That ultrasonic pulse sends back an image that the sonographer can see.

“We can see things live. For example, we might get you to move your finger, and we can see what it’s doing while looking at that action.”

They have different probes that can look at different depths. “We can see somewhere deep like in the abdomen, or as shallow as just under the skin.”

The gel they apply to your skin for the probe to slide on is water-based, and “If you don’t have it we get acoustic impedance, so the beam can’t travel through.”

The ultrasound doesn’t like air either, “so any air bubbles intefere as well. We have to make sure there aren’t any so as to allow the beam to penetrate through.”

Some conditions that may be found at a very shallow depth include “sebaceous cycts, or a foreign body like a rose thorn from when the patient was gardening.”

Deeper ultrasounds are looking at organs in the abdomen like the pancreas or the kidney, the pelvic region, and a developing baby during pregnancy. “Looking for colelithiasis – gallstones – is a common referral.”

Sometimes there’s some preparation involved. “For an abdomen scan the patient usually needs to fast beforehand because food produces gas which obscures our vision.”

When the patient goes in “we might have to get them changed because some clothing materials can obscure the ultrasound’s view.”

They also like to allow as much time as possible to do a diagnostic scan. “That gives us a chance to ease any anxiety someone may have, answer any of their questions, it allows time for the radiologist to see the patient if needed, and to provide a personal service as well.”

Depending on the findings, “we might have to discuss it with the radiologist before the patient leaves.”

“X-RAYS, on a basic level, use radiation. It’s like a photograph but of your insides” begins Kate McNamara, radiographer at I-MED Radiology Network.

“X-ray is a good first step for imaging. It can be the first port of call to see if further steps need to be taken.”

It’s not always about finding a problem either. “Sometimes it’s good to see that everything is normal.”

When it’s your turn to be called in by the radiographer “You might need to get changed, depending on the body part. Clothes will intefere with the image quality for some regions. We can get the whole body with the X-ray, but not through normal clothes.”

The radiographer will start by confirming details so they have the right person and the appropriate body part.

“Then we’ll get you into the correct position. We need to get at least two angles because it’s the best way to determine what’s going on inside.”

The images then go to a radiologist who will see if anything is there. The radiologist then writes a report to your doctor.

“There are lots of types of X-rays we can take as well. We can do any part of the body.” I-MED can even do an OPG which is dental imaging.

“We can also do something called fluroscopy which is dynamic imaging.”

They give you a chalky liquid to drink, scan your stomach and look at the X-ray in real time to see how well your swallowing is functioning.

They also do X-rays every flu season. “If you have a chronic cough or problems your doctor might refer you for a chest X-ray to see if there is pneumonia or any lung conditions.” For more visit www.i-med.com.au