Purpose:

X-rays are used to examine bones, lungs and abdomen.

Preparation:

• Needs to partly undress and remove dents and metal objects.

• It is important to report if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Implementation:

• The study takes 10–30 minutes.

• Photos taken in different parts of the body as needed.

• The use of radiation protection depends on the situation.

After study:

• The X-ray examiner evaluates the images and sends the result to the doctor who requested the study.

• That doctor will inform you about the result.

Purpose:

• CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of internal organs, bones, and blood vessels.

Preparation:

• You’ll need to undress and remove any metal objects from clothing or accessories.

• In some cases, you may need to drink contrast material beforehand or receive it intravenously.

• Fasting or other preparation may be required for abdominal scans – instructions are sent to your home if applicable.

Contrast material:

• Iodine-based contrast is often given intravenously.

• It may cause a temporary feeling of warmth or a metallic taste.

• Allergic reactions are rare but possible – inform staff in advance if you have allergies.

• If you take Metformin (e.g., Glucophage, Glucovance, Avandamet), stop taking it two days before and after the scan.

• Drink plenty of water after a CT scan with iodine contrast.

Procedure:

• The scan usually takes 10–20 minutes.

• You will need to lie still on the examination table while the images are taken.

After the scan:

• A radiologist reviews the images and sends the results to the referring doctor, who will contact you.

Important:

• Inform staff if you are pregnant or think you might be.

• CT scans are avoided during pregnancy whenever possible.

Purpose:

Ultrasound uses sound waves to examine, among other things, the abdomen, blood vessels, muscles and lymph nodes. The examination is without radiation.

Preparation:

• Depends on which part of the body is examined.

• Preparing is necessary for liver, bile and pancreas tests or if you are going to give an injection.

• If you need to prepare, bring home instructions before your examination.

• Needs to partly undress.

Implementation:

• You lie on a research bench.

• A gel is applied to the skin and the oomph is applied to the area.

• The study takes 20-60 minutes.

After study:

• The doctor reads from the pictures and sends the result to the doctor who requested the study.

• That doctor will inform you about the results.

Purpose:

MRI scans provide very accurate images of the body's soft tissues, e.g. brain, spinal cord, joints and muscles. It uses magnetic fields, not radiation.

Preparation:

• The preparation depends on the research area.

• If you are looking at the abdomen (e.g. liver, kidney, intestine), you need to fast for 4 hours - otherwise you can eat normally.

• All metal and electronic equipment (e.g. watches, glasses, cards, phones, jewelry) must be removed.

• Wear clothing with metal is not allowed – you can wear a robe if necessary.

• A radiologist will review the safety checklist with you before a study.

Feeling of confinement

• If you have a history of claustrophobia, it is important to talk to a radiologist before a study.

• You can get ways to improve your wellbeing, e.g. music, eye protection or having a family member in your room.

Contrast:

• In some cases, gadolinium contrast is used intravenously.

• Side effects are rare.

• Breast-feeding women should dispose of milk for 24 hours after a contrasting study.

Process:

• You are sitting on a study bench that is slid into the device.

• The study takes 15-60 minutes.

• The device has considerable noise – you get headphones or ear plugs.

After the study:

• Your X-ray will read from the images and send the result to your doctor who will inform you.

Important:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Efforts are made to avoid MRI during the first 3 months of pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.

Purpose:

Provides information on the functioning of organs and organ systems with radioactive material.

Preparation:

• Metal parts (e.g., jewelry and clothing) must be removed with metal.

• The bladder must be emptied if appropriate.

• If special preparation is necessary, bring instructions home before the examination.

Process:

• A radioactive substance is administered intravascularly.

• The imaging takes place immediately or after 2 to 4 hours.

• You lie on a study bench while taking a picture.

• A study usually takes 30 to 120 minutes.

Breast-feeding:

• Some substances are excreted in breast milk - please inform your child if you are breast-feeding.

• Instructions on breast-feeding interruption are given by phone at 543 5050 (Hringbraut) or 543 8373 (Fossvogur).

• It is recommended to avoid children in the arms for 24 hours after the study.

Other points:

• Take medicines as usual but let your staff know.

• After study, it is recommended to avoid close contact with others for 24 hours, especially children and pregnant women.

Purpose:

A radiographic test that monitors the movement of organs, for examle: gastrointestinal tract, kidney or blood vessels.

Preparation:

• The preparation depends on the type of study.

• It is common to fast for a few hours, or follow special instructions (for examle: analgesics before colon examination).

• You will receive detailed instructions home before your examination if preparation is necessary.

• Debris and metal parts must be removed. Light clothing is desirable.

• Children may need sedatives before a study – this is in the hands of the children’s department.

Implementation:

• The study is conducted by a doctor/radiologist.

• You lie or stand as appropriate.

• Contrast is either administered intravenously or by drinking.

• Common contrast agents are barium (in the gastrointestinal tract) and iodine (in the vascular system).

• Iodine shade can cause a feeling of heat and bad taste - passes quickly.

• You must be informed beforehand if you have a contrast allergy.

Diabetes:

• If you are taking medicines with Metformin (for example: Glucophage, Eucreas) you must stop them for two days after a study with iodine contrast agent.

• Drink well after the study.

After study:

• Contrasts are often slowly cleaned from the body – drinking liquids is faster.

• The X-ray examiner evaluates the images and sends a response to the requesting physician.

Important:

• It is not recommended to examine pregnant women unless necessary. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

Purpose:

Used to evaluate disease activity, for example in: cancer and inflammation. Combines a PET and CT scan.

Preparation:

• Fast for 6 hours before study - only water allowed.

• Avoid physical activity for 6 hours before study, and do not exercise the day before.

• Use clothing without metals.

• Take regular medicines unless stated otherwise.

Diabetes:

• Type 2: Drop antidiabetic medication 24 hours before study.

• Type 1: Contact the Isotopa department for special measures.

• The study is only conducted if blood glucose is below 10 mmol/l.

Process:

• Health history interviews are conducted and blood sugar is measured.

• A radioactive substance is administered intravenously and you rest for 30 minutes before the photopsy begins.

• The filming takes 20 to 30 minutes.

• The study takes a total of about 2 hours.

• If you have a contrast allergy, you should notify your doctor with a reservation.

After study:

• Drink well and eat after the study.

• Avoid close contact with pregnant women and children for at least 6 hours.

• If you are breast-feeding or in close contact with young children - get directions from the ward.

Other information:

• A technical failure can cause a delay – contact us if you have any questions.

• Family members may wait in the waiting room but not be preparing.

• E-mail: isotop@landspitali.is

• Tel: 543 5050