Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging Services at UPMC
The Department of Radiology at UPMC offers state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging services that include MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, and CT scans. These high-tech tools help doctors understand your condition and how to treat it.
At UPMC, our Consultant Radiologists and highly trained team of radiographers use innovative equipment and techniques to provide you with a range of diagnostic services.
Make a Diagnostic Appointment
Ask your GP for a referral for one of our diagnostic departments in UPMC Whitfield Hospital, UPMC Aut Even Hospital or UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic.
What Conditions Can Radiology Tests Diagnose?
Any time a doctor needs to look at the inside of your body, they may order imaging tests. These tests may rule out certain conditions or diseases or help identify them.
We provide imaging services for a range of injuries and diseases:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Orthopaedic injuries
- Respiratory disease
- Sports
Specialised Imaging Services at UPMC
Diagnostic tests help doctors determine the exact cause of your illness or discomfort. At UPMC, we offer a wide range of imaging services.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to acquire detailed images of the structures inside the body. It works by using magnetic resonance imaging.
Some medical devices (pacemakers, cochlear implants, artificial limbs) may prevent you from having an MRI. In some cases, you may need an x-ray before an MRI to make sure it's safe for you to enter the scanner.
MRI scanners are used to get high quality images of the soft tissues of the body including the brain, spinal cord and nerves, as well as muscles, joints, ligaments, cartilage and tendons.
While the scan is painless, it can be noisy, so you may wish to wear headphones while having your scan.
Scans can take between 20 minutes to an hour to complete, depending on what examinations have been requested by your doctor.
Is MRI safe?
Radiation: There are no known health risks associated with having an MRI scan because unlike x-rays, MRI does not use ionising (x-ray) radiation.
Implanted Medical Devices: Some devices and implants are unsafe for MRI and some require scanning under specific MRI conditions. Each device will have to be verified prior to the scan to make sure it is safe to proceed. The make and model of the device may be required in advance. All patients are screened prior to having an MRI to ensure it is safe to proceed.
Metallic Foreign Objects: The magnet poses a risk for patients who have metal fragments in the eyes or skin. These may be dislodged or heat significantly during the scan and cause serious harm. An x-ray may be required prior to the scan.
What to expect on the day of your MRI scan?
Before your scan: On the day of your scan you will check-in at Radiology reception. You will be given an MRI safety questionnaire to complete.
You will be directed to the MRI waiting area. One of the Radiology team will help prepare you for the scan. Depending on the type of scan, you may need to change into a hospital gown.
Prior to entering the MRI room the radiographer will review your safety questionnaire and explain in detail what to expect. We encourage you to ask questions or discuss any concerns you may have at this time.
The MRI scan: A radiographer will carry out your scan. For the majority of scans you will be required to lie on your back on a cushioned table. Once comfortable, the table is moved very slowly under the magnet opening. The radiographer will communicate with you throughout the exam via an intercom. You will be given a call bell so you contact the radiographer during the exam, should you need to.
There will be a loud knocking noise so you will be provided with hearing protection. For the majority of scans, you will be offered a choice of music.
It is essential to stay absolutely still because even slight movements can cause blurring of the images.
How do I get my results?
Your MRI scan will be reported by a Consultant Radiologist with sub-speciality expertise. Your referring doctor should receive the report within 48 hours of the completion of your scan.
X-ray
An X-ray is a painless imaging technique that produces a two-dimensional picture. Doctors use them to diagnose broken bones, joint abnormalities, certain illnesses, or to act as guidance for therapeutic procedures like pain relief injections.
X-rays are a type of radiation, similar to light waves but with more energy. When you have an X-ray, a machine passes this radiation through your body onto a detector, creating a black-and-white image of what's inside.
Often, an X-ray is enough to diagnose a problem. If it's not, your doctor may order a CT scan to take a 3-D look.
What happens during an X-ray?
For your X-ray, you will be positioned lying on a table or standing against a plate, with the body part being examined placed between the X-ray machine and the imaging detector. You'll need to stay still for a moment while the image is taken, as movement can blur the picture.
Most X-ray examinations take approximately 10–15 minutes.
Computerised Tomography (CT Scan)
A CT (computerised tomography) scan is a painless, specialised X-ray that allows doctors to see inside your body. It uses a combination of X-rays along with a computer to create pictures of your organs, bones, and other tissues. It shows greater detail than that shown on a regular X-ray.
