padded table that slowly enters the doughnut-shaped ring of the scanner. X-rays pass through the body and are detected by electronic sensors. Information from these sensors are digitally processed and displayed as an image on a computer monitor. Film copies of these images may be made for later study.

A contrast material, sometimes called “dye,” may be administered to outline blood vessels or enhance organ images. If a contrast material is used, it will be injected or introduced into an intravenous (IV) bottle into a vein, usually the arm.

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Paediatric Ultrasound

Paediatric Ultrasound is a safe and widely-used technique that involves the use of sound waves to produce detailed images of your baby's organs. The imaging device is called an ultrasound probe.

These sound waves are too high-pitched for the human ear to detect. A probe which detects them and create images is used in ultrasound examinations. They can be seen on a monitor if they are detected. Ultrasound imaging is live and captures moving images which makes the diagnosis process more accurate. There are no known harmful side-effects and it can be used as a diagnostic tool to see what's happening with your child at any stage of life.

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Obstetrics Ultrasound

Obstetrics ultrasound uses sound waves to produce images of a baby or fetus within a pregnant woman, as well as the uterus and ovaries. It does not use ionizing radiation and, in addition to that, is the safest way for monitoring pregnant women and their unborn babies. A Doppler ultrasound study might be performed as a part of this exam. It evaluates blood flow in the umbilical cord, fetus, or placenta with sound waves and can help identify issues.

This test needs no special preparation, just please ensure that your lower abdominal area will be exposed while wearing a comfortable two-piece outfit. Jewellery should not be worn.

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Doppler ultrasound

A Doppler ultrasound is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to measure the amount of blood flow through your arteries and veins, usually those that supply blood to your arms and legs. Vascular flow studies, also known as blood flow studies, can detect abnormal flow within an artery or blood.

Procedure:

Doppler ultrasound uses a special technology that looks at blood flow through the arteries and veins, for example – the carotid arteries in the neck that supply blood to the brain, or the veins of the legs. If you are having this examination it is common to hear strange noises as the signals coming from the flowing blood are converted into sound. Sometimes the sonographer will have to gently squeeze the calf a few times when examining the veins in the legs. This should not be painful.

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Calcium Score

CT calcium scores are a non-invasive type of radiation test that is used to identify and measure calcified plaques in the coronary arteries. The detection of calcium in the heart's coronary arteries is usually a clear indication of coronary artery diseases.

A coronary calcium score is a way of measuring the level of calcium in the coronary arteries. CT scans measure the amount of calcium in these arteries and provide a digitized image that can be read by a doctor. The scan uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of any calcium from your heart and arteries. The calcium score is used to predict your risk of heart attack or other heart problems before any signs of symptoms occur. A coronary calcium scan is fairly quick and simple to complete. You will lay down in a scanner machine for about 10 minutes while it captures images of your heart.

Procedure:

The technician who operates the scanner will clean areas of your chest and apply sticky patches with sensors called electrodes. The patches are connected to an ECG (electrocardiogram) machine. The ECG will record your heart’s electrical activity during the scan. This makes it possible to take pictures of your heart when it’s relaxed between beats.

The CT scanner is a large machine that has a hollow, circular tube in the centre. You will lie on your back on a sliding table. The table can move up and down, and it goes inside the tunnel-like machine. The table will slowly slide into the opening of the machine. Inside the scanner, an X-ray tube will move around your body to take pictures of your heart. The technician will control the CT scanner from the next room. He or she will be able to see you through a glass window and talk to you through a speaker.

The technician will ask you to lie still and hold your breath for short periods while each picture is taken.

The coronary calcium scan will take about 10 minutes, although the actual scanning will take only a few seconds. During the test, the machine will make clicking and whirring sounds as it takes pictures. The scan causes no discomfort.

You will be able to return to your normal activities after the coronary calcium scan is done.

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CT Arthrogram

A CT (computerised tomography) scanner uses X-rays and a computer to make pictures of the inside of your body. It's similar to a normal X-ray but it takes a lot of pictures of different (cross-sectional) slices of your body.

A CT angiography is a type of imaging technique using X-rays to look at the blood vessels in your brain, neck, heart, lungs, kidneys and legs. The CT scanner has a round opening in the center, and a flat bed which you lie on. While you lay down inside the bed, it slowly moves you into the opening where the pictures are taken. The movement is controlled by nurses.

