Interventional Radiology

What is Interventional Radiology?

Interventional radiology uses a range of imaging technology to help diagnose injury and disease, and to help guide a range of interventional procedures. Your interventional radiology procedure may use one or more of some of the most common imaging techniques: X-ray, MRI, fluoroscopy, CT or ultrasound. All of these scans are considered very safe.

If you need interventional radiology, here’s everything you need to know.

Before your scan

When you make your appointment, our booking team will give you a rundown of everything you need to know about your particular procedure. For example, you may need to fast beforehand, or arrive a little early. Unless you’ve been asked not to, you should continue eating and drinking normally and take all your usual medications. If you’re breastfeeding, or if there’s even a chance you may be pregnant, please let us know.

Please also remember to bring your completed doctors referral form with you, if this has not already been sent to us. This will ensure the branch reception has all the necessary information required so our expert team can provide you with the best care possible.

On the day of your appointment

When you arrive, please check in with reception. We’ll make sure your details are correct and ask you to complete the appropriate forms.
Depending on your scan, you may be asked to remove most of your clothing and all of your jewellery and then change into a gown. You may also be injected with a small amount of non-reactive tracer dye and/or given a sedative or pain relief. If this is the case, we’ll warn you ahead of time.

You’ll then lie on a comfortable table and your radiographer will help position you correctly. If you’re here for a diagnosis, your radiographer may walk behind a screen or into another room while the images are taken. If you’re here for treatment, your specialists will remain in the room, but may wear protective clothing. You’ll have to stay very still during your scan and may be asked to hold your breath.

After your scan

Most people will be able to get on with their day right away. If, however, you’ve been given a sedative or anaesthetic, you’ll need to stay and rest for a while. You’ll also need someone to take you home and remain with you for 24 hours, and you won’t be able to drive or operate heavy machinery.
Your report will usually be available with your referring doctor in two working days.

Who can't have interventional radiography?

The scans and procedures used in interventional radiography are considered very safe, but may not be appropriate for some people – we’ll discuss this with you and your doctor beforehand.