ÁREA DE CONTENIDO
F.A.Q.
Simple X-ray
►Is it necessary to make an appointment for an X-ray?
NO, in theory you can come here without an appointment to have simple X-ray tests. The timetable is from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You only need an appointment for major studies such as an Ultrasound scan, CT scan, MRI scan or Special tests (transits, hysterosalpingographies, etc.)
Ultrasound scan
►Does an ultrasound “emit radiation”?
NO. It is a harmless technique.
►Does it need to be done on an empty stomach?
It is preferable for all abdominal examinations, and it is always necessary to achieve a better assessment of the bladder. We recommend not eating for 6 hours beforehand. There are relative exceptions, e.g. if you are diabetic.
►Must I come with a full bladder?
It is necessary for gynaecological, renal and vesico-prostatic examinations. You are normally recommended to drink one litre an hour before the examination, otherwise you will have to wait until your bladder is full.
►Can all alterations be seen on an obstetric ultrasound?
Despite the high quality of the equipment and the high qualification of the doctor who performs the scan, there is a small percentage of congenital malformations that may not be visible in the uterus.
Mammography
►Is it harmful to have regular mammographies?
NO. It is necessary to ensure adequate screening for breast conditions, and it is performed according to the protocol for each case and indicated by your specialist in 1 or 2 years. What is more, the radiation is minimal.
►Is mammography painful?
It should be mentioned that this technique requires a firm compression of the breast, which is what enables the radiologist to make an adequate assessment. We will always try to do so with the greatest possible care to avoid hurting you. Request this test at the time of the month when there is least tension in the breasts.
►I have a breast implant. Could it break during the examination?
NO. The degree of compression is always adapted to your characteristics. Remember to mention it when you go for the test.
CT scan
►Does a CT scan involve any risks because of the radiation?
NO. The machines are checked regularly so that the scan is performed with a dose that is adapted to the programmed level. This will be individually adjusted for each patient and examination and it is supervised by a Specialist Technician and a Radiologist, who are in charge of performing the scan. This test is justified in certain cases, and if not, the Radiologist (who is in charge of the test) will tell you about the possibility of performing other more harmless tests, always prioritising the best diagnostic option in each case.
►Is it important to mention diseases, treatments and/or allergies when having a CT scan?
YES. 60% of examinations involve the use of IODINATED contrast. This substance makes it possible to "paint" certain organs and thus discover certain lesions. This contrast involves risks that can lead to reactions that are more common in patients with risk factors such as asthma, kidney disease, diabetes under treatment with metformin, treatments with interleukin or a history of previous reactions. Therefore, you must tell the staff about these situations.
►Is contrast always used in a CT scan?
NO. There are examinations that require it and others that do not. The only person responsible for taking this decision is the Radiologist and he/she will only prescribe it if necessary.
►Why must I sign a consent form for the contrast?
Iodinated contrast can cause reactions and, although the Radiologist is in charge of prescribing it according to the patient's condition, you must be the person who agrees to its administration, otherwise it cannot be administered. Should you refuse, you must know that a clearly inferior result (10-20%) could be obtained compared to the result that would have been obtained with the contrast, and it may not be possible to identify intravisceral lesions.
►Should I be worried about having a scan with contrast?
NO. It is a substance that can cause reactions. In 10 years at this centre there have been NO serious cases. However, we have the necessary means and trained staff to treat these reactions immediately.
►Do I need to mention any reactions that I have had in the past?
YES. You must always mention any reactions that you have experienced following the administration of iodinated contrast to warn the staff of the possibility of a reaction in subsequent studies so that they can alter the radiological technique and the use of prophylaxis (medication to avoid such a reaction).
►Do I have to drink oral contrast?
YES, sometimes it is necessary to ensure a better optimisation of your examination and it will be indicated by the radiologist once your prescription has been assessed. This can delay the time when you go in for the examination by approximately one hour.
Magnetic resonance scan
►Does MRI involve radiation?
NO. Its diagnostic capacity lies in the presence of a powerful magnetic field and the emission of radio frequency, which makes it possible to characterise the different parts of the body or lesions according to their internal composition.
►Is an MRI scan better than a CT scan?
NO. Each technique is used for different studies, as they involve different physical principles. Sometimes they serve to complement the findings of a different technique. The Radiologist is the person who will indicate the most suitable test according to the suspected diagnosis that is specified on your prescription and you personal characteristics.
►Can all patients have an MRI scan?
NO. There are cases of absolute contraindication. If you have a pacemaker, defibrillator or infusion pumps (of drugs, hormones, etc.) you cannot enter, as the magnetic field of the MRI can de-program these devices, putting your life at risk. But do not worry, before you enter the MRI scanner you will be given information sheets / questionnaires / a consent form where you will be asked and informed about all this. Also, you can always ask us personally if you have any questions.