Obstetric Imaging
The two most common obstetric ultrasounds are the 12 week nuchal translucency scan and the 18-20 week morphology scan.
The Nuchal Translucency (NT) scan is performed between 11 weeks and five days and 13 weeks and six days. This test is combined with a blood test to screen for Down Syndrome, and other chromosomal abnormalities. It also is useful in dating the pregnancy and detecting multiple pregnancies.
The 18 – 20 week morphology scan is a routine examination performed in nearly all pregnancies in Australia. This is predominantly used to assess fetal development (brain, face, spine, heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, bladder, cord insertion, arms and legs) placental position and amniotic fluid volume. If you don't wish to know the sex of your baby please tell your sonographer at the start of the examination.
Parents-to-be have the opportunity to a ‘sneak peek’ at their baby before birth in real-time with 3D/4D ultrasound.
Noosa Radiology utilises the latest in 3D/4D fetal imaging technology, offering expectant parents and their families the highest quality images and video clips of their unborn baby.
3D ultrasound, is created from a series of thin 2D slices digitally reconstructed to give more life-like images. With 4D ultrasound, the added dimension is time, so that the 3D images appear to be moving in real time. The 3D/4D image usually appears a golden colour on the ultrasound screen, as this colour is easy for patients to look at and highlights features on the baby. A CD of both colour 3D and 4D clips will be included in your pictures.
The 3D/4D ultrasound will include a fee. It is important that you understand that Medicare or your health fund will not cover any portion of a 3D/4D ultrasound. Please contact our staff for more information.
Please be aware that all ultrasound scans require an appointment. Please call us to arrange a time.
What to bring:
- You will need to have a referral from your GP or specialist to have your Ultrasound examination
- Medicare card
- Pension/concession card
- Previous films from other clinics relating to this pregnancy
On your arrival you will be asked to fill out a pregnancy questionnaire and/or sign a consent form. You may be provided with a gown to wear instead of your own clothes.
In the imaging room, a Sonographer uses a hand-held scanning probe (transducer) placed against your skin and moves it around the area they are scanning. They will apply a warm gel between the transducer and your skin. This clear gel conducts the sound beam and allows the ultrasound probe to pass smoothly over your skin. The gel is easily removed after your examination, and it will not stain your skin or clothing.
At Noosa Radiology, special video display screens have been installed to allow you the opportunity to see your ultrasound pictures as they are being taken. Because ultrasound does not produce radiation, a patient may have one or two family members accompany them during the scan.
Noosa Radiology utilises the latest in 3D/4D fetal imaging technology, offering expectant parents and their families the highest quality images and video clips of their unborn baby. A CD of both colour 3D and 4D clips will be included in your pictures.
We invite you to ask any additional questions you may have before or after your examination
Preventative Radiology
Radiology is having an increasing role in preventative medicine. Our goal is to empower patients to take control of their health by understanding the range of radiology screening services available. Below are some of the current areas in clinical use.
Cardiac (coronary artery) screening – CT calcium score vs. CT Coronary Angiography
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Australia, resulting in 1 in 10 deaths. We offer CT calcium score, is a screening test used to assess the risk for coronary artery disease which is the cause of heart attacks. The Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) recommends risk assessment to select patients for CT calcium scoring. CT Coronary Angiography is predominantly used to exclude coronary artery disease in symptomatic patients with low to intermediate risk or as an alternative for patients who cannot have angiography. Read more
Breast screening - Mammography vs. MRI
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women. Screening mammography is recommended by Breastscreen Australia for all women >40 years. Breast MRI screening is used for screening women with high risk (>20% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer). Many high risk women are eligible for MRI Breast screening under the Medicare criteria. Read more
Prostate cancer screening – PSA vs. MRI
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in males. A screening blood test, serum PSA, is recommended by the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) in men > 40 years. Prostate MRI is used to assess for significant lesions in at risk patients. Many at risk patients are eligible for Prostate MRI under the Medicare criteria. Read more
Lung cancer screening: CXR vs. CT
Lung cancer is the 5th most common cancer, and the most common cause of cancer deaths in Australia. CT is more sensitive than CXR in detection, and with newer techniques, uses minimal dose. There is some evidence to support low dose CT screening in high risk patients >55 years, and is expected to commence in Australia by 2025.
Colon cancer: Endoscopy vs. CT Colonography
Colorectal cancer is the 4th most common cancer. Endoscopy is the gold standard in assessment for colorectal cancer. CT colonography is an alternative used for patients who are unable to have a colonoscopy.
Whole Body MRI
Whole body MRI relies predominantly on diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) to detect occult cancer. This is medicare eligible for patients who carry a increased genetic risk for developing cancer related to a variant in the TP53 gene.
BMD
A DEXA scan is used for Bone mineral densitometry (BMD) is a screening test for Osteoporosis. It is recommended in women and men > 50 years with risk factors. Read more
Body Composition
A DEXA scan is used for Body Composition Scans, the gold standard in measurement of body composition, accurate to within 1%. The scan assesses fat, lean muscle and bone. This is predominantly used in weight loss and athletic monitoring.
We invite you to ask any additional questions you may have before or after your examination
Specialise Breast imaging
UnpublishedBreast imaging content
Sports & Musculoskeletal Imaging
Sports Imaging is the branch of radiology which caters for athletes of all shapes and sizes, ranging from the Olympic competitor, national footballer, serious marathon runner, recreational jogger and people who simply wish to improve their general fitness. Sports Imaging focuses on Musculoskeletal Imaging and interventional techniques.
Whilst regular exercise is well known for its benefits, sporting activities can sometimes result in injury.
Sporting injuries are generally divided into two main groups:
- Those which are due to overuse i.e. repetitive action, such as tendinosis, arthritis and stress fractures
- Those which are traumatic, such as a shoulder dislocation, or fracture
Noosa Radiology have radiologists that are experts in this field. Expertise includes musculoskeletal ultrasound, musculoskeletal MRI and pain management interventional techniques.
Noosa Radiology combines state of the art technology and experience to deliver images and protocols giving each patient and their referrer the best possible imaging and diagnosis in this specialised field.
Cardiac Imaging
Noosa Radiology provides a wide range of Cardiac imaging services daily, including CT Coronary Angiography, CT Coronary Calcium Scoring, Echocardiography, Myocardial Perfusion, Exercise Stress Test and Holter Monitoring.