What to Expect During a Diagnostic Imaging Appointment

Diagnostic imaging plays a key role in helping doctors examine the inside of your body. These tests allow health professionals to check organs, bones, tissues, and other internal areas without surgery. Imaging is commonly used to diagnose health concerns, monitor conditions, or guide treatment. If you have an upcoming appointment, knowing what happens during the process can help you feel prepared and comfortable.

Getting Ready for the Appointment

Booking and Preparation

Once your doctor has referred you for a scan, you will need to book your appointment. Depending on the type of scan, there may be preparation involved. For example, you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the scan. Some scans require loose clothing without metal zippers or buttons. In certain cases, you may be asked to change into a gown.

Always let the staff know if you are pregnant, have metal implants, use medication, or have had allergic reactions to contrast dyes in the past. This helps keep the process safe for you.

Bring Required Documents

Bring your referral form, Medicare or health card, and any previous scan results if you have them. Sharing earlier imaging results allows the radiologist to compare and better understand any changes in your body.

What Happens at the Clinic

Arriving at the Facility

You may be asked to arrive 10–15 minutes early. This gives you time to complete any paperwork. A staff member will confirm your information, explain the scan, and guide you to the imaging room.

Inside the Imaging Room

The procedure will be done by a trained technician. They will explain how to position your body for the scan. You may be asked to lie still, hold your breath briefly, or follow simple instructions. Staying still helps to get clear images.

Different scans involve different steps:

• X-rays take only a few minutes and involve standing or lying still while the image is taken.

• Ultrasound involves a device moving over the skin with a small amount of gel.

• CT scans may involve lying on a table that moves through a ring-shaped scanner.

• MRI requires lying in a tunnel-like machine, often for 20–45 minutes. It uses magnets and radio waves instead of radiation.

Sometimes a special dye (contrast) is used. This helps the images show more detail. The dye may be taken by mouth or through a small injection. You will be told about this in advance if needed.

After the Scan

Finishing Up

In most cases, you can leave shortly after the scan. If you received a contrast dye, drinking extra water helps your body remove it naturally. You can usually return to your normal routine unless told otherwise.

When You Will Get the Results

A radiologist will study your scan and prepare a report. This report is sent to your referring doctor, who will explain the results to you. Your doctor may schedule another test, offer treatment, or make a diagnosis based on the images.

Services at Queensland Radiology Specialists

Queensland Radiology Specialists offers a range of imaging tests including MRI, CT, ultrasound, and X-ray. Each test is performed with care by a skilled team. The goal is to support your health by helping your doctor get clear, detailed information. The clinic accepts all referrals, and most procedures are bulk billed if eligible under Medicare. With locations across Queensland, the team is available to support patients through each step of their imaging journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need a referral for imaging?

Yes. A doctor or health professional needs to provide a referral before you can have most imaging tests.

2. How long does a scan take?

Most imaging scans take between 15 and 45 minutes. Some may be shorter or longer depending on the type of scan and body part being checked.

3. Will I feel anything during the scan?

Imaging scans are not painful. Some may cause a bit of discomfort from lying still or from a cold gel, but there is no pain during the procedure.

4. Can I eat before my scan?

This depends on the scan. Some scans require fasting, while others do not. You will be given instructions when your appointment is booked.

5. What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothes without metal, zippers, or buttons. You may be asked to change into a gown for certain scans.

6. When will I get my results?

Your doctor will receive the results from the radiologist within a few days. They will then contact you to explain the findings.

7. Is imaging safe during pregnancy?

Some scans are not done during pregnancy unless medically necessary. Always tell the clinic if you are pregnant or think you might be.