Procedure:

From midnight before your examination you will be asked to withhold caffeine (eg coffee, tea and cola beverages). 2 hours before the procedure you will be asked to fast. Once you arrive at the clinic, you will be given a questionnaire to complete, which asks you to provide information about any medications you may be taking, any known allergies and any medical conditions you have. Please inform us if you are taking any diabetic medication, have kidney disease or have had a previous reaction to X-ray contrast. Please bring a list of all your current medications to your appointment.

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Chest Imaging

A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at the structures and organs in your chest. It can help your healthcare provider see how well your lungs and heart are working. Certain heart problems can cause changes in your lungs.

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OPG(Orthopantomogram) - Dental X-Ray

An OPG (Orthopantomagram) is a panoramic scanning dental X-ray of the upper and lower jaw. It shows a flattened two-dimensional view of a half-circle from ear to ear. Panoramic X-rays allow images of multiple angles to be taken to make up the composite panoramic image, where the maxilla (upper jaw) and mandible (lower jaw) are in the viewed area. The structures that are outside the viewed area are blurred. At some stage in your dental treatment, your dentist will likely take an OPG.

An OPG also demonstrates the number, position and growth of all the teeth including those that have not yet surfaced or erupted through the gum. It is different from the small close up X-rays dentists take of individual teeth. It shows less fine detail, but a much broader area of view. This can be particularly useful to check hard to see areas like wisdom teeth, or the development of a child’s jaw and teeth, useful for assessing for development generally, but also orthodontic need. It is also often used to check your jaw joint, the TMJ (temperomandibular joint), sometimes called the CMA (cranio-mandibular articulation), especially if you grind your teeth.

Procedure:

You may be asked to remove jewellery, eyeglasses, and any metal objects that may obscure the images. You will be asked to stand with your face resting on a small shelf and to bite gently on a sterile mouth piece to steady your head. It is important to stay very still while the X-ray is taken. You will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.

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Bone Densitometry

DEXA, which stands for “duel-energy X-ray absorptiometry,” measures the density and mineral content in bone, most often in the hip and lower spine. It is the most accurate method for determining bone density and potential problems related to bone loss.

Bone density scanning, also called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of X-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. DEXA is today’s established standard for measuring bone mineral density.

DEXA is most often used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that often affects women after menopause but may also be found in men. Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of calcium, as well as structural changes, that causes bones to become thinner, more fragile and more likely to break.

Procedure:

• You will not have to change into a gown for this test if you wear loose, comfortable clothing without zippers or metal buttons.
• You will be asked to lie on a padded table and hold very still for approximately five minutes.
• Prime Radiology technologists are experienced in high-quality patient care. Communication with your technologist is vital in ensuring your comfort, as well as the attainment of quality diagnostic images

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Intervention Procedures

Interventional radiology (IR), sometimes known as vascular and interventional radiology (VIR), is a medical sub-speciality which provides minimally invasive image-guided diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Interventional radiology (IR) procedures are minimally invasive, targeted treatments that use various radiology techniques (fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, ultrasound, etc.) to guide small devices, such as catheters, through blood vessels or other pathways to treat disease percutaneously (through the skin). Interventional procedures can often replace surgical procedures, and because they are less invasive and less traumatic, they are more easily tolerated and recovery times are significantly reduced in most cases.

Interventional radiology procedures offer benefits to you, our patients, regarding risk, pain and recovery time, all of which are reduced by the speciality’s minimally invasive nature. The cost tends to be lower than open surgery or other alternatives, and advancements in imaging technology mean that radiologists are viewing high-quality anatomic detail.

Minimally-Invasive Image-Guided Surgery:

Interventional radiologists are physicians who are specially trained to perform minimally-invasive image-guided surgery. Interventional radiologists diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions using very small tools that are guided by X-rays, ultrasound, and CT. In general, these procedures are easier for people to tolerate than conventional surgery because of smaller incisions, less pain, and shorter hospital stays.

By following these instructions carefully—both the general instructions and those that apply to your specific exam, below—you help us to ensure the best possible diagnostic quality.

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Breast Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging of the breast is achieved by using sound waves to produce images of the inside of the breast. Breast screenings are used to diagnose breast lumps or abnormalities that can be found during a physical exam, also known as an MBSE (Mammograms, Breast MRI). Ultrasound is safe, painless and noninvasive. No radiation is involved at all.

