Radiology
Bergman, Ross and Partners.
THE HYPERLIFE RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY CONSISTS OF X-RAY, MRI, MAMMOGRAPHY,
BONE DENSITY SCANS AND ULTRASOUNDS.
Managed by an excellent and well experienced team, our modern equipment produces quality diagnostic images.
Our reporting is done by Bergman, Ross and Partners. This enables us to give quality reports within record times.
Contact Us:
X-RAYS
Hyperlife Radiology is a unique “out of hospital” X-Ray department. Some benefits
you should experience include:
- Easy access and free parking.
- Short waiting times.
- Relaxing, friendly and comfortable environment.
We strive to satisfy both patients and referring doctors as far as possible by providing good images, good reporting and great service.
Our imaging equipment is all relatively new and high end. Staff carefully selected, well trained with good experience
X-rays are achieved by using low dose radiation to obtain images of internal structures of the body including bone, air and soft tissue.
Sensitivity to radiation is largely age dependent; children are more sensitive than adults. We therefore protect certain areas with lead gowns.
Please inform the radiographer if there is a possibility of pregnancy as x-rays are contra-indicated in pregnancy.
An x-ray examination is a quick and painless procedure for which you prepare by removing all metal artefacts from the area of interest. If necessary a gown may be worn during the examination.
X-rays are used to diagnose disease or injury and to determine improvement of pathology.
The results are interpreted by a certified Radiologist.
These results will then be sent in a report to be discussed by the referring specialist and the patient.
Opening Hours:
Weekdays:
07:30 - 16:30
Booking required:
No
Doctors referral required:
Yes
Preparation required:
No
MRI
WHAT IS AN MRI:
MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and low energy radio waves to create very detailed images of the organs, tissues, joint and bone structures. Sometimes a contrast agent is injected into the patient to enable tissues and organs to show up more clearly.
HAVING YOUR MRI AT HYPERLIFE:
At Hyperlife, we strive to make the MRI experience as relaxing and comfortable as possible. Our staff are highly trained and well experienced, but most of all they are caring and compassionate towards each patient. Our MRI room has been specially designed to be as tranquil as possible. Our MRI machine is brand new and contains the latest and very advanced technology, which assists in getting good images within a short timeframe.
Being an “out of hospital” facility, you may find our booking availability and waiting times surprisingly short. Parking is easy and it’s a short walk from your car to the X-Ray building.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR MRI:
When making your appointment, you will be given a safety checklist, where all necessary information will be obtained and discussed. It’s important to make us aware of any metallic implants within your body, such as a pacemaker, as these can be affected by the magnetic fields of the MRI.
Upon arrival, you will be met by our helpful and caring staff. You will then change into a gown and be escorted into the MRI room. which has been designed to be a tranquil/peaceful environment to make your MRI experience as comfortable as possible. You will lie on a mobile bed which then moves into the MRI tunnel, which is open on both ends.
The duration of the MRI examination is between 25 and 60 minutes, depending on the type of MRI required. Its important to lie still, as movement blurs the images and certain sequences may need to be taken again if they are blurred, making the whole process take longer.
You will hear knocking noises throughout your MRI, we provide you with earplugs and headphones to dampen this sound as much as possible.
The Radiographer will be in constant communication with you as you undergo your examination, but you will also receive an emergency panic button for in case you feel you need to exit the MRI for any reason.
BOOKING, BILLING AND REPORTS:
MRI examinations require a referral letter from a Specialist, thereafter an appointment can be scheduled with our MRI Department. You can book by calling us on 011 867 0199 or send us an email to mri@hyperlife.co.za
MRI examinations require pre-authorisation from your medical aid, which our practice will obtain on your behalf. You may be required to pay an upfront amount in the case of any shortfall or non-payment by your medical aid
Once your MRI is completed, your doctor will receive the report electronically.
ULTRASOUND
- Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive (no ionizing radiation) imaging technique where high frequency sound waves are used to produce images of internal structures.
- Images are produced in real-time, which allows for evaluation of soft tissue organs and joint movement. Specialised Doppler ultrasounds are performed to view internal motions of blood flow in the major blood vessels and to diagnose narrowing or occlusion of vessels.
- The Sonographers who perform these examinations are highly qualified, and work closely with the Radiologist to ensure the most accurate information is collected on a state of the art modern ultrasound unit.
-
Patients may be required to wear a gown as transmission gel is utilised to transmit the sound beams into the area of interest.
• Certain ultrasound examinations require fasting for 6 hours as well as drinking water to fill the urinary bladder which is used to visualise pelvic anatomy.
• Ultrasound results are reported and discussed with the patient by the referring specialist.
Opening Hours:
Weekdays:
07:30 - 16:00
Booking required:
Yes
Doctors referral required:
Yes
Preparation required:
No
MAMMOGRAPHY
- A mammogram is a specialised form of x-ray that looks specifically at the breast tissue. It uses a much lower dose of x-rays than that used for normal x-rays.
- A mammogram is utilised for the diagnosis of breast cancer and helps to distinguish non-cancerous problems of the breast from cancer.
- At Hyperlife, we combine a mammogram with an ultrasound examination of both breasts.
- Our mammogram machine is 3D (Tomosynthesis) enabled, which gives accurate results due to the breast tissue being more visible with this technology. With this added digital technology, it makes mammography a much faster and less painful experience.
- Preparing for your mammogram.
3-D MAMMOGRAMS: THE FUTURE OF BREAST CANCER DETECTION
- Tomosynthesis uses multiple low-dose images of the breast that are then layered into a pseudo 3D view. It creates a clearer, more detailed image than the traditional 2D view. Some studies have found the 3D might help to detect deadly cancers earlier.
- One seeming advantage of 3D mammography, is that it appears to lessen the number of false positive tests and appears to zero in on the more aggressive cancers earlier, when treatments can be more successful.
Opening Hours:
Weekdays:
07:30 - 16:30
Booking required:
Yes
Doctors referral required:
No
Preparation required:
Yes
BONE DENSITOMETRY
- Bone densitometry can also be referred to as dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), or bone mineral density (BMD). It performs a measure of bone density, and reflects the strength of bones as represented by calcium content. This procedure is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis and osteopenia, and to determine the level of an individual’s risk of developing bone fractures.
- The procedure uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body (usually the lower spine and hips) to measure bone loss.
- This exam requires very little or no special preparation. Tell the Radiographer if there is a possibility that you are pregnant, or if you recently had a barium exam or received an injection of contrast material for a CT or radioisotope scan. Don’t wear jewellery, and make sure you wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown. You should not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam.
Opening Hours:
Weekdays:
07:30 - 16:30
Booking required:
Yes
Doctors referral required:
Yes
Preparation required:
No