MOLOKAI GENERAL HOSPITAL
Molokai’s Health Care Leader
Radiology FAQ’s
Do I need a referral from my physician?
Yes, all exams performed in Radiology
require a signed referral from a physician.
Do I need to make an appointment?
Patients may walk in for general x-rays. Other specialty exams
such as CT, US, mammography and DEXA require an appointment. Simply call our
Radiology Department 808-553-3132 and we will gladly assist you.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my test?
Procedures other than Computed Tomography (CT),
and US, and Mammography usually require no special preparation. For some
procedures, you may need to abstain from eating or drinking. Your physician or
a member of the radiology department staff will tell you about any necessary
preparations before the day of your test.
Abdomen /
·
Nothing to eat or drink 6
hours before the test. However you may
take any of your usual or prescribed medication with water. Your ordering physician
will determine the type of contrast medium for the procedure. Dress comfortable, wear something with no
metal or zippers, otherwise you will be asked to change.
·
Oral
contrast- Drink one bottle of
contrast before going to bed. Drink the second bottle of contrast the morning
of the exam one hour before your scheduled exam time. Drink slowly.
·
IV
contrast- Patients over 30 years or
those whose kidneys may have been compromised by diabetes or dialysis need to
have recent labs to check kidney function.
Patients on diabetic medication Metformin (Glucophage) must not take
Metformin 48 hours after the administration of IV contrast. You may need to
have labs drawn to ensure kidneys are properly functioning before restarting
Metformin. Please consult with your physician. Patients with a history of
allergies to seafood, shellfish, iodine or asthma may receive additional prep
from your physician, Take as directed.
The technologist will start an IV in your arm or hand the morning of the
test to inject the contrast. Note: Drink
lots of fluids 24 hours after the exam.
Abdominal Ultra sound
You will need to follow a 24- hour fat free
diet. No dairy products or fried foods.
You will be asked not to eat after midnight prior to your exam. Liquids
are ok (water, juice, tea) Do not drink milk. No smoking or chewing gum the
morning of the exam. Do not skip any medications. Consult with your physician
if you have any questions.
Renal (kidney)
Please drink 16 ounces of water one hour before
your scheduled exam time. Do not empty
your bladder until the exam is completed
Mammography
We recommend wearing a 2- piece outfit. Please
do not use any perfume, powder, bath oils, or deodorant on your breasts or
underarm area.
Where do I check in for my radiology exam?
Please check in at the registration desk
at the ER located in the main lobby of the hospital. Please bring any information that needs to be
updated (insurance, contact information, etc.).
How do I get the results of my test?
Your physician will receive a formal report from
the radiologist. In most cases, the radiologist reviews the test soon after the
exam is completed. Patients who have had
a mammogram will receive a written letter in the mail no later than 30 days
after your exam date. You may schedule an appointment with your Dr. to discuss
the results of your test.
What is mammography?
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that
uses a low-dose x-ray system that creates high-contrast, high-resolution images
for examination of the breasts. Molokai General hospital now offers state of
the art digital mammography. Successful treatment of breast cancer depends on
early diagnosis. Mammography can show changes in the breast up to two years
before a patient or physician can feel them. The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) says that mammography can detect 85 to 90 percent of breast cancers in
women over 50. Current guidelines from the American Medical Association (AMA)
and the
What is a CT scan?
A Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a
non-invasive diagnostic technique that enables a physician to scan a patient's
chest, abdomen, and pelvis for abnormalities such as masses. CT is often
accompanied by dyes or other image enhancers called "contrast media."
You may take the contrast media orally (drinking it), be given via injection,
or both. The contrast media is absorbed differently by different tissues in
your body, and helps each type of tissue show up more clearly when scanned.
After a few hours, the contrast media dissolves and is passed out of your body
when you urinate. The CT scanner includes an x-ray machine that picks up
signals from the contrast media absorbed by your body, and a computer that
turns signals from the scanner into a three-dimensional image. This image gives
the radiologist a finely detailed picture of the area scanned.
What is ultrasound?
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound
scanning or sonography, is a method of creating an image of the internal organs
through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves are recorded and
displayed as a real-time visual image. No radiation is used in ultrasound
imaging. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show
movement of internal tissues and organs, and enable physicians to see blood
flow and other functions.
What are x-rays?
X-rays are pictures produced by sending a stream
of electrically charged, slightly radioactive particles through the body.
Different types of tissues (bones versus organs, for instance) absorb these
particles differently. By placing an x-ray film or digital detector on the
opposite side of a person from the source of the particles, a picture of bones
and tissues can be created.
How do I get a copy of my exam?
You may call the Radiology Department and
request a CD copy of your exam. Please allow the department 24 hours to make it
ready for pickup. The first copy will be provided at no charge however there
will be a charge of 15.00 per CD for any additional copies. Payments are