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Mammogram

At Prime Radiology, we offer the most advanced diagnostic X-Ray equipment. We do the best 3D Mammography in town which detects cancer more effectively than any other diagnostic technique. With the help of the computer, these 2D images are transformed into 3D data which makes it much easier for a radiologist to see breast detail and detect invasive breast cancers more accurately.

Breast cancer is a common cancer among Australian women; 1 out of every 20 women has a lifetime chance of developing it. Early detection and treatment is important in combatting the disease and living a healthy life afterwards.

Our fellowship trained onsite radiologist and experienced team will ensure you an experience you deserve with care, compassion and comfort.

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Breast Biopsy and FNA

A breast biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of breast tissue for testing. The tissue sample is sent to a lab, where doctors who specialize in analyzing blood and body tissue (pathologists) examine the tissue sample and provide a diagnosis.

A breast biopsy might be recommended if you have a suspicious area in your breast, such as a breast lump or other signs and symptoms of breast cancer. It can also be used to investigate unusual findings on a mammogram, ultrasound or other breast exam.

In an FNA, the doctor uses a very thin, hollow needle attached to a syringe to withdraw (aspirate) a small amount of breast tissue or fluid from a suspicious area.

FNA is most often done if the suspicious area is likely to be a fluid-filled sac (a cyst). By removing fluid, the FNA can often help relieve pain from the cyst. FNA can also be helpful if the doctor is unsure if an area seen on an imaging test is a small cyst or a solid mass.

If the area to be biopsied can be felt, the needle can be guided into it while the doctor is feeling it.

If the lump can't be felt easily, the doctor might watch the needle on an ultrasound screen as it moves toward and into the area. This is called an ultrasound-guided FNA.

If an FNA is done to test a suspicious area in the breast, the sample is then checked for cancer cells. One drawback of FNA is that it only removes a small amount of tissue and cells, so the sample usually needs to be checked right away under a microscope to make sure more samples don’t need to be taken.

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Fine Needle Aspiration
(FNA) and Biopsy

FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION (FNA)

FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration), This procedure is performed by inserting a thin needle into the tissue, aspirating some cells and then removing the needle. It doesn't require an incision and has a low risk of causing damage to organs or blood vessels. This removes small samples of tissue that can then be examined. One advantage of an FNA is that it is slightly less invasive than a biopsy. If the sample obtained isn't sufficient for confident diagnosis, your clinician may recommend a more invasive procedure. The procedure may then need to be repeated or usually, it is “upgraded” to a biopsy.

BIOPSY

A biopsy involves using a larger needle to remove a solid block of tissue from the body. It is slightly more invasive than an FNA, but can be just as painless because the necessary anaesthesia is used. As a core of solid tissue is removed (unlike the FNA where fragmented cells are withdrawn), the specimen is excellent and usually means a confident and definitive diagnosis can be made.

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Epidural

Epidural injections are often used to treat pain originating from the neck, back, arm or leg. The placement of the needle, as well as its precise location in the epidural space will determine which type of pain relief is achieved.

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Nerve Block

A nerve block is when your doctor injects a medication to calm the nerves or stop the pain that you are feeling. It can be injected so that it blocks the pain sensation from being sent all over your body. Through imaging, Your doctor may use imaging guidance, such as ultrasound, fluoroscopy, or computed tomography (CT or "CAT" scan), to help place the needle in the most appropriate location. This will allow you to receive the maximum benefit from the injection. This can allow a damaged nerve to heal, provide temporary pain relief, and help identify the cause of pain. This procedure requires no special preparation. If you're planning to get pregnant, let your doctor know. Wear loose and comfortable clothing and leave any jewelry at home. You may need to change into a gown for the procedure.

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RFA

Radiofrequency ablation is a treatment in which the radio waves are used to create heat on the nerve tissue. This is also known as radiofrequency neurotomy. Heat destroys that area of the nerve, stopping it from sending pain signals to your brain. RFA can provide lasting relief for people with chronic pain, especially in the lower back, neck and arthritic joints.

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Joint injection

One of the causes of a painful joint is synovitis, an inflammation of the lining. It can be useful to inject corticosteroid and/or local anaesthetic medication directly into the joint,or the soft tissue next to a joint (often called a bursa), to reduce the inflammation and provide relief for pain. Reducing pain through physical therapy may make it more effective.

Local anaesthetics are commonly injected into relevant joints to determine the cause of pain. We most commonly do this in the hip joint where back and muscle problems can get mistaken as causes of pain.

This procedure is usually used on the shoulder, knee, or hip but can also be helpful in other joints.

There are various injections into joints that your surgeon may suggest. These are very low risk procedures carried out by your surgeon or by a radiologist in the X-ray department using ultrasound or CT scanners.

It is not always easy for doctors to figure out exactly what is causing your joint pain. If the pain isn't the result of joint inflammation, then you may not improve your symptoms by getting an injection. Although this may be disappointing to you, it is important information for your doctor and can help them better determine the cause of your joint pain.

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Musculoskeletal injection

Musculoskeletal injections are a type of injection that can be used, among other things, to help relieve pain. These injections are carried out with imaging guidance, either in a joint or in surrounding soft tissues, such as tendons, tendon sheaths, muscles and bursae.

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PRP Injection

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is plasma from which the red cells and white cells have been removed and the platelets concentrated. It is made from your own blood. The plasma, the platelets and the bioactive factors that will be reinjected into your injury site are all your own. No synthetic growth factors are added.

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Viscosupplementation for Osteoarthritis

Viscosupplementation refers to the injection of a hyaluronan preparation into the joint. Hyaluronan is a natural substance present in the joint fluid that assists in lubrication. It allows smooth movement of the cartilage covered articulating surfaces of the joint.

Hyaluronic acid is a viscous and elastic substance that is normally produced by the joint and that makes up joint fluid(or "synovial fluid"). The latter is rich in hyaluronic acid in its normal state, and its viscous properties lubricate the cartilage surfaces while its elastic properties protect them from shocks. In osteoarthritis the synovial fluid is depleted in hyaluronic acid making the cartilage more vulnerable to forces of friction and compression.

Some patients may experience mild pain, swelling, warmth and redness at the injection site for up to 48 hours following a Viscosupplementation injection. Headache and joint stiffness may also occur in some cases. Ice packs and pain relievers may be used for smaller, temporary pain relief. After any injection, you should avoid strenuous activities for one to seven days and only resume after consulting with our staff.

Injections of hyaluronic acid act more slowly than corticosteroid injections but their effect is longer lasting, reaching up to 8 months to 1 year. Some scientific studies suggest that they may slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

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Digital X-Ray

General Ultrasound

Ultra Low Dose CT Scan

Paediatric Ultrasound

Obstetrics Ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound

Calcium Score

CT Arthrogram

Chest Imaging

OPG(Orthopantomogram) - Dental X-Ray

Bone Densitometry

Intervention Procedures

Breast Ultrasound

Mammogram

Breast Biopsy and FNA

Fine Needle Aspiration
(FNA) and Biopsy

Epidural

Nerve Block

RFA

Joint injection

Musculoskeletal injection

PRP Injection

Viscosupplementation for Osteoarthritis

Unit 2 / 1909 Albany Highway

Suite 6 (1st Floor) / 9 Atwick Terrace

Unit 5 / 273 South St

T8B (1st Floor) 2 Banks Avenue

Unit 5 / 5 Hughes St

Quick Links

Diagnostic Imaging

Low Dose CT Scan

Breast Imaging

Interventional Radiology

Digital X-Ray

Digital X-Ray

General Ultrasound

General Ultrasound

Ultra Low Dose CT Scan

Ultra Low Dose CT Scan

Paediatric Ultrasound

Paediatric Ultrasound

Obstetrics Ultrasound

Obstetrics Ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound

Calcium Score

Calcium Score

CT Arthrogram

CT Arthrogram

Chest Imaging

Chest Imaging

OPG(Orthopantomogram) - Dental X-Ray

OPG(Orthopantomogram) - Dental X-Ray

Bone Densitometry

Bone Densitometry

Intervention Procedures

Interventional radiology (IR)

Breast Ultrasound

Breast Ultrasound

Mammogram

Mammogram

Breast Biopsy and FNA

Breast Biopsy and Fine Needle Aspiration(FNA)

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) and Biopsy

Epidural

Epidural

Nerve Block

Nerve Block

RFA

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

Joint injection

Joint injection

Musculoskeletal injection

Musculoskeletal injection

PRP Injection

PRP Injection

Viscosupplementation for Osteoarthritis

Viscosupplementation for Osteoarthritis

Quick Links

Fine Needle Aspiration
(FNA) and Biopsy