Our services
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Discover exceptional diagnostic imaging services at Sunshine Coast Radiology.
Our comprehensive offerings include general x-ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT, dental imaging, nuclear medicine, breast imaging, bone densitometry, and interventional procedures.
Our patients and referrers trust us for high-quality imaging, precise reporting, and compassionate care.
Explore our services today for accurate diagnoses and superior patient care.
X-ray
An x-ray uses a small amount of radiation to view different areas of your body. It creates images of bones and internal structures. X-rays help doctors diagnose injuries, diseases, and other health conditions.
X-rays take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the part of the body that needs imaging.
Depending on the body part being examined, the patient may be required to wear a gown. One of our friendly radiographers may also ask you to remove jewellery and/or body piercings.
At Sunshine Coast Radiology practices we use the newest digital equipment for our X-rays. This means you can be sure you are receiving the lowest amount of radiation possible.
The radiation levels used in Digital General X-ray are so low that there is little to no health effects.
Your referring doctor and any other doctor you would like to include in your treatment will receive a formal report (your results).
Please make an appointment with your referring practitioner to follow up your results.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images inside of the body. It is a non-invasive procedure that helps doctors visualise organs, tissues, and blood flow. Ultrasound checks babies’ health during pregnancy and can diagnose medical conditions.
Ultrasound examinations usually take between 20 and 40 minutes, however some exams can take up to 60 minutes.
Our Sunshine Coast Radiology booking staff will indicate how long your scan is likely to take when you make your booking.
You should arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to complete any necessary paperwork.
Wear comfortable clothing to you appointment. You may be asked to change into a gown for the exam.
There is no special preparation for ultrasounds of the breast, musculoskeletal system, extremities, thyroid or vascular system.
Preparation will vary depending on the type of exam you are having – See below.
- Gall bladder
- Pancreas
- Liver
- Spleen
Please drink up to 1 litre of water prior to the exam, your bladder needs to be full for the following Renal exams:
- Kidneys
- Ureter
- Bladder
Please DO NOT empty your bladder before the exam.
Please drink up to 1 litre of water prior to the exam, your bladder needs to be full for the a Pelvis exam.
Please DO NOT empty your bladder before the exam.
Diagnostic ultrasound and/or sonography is considered a safe, non-invasive procedure by most every medical community, in part, because it uses low-power sound waves. No major medical source has cited any direct risks from a diagnostic ultrasound exam harmful enough to prevent its use.
The referring doctor and any other doctor you would like to include in your treatment will receive a formal report (your results).
Please make an appointment with your referring practitioner to follow up your results.
CT Scan
CT stands for Computed Tomography.
CT scans are a non-invasive imaging technique that provides detailed cross-sectional images of the body. CT scans aid in diagnosing medical conditions by capturing multiple x-ray images from different angles, offering valuable insights into bones, organs, and tissues.
A CT examination normally takes between 10 and 30 minutes. Some exams may need more time to prepare and may require you to be in the department for an hour.
You should arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to complete any necessary paperwork.
Try to wear comfortable clothing with no metal zippers, belts or buttons. You may be asked to remove jewellery, eye glasses and any other metal objects that may interfere with the images.
Depending on the part of the body that needs to be scanned you may be required to drink a certain amount of fluid before your scan. This is normally for abdominal scans and will require you to arrive 60 minutes before your appointment time.
You may be asked to fast before your scan. 2 hours for diabetics, 4 hours for all other scans.
Medications may be taken as prescribed.
At our Sunshine Coast Radiology practices we use the newest digital equipment and most up-to-date software advancements for all of our CT scanners.
This means you can be sure that you are receiving the lowest amount of radiation possible, ensuring your safety.
Your referring doctor and any other doctor you would like to include in your treatment will receive a formal report (your results).
Please make an appointment with your referring practitioner to follow up your results.
MRI
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
MRI technology produces highly detailed images of the body’s internal structures. MRI uses magnets and radio waves to take detailed pictures of body parts, helping doctors diagnose medical issues.
MRIs generally take anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes to complete, with some scans taking longer than 60 mins.
Our booking staff will confirm the anticipated length of your scan when you make your booking.
At the time of making your appointment specific preparation information will be provided.
You may take your medicine as prescribed.
It is important to stay very still for your MRI so please take any prescribed pain medication prior to your appointment.
Jewellery and metal cannot be worn during your MRI. We recommend leaving any valuables at home.
You will be required to answer a safety questionnaire that will assess your suitability and safety for an MRI exam.
If you have a known implant i.e. stents, aneurysm clips etc and have any extra information about the implant please send or bring it in with you for appointment.
Your referring doctor and any other doctor you would like to include in your treatment will receive a formal report (your results).
Please make an appointment with your referring practitioner to follow up your results.
Interventional Procedures
Interventional Radiology is a clinical subspecialty of Radiology where Radiologists (Doctors) apply minimally invasive techniques using image guidance such as CT and ultrasound to help manage pain (injection), remove fluid (drainage/aspiration) or take a sample of tissue (biopsy).
