Landspitali - University Hospital
Radiology Hringbraut and Fossvogur
Imaging and Diagnostics
Imaging studies and diagnostic procedures, including X-rays, CT scans, MRI, isotope scans, PET scans, and ultrasound examinations.
Process and preperation
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.
X-ray images taken from different angles as needed.
The use of radiation protection depends on the situation.
After study:
The X-ray examiner evaluates the examination and sends the result to the doctor who requested the test.
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.
Contrast agent is often given intravenously, but in some cases you may need to drink a contrast agent or water.
Fasting or other preparation may be required for abdominal scans – instructions are sent to you if applicable.
Sometimes a blood test is needed before the examination to assess kidney function.
If you have a known allergy to contrast agents, please inform us in advance.
Contrast material:
Iodinated contrast agent is often administered intravenously.
Allergic reactions are rare but possible – please inform us in advance if you have an allergy to iodinated contrast agents.
If you have impaired kidney function or kidney failure, diabetes medication (metformin) must be withheld for 48 hours after intravenous contrast administration.
It is recommended to drink plenty of water after an examination with iodinated contrast.
Procedure:
The scan usually takes 10–20 minutes.
During the examination, it is necessary to lie still on the examination table.
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 preparation is required, you will receive information before the 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:
A radiologist evaluates/interprets the examination and sends the results to the physician who requested it.
That physician will inform you of 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:
It is important to arrive on time for 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 let us know before the study.
Comfort can be improved, for example, by listening to music, using an eye mask, or having a companion with you during the examination.
Contrast:
In some cases, gadolinium contrast is used intravenously.
Side effects are rare.
Women who are breastfeeding should consider whether to discard breast milk for 24 hours after an examination with gadolinium.
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:
A radiologist evaluates/interprets the examination and sends the results to the physician who requested it.
That physician will inform you of the results.
Important:
Please inform us if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. MRI examinations are generally avoided during the first three months of pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.
Please also inform us if you have a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD).
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.
After the study:
A radiologist evaluates/interprets the examination and sends the results to the physician who requested it.
That physician will inform you of the results.
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).
After study:
Contrast material is often cleared slowly from the gastrointestinal tract.
Drinking fluids helps speed up this process, and it is recommended to drink plenty of water after the examination.
A radiologist evaluates/interprets the examination and sends the results to the physician who requested it.
That physician will inform you of the results.
Important:
It is not recommended to examine pregnant women unless necessary. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you might be 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.
Do not consume caffeinated beverages for 24 hours before the examination.
Avoid physical activity for 6 hours before study, and do not exercise the day before.
If you have a known contrast allergy, please inform us in advance.
Take regular medicines unless stated otherwise.
Diabetes:
Type 2: Stop taking diabetes medication 24 hours before the examination.
Type 1: Contact the department for specific instructions.
The study is only conducted if blood glucose is below 10 mmol/l.
Process:
Upon arrival at the department, several aspects of your health will be reviewed.
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 2-3 hours.
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.
A radiologist evaluates/interprets the examination and sends the results to the physician who requested it.
That physician will inform you of the results.
Other information:
A technical failure can cause a delay – contact us if you have any questions.
Relatives may wait in the waiting area but are not allowed to be present during the preparation.
E-mail: isotop@landspitali.is
Tel: 543 5050