Doctors use CT scans to detect tumours, abscesses, or abnormal blood vessels. A CT scan before an operation may pinpoint the exact location of an abnormality.
You can receive a CT scan at both UPMC Whitfield Hospital and UPMC Aut Even Hospital.
How do I prepare for a CT scan?
There is no specific preparation needed for a CT scan. It may be helpful, however, to wear comfortable clothes without any metal such as zips, underwires, metal buttons etc., as you may be asked to remove metallic objects or to change into a gown.
When you check-in for your appointment you will be asked to complete a safety questionnaire.
Sometimes, depending on the area being targeted, you may require an injection of contrast agent (X-ray dye) to improve detail in the area being scanned and make organs and blood vessels easier to pick out. The injection is usually given into a vein in the arm or hand during the scan.
For certain scans you will be asked to drink some water or oral contrast agent which has an aniseed taste, to help give good definition of your stomach and the rest of your intestine.
If you require a contrast agent you will be informed of this prior to your scan.
What happens during the CT scan?
During your scan you will be asked to lie on a cushioned table. The table will move through the centre of the CT scanner, which is ring or “donut” shaped. The scanner will rotate around the body and take pictures. There will be a whirring noise caused by the moving parts of the scanner.
The radiographer operates the scanner from behind a window and will observe you throughout the examination. You will be required to lie as still as possible and you may be asked to follow breathing instructions. You will be able to contact your radiographer via the intercom at any time during the examination.
The scan usually takes approximately 15 minutes.
How do I get my CT scan results?
Your scan will be reported by one of our on-site consultant radiologists. The results will be sent directly to the doctor that referred you for your scan.
PET-CT Scan
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is an imaging test that allows your doctor to check for diseases in your body. The scan uses a special dye containing radioactive tracers. These tracers are either swallowed, inhaled, or injected into a vein in your arm depending on what part of the body is being examined.
You can receive a PET scan at UPMC Whitfield Hospital.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound, also known as sonography, uses high frequency sound waves that travel through soft tissue to capture live images of the inside of your body. Ultrasound does not use radiation which is why it is so commonly used for pregnancy imaging.
Your doctor may refer you for an ultrasound to get a visual of your organs, vessels or tissues.
The examination usually takes approximately 20 minutes.
How do I prepare for an ultrasound?
For some ultrasound scans, some preparation may be required. You will be given specific preparation instructions for your scan at your appointment booking time.
For certain scans (examination of the upper abdomen), you may be required to fast, whilst for others (examination of the lower) abdomen, you will be asked to drink several glasses of water prior to examination.
What happens during an ultrasound?
During an ultrasound, you will be asked to lie, usually face up, on an examination table. A gel is applied to the skin and an ultrasound probe (transducer) is moved over the gel, by a technician, to acquire the images.
A screen will display pictures of the echoes. The picture is constantly updated so the scan can show movement as well as structure. The probe allows for views from different angles.
How do I get my ultrasound results?
Your scan will be reported by one of our on-site consultant radiologists. The results will be sent directly to the doctor that referred you for your scan.
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA scan)
Doctors use the DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan to measure bone density. It produces pictures of the spine and hips to measure bone loss. Doctors use it to diagnose osteoporosis and related bone problems.
A DEXA scan is quick and painless. You don't need to do anything special to prepare for it.
You can receive a DEXA scan at UPMC Sports Medicine Clinic at SETU Arena and UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic.
Why Choose UPMC Radiology Services?
The doctors and other medical staff at our Radiology Department are experts in their field and they have advanced training in the latest imaging technology. The radiology team is committed to quick turnaround when it comes to reporting results.
- We have state-of-the-art diagnostic tools: Options include X-ray, MRI, CT, and ultrasound which ensure a good patient experience and excellent image quality.
- Advanced CT scanning equipment: Available at UPMC Whitfield Hospital in Waterford and UPMC Aut Even Hospital in Kilkenny.
- Swift scheduling and results: Our radiology services include fast scheduling and quick reporting.
Additionally, we are long term partners of the HSE (Health Service Executive) and private insurers. We work diligently to ensure everyone has equal access to high quality healthcare delivered in a timely fashion.
Does UPMC in Ireland offer mammography services?
No, at this time, none of our UPMC facilities in Ireland (UPMC Whitfield Hospital, UPMC Aut Even Hospital, UPMC Kildare Hospital, or UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic), offer mammograms. Contact your general practitioner for a referral or advice on where to receive your mammogram.