These procedures offer precise diagnosis and treatment options for a range of conditions, providing effective solutions with minimal risk and faster recovery times.
We specialise in all spinal, musculoskeletal (MSK) and breast interventional procedures.
Sunshine Coast Radiology also performs biopsies for the diagnosis of abnormal lumps and bumps that previous imaging may have found.
Depending on the body part being examined, the patient may be required to wear a gown. The radiographer may request removal of jewellery and body piercings.
The length of your appointment will depend on which procedure you are having.
Normally, routine ultrasound injection procedures take 10-15 minutes.
It can take 15-20 minutes for routine CT injections.
Any other advanced interventional procedures such as biopsies can take longer. Our booking and nursing team will advise you of the specifics when you make your appointment.
At Sunshine Coast Radiology practices we use the newest digital equipment for our Interventional Imaging. This means you can be sure that you are receiving the lowest amount of radiation possible.
With any interventional procedure, there is a risk of bleeding and infection. All Sunshine Coast Radiology practices prioritise sharing patient preparation instructions and sterile procedures that reduce these risks.
Any specific risks related to the procedure you are due to have will be communicated to you at the time of the appointment.
Your referring doctor and any other doctor you would like to include in your treatment will receive a formal report (your results).
Bone Density Scan
A Bone Density DEXA scan is a quick and painless procedure that accurately measures bone strength and density. DEXA scans help diagnose osteoporosis and assess fracture risks, guiding proactive measures for better bone health.
It provides information about the possible fracture risk to your bones.
Bone Density scans take 10-20 minutes.
You should arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete any necessary paperwork.
You might be asked to remove jewellery, metal objects or clothing that may interfere with the imaging process.
If you had previously had a Nuclear Medicine scan, you must wait a week before having a Bone Density test as the results may be impacted.
At Sunshine Coast Radiology practices we use the newest digital equipment for our Bone Density scans. This means you can be sure that you are receiving the lowest amount of radiation possible.
The radiation levels used for DEXAs are so low that there is little to no health effects.
Your referring doctor and any other doctor you would like to include in your treatment will receive a formal report (your results) in a timely fashion.
Please make an appointment with your referring practitioner to follow up your results.
Cardiac Services
Echocardiography, sometimes referred to as Cardiac Echo, or an Echo, is an ultrasound of the heart. With the use of sound waves, echocardiography creates real-time images of the heart, allowing doctors to diagnose and monitor various cardiovascular conditions. Echocardiography plays a vital role in assessing heart health, guiding treatment plans, and ensuring optimal cardiac care.
An Echocardiogram usually takes 40 minutes.
No specific preparation needed for a standard echocardiogram.
You will be asked to cease beta and calcium blockers for a stress echocardiogram.
Please ensure you wear comfortable clothing and note two-piece outfits are preferred.
Diagnostic ultrasound and/or sonography is considered a safe, non-invasive procedure by most every medical community, in part, because it uses low-power sound waves.
No major medical source has cited that there are any direct risks from a diagnostic ultrasound exam harmful enough to prevent its use.
Your referring doctor and any other doctor you would like to include in your treatment will receive a formal report (your results).
Dental Imaging
OPG (orthopantomogram) and Lateral Ceph (Lateral Cephalogram) is a digital x-ray of the teeth and jaw.
An OPG is an x-ray of the teeth and jaw acquired by a machine moving around your head.
A Lateral Ceph is a side on view of the facial structures.
Both of these images are acquired using a specialised piece of digital x-ray equipment.
An OPG takes as little as 5 minutes.
There is no preparation required for this examination.
You will however be asked to remove all metal from your head including jewellery, hair pieces including bobby pins, and any removable plates/dentures.
At Sunshine Coast Radiology practices we use the newest digital equipment for our Dental Imaging. This means you can be sure that you are receiving the lowest amount of radiation possible.
The radiation level used in Dental Imaging are so low that there is little to no health effects.
Your referring doctor and any other doctor you would like to include in your treatment will receive a formal report (your results).
Please make an appointment with your referring practitioner to follow up your results.
Breast Imaging
A mammogram uses a small amount of radiation to image the breasts. Mammography is a specialised imaging technique for early detection of breast cancer. Mammography uses low-dose x-rays to create detailed images of breast tissue, helping to identify potential abnormalities at their earliest stages. It plays a critical role in breast health screenings, empowering women with proactive measures for early diagnosis, improved treatment outcomes, and ultimately, saving lives.
Mammograms usually come accompanied by an ultrasound of the breasts.
The mammogram takes 10-20 minutes.
The ultrasound takes 20-30 minutes.
It is important that you do not wear deodorant or talcum powder on the day of your appointment as this can alter the images.
If your previous imaging has not been at Sunshine Coast Radiology, please bring your previous imaging with you so we can make an accurate comparison.
At Sunshine Coast Radiology we use the newest digital equipment for our Mammograms.
This means you can be sure that you are receiving the lowest amount of radiation possible.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is an imaging modality that takes images of how your body functions in a safe and painless way. Nuclear medicine procedures have been used clinically for 50 years and provide medical information that would otherwise be unavailable or more difficult to achieve. The procedure combines imaging technology with molecular and cellular information, providing valuable insights into the functioning of organs and detecting diseases at the molecular level.
Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and determine the severity of a variety of diseases, including many types of cancers, bone pathologies, heart disease, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and many more abnormalities within the body. This radioactive material is generally injected into the bloodstream and its distribution is detected by a special nuclear medicine gamma camera.
Radiography and nuclear medicine are similar but also very different. In nuclear medicine, radioisotopes are introduced into the body internally, whereas in radiography the x-rays penetrate from outside of the body.
You should arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to complete any necessary paperwork.
Specific preparation will depend on the type of examination you are having.
At the time of making your appointment the bookings team will provide any specific preparation information to you.
For majority of the scans there is no preparation required.
At our Sunshine Coast Radiology practices we use the latest digital equipment for our Nuclear Medicine scans. This means you can be sure that you are receiving the lowest amount of radiation possible.
Like any medicine, doses are prepared with great care. Before they are clinically used, they are thoroughly tested and approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration. Nuclear Medicine is very safe! The injections we give contain only a very small amount of radioactivity and are flushed out of your system in a short period of time.
If you are pregnant or breast feeding please mention that at the time of your booking. In these situations the risk versus benefits is assessed.
Your referring doctor and any other doctor you would like to include in your treatment will receive a formal report (your results) after 2 business days.
Bone Scans:
To determine bone pathologies ranging from a fracture, infections within the bone, arthritis or secondary cancer sites. Spine pathologies for intervention.
Thyroid Scans:
For the assessment of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease, a goitre, or thyroid nodules. Usually performed post an abnormal thyroid function blood test.
Parathyroid Scan:
Assess potential parathyroid adenomas or hyperparathyroidism, often performed when a change in blood results is noted.
Cardiac Imaging:
A Myocardial Perfusion Study is used for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and risk stratification, for efficacy post revascularisation, as well as preoperative assessment. The predominant clinical indication is for patients at risk of ischaemia/myocardial infarction in the presence of unexplained arrhythmia or chest pain.
Biliary:
Assess biliary tract function including acute and chronic cholecystitis, common bile duct obstruction, and gallbladder ejection fraction.
Gastrointestinal:
Images gastric emptying disorders such as gastroparesis, rapid gastric emptying, investigation of epigastric discomfort and bloating, or for the assessment of gastric surgery.
Renal:
There are two types of renal imaging. MAG-3 is used to determine overall renal function, to assess urinary drainage and effect of calculi. A DMSA study is used to interpret renal scarring.
Obstetrics Imaging
During your pregnancy, two of the most common scans you will be referred for include Nuchal Translucency scans and Morphology scans.
At our Sunshine Coast Radiology practices we use the latest digital equipment. This means you can be sure that you are receiving the lowest amount of radiation possible.
Your referring doctor and any other doctor you would like to include in your treatment will receive a formal report (your results) after 2 business days.
Occupational Imaging
With our clinical specialisation in diagnostic imaging for occupational workers, we can provide chest x-rays for workers at risk of lung diseases as a result of exposure to silicates, carbon, quartz and carbon.
At our Sunshine Coast Radiology practices we use the latest digital equipment. This means you can be sure that you are receiving the lowest amount of radiation possible.
Your images and report are provided through a secure online system to your doctor or healthcare provider. We will also provide you with a printed copy to bring to your next appointment.
Pain Management
We offer specialised Integrated Pain Management, providing you with an innovative approach to the assessment, treatment and management of pain.
At our Sunshine Coast Radiology practices we use the latest digital equipment. This means you can be sure that you are receiving the lowest amount of radiation possible.
Your images and report are provided through a secure online system to your doctor or healthcare provider. We will also provide you with a printed copy to bring to your next appointment.
PET/CT Scan
We offer specialised PET/CT scans which can reveal changes in the body that other imaging methods, such as ultrasound or x-ray, may not detect.
The images and reports from a PET/CT scan can assist doctors to identify early-stage disease, distinguish between living and dead tissue, differentiate benign from malignant tumours, assess blood flow and the function of brain and heart tissue, and evaluate infection and inflammation.
Currently available at our new Noosa clinic only – coming soon.
You should arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time to complete any necessary paperwork.
Before your PET/CT scan, our reception staff will provide detailed instructions at the time of booking, including fasting and hydration requirements specific to your procedure.
We advise to allow 3 hours for an appointment.
A PET/CT scan is a safe and routine procedure that uses a small amount of radiation from a radioactive sugar and a CT scan. The radiation dose is extremely low – well within accepted medical limits, and the test provides valuable information to help with a diagnosis. The radioactive glucose has no known side effects, and is flushed out of your system in a short period of time. We also use the latest technology to minimise exposure even further.
Your doctor only recommends this scan after carefully weighing the benefits against any potential risks, so you can feel confident in the safety of the procedure.
If you are pregnant or breast feeding please mention that at the time of your booking. In these situations the risk versus benefits is assessed.
Your referring doctor and any other doctor you would like to include in your treatment will receive a formal report (your results) after 2 business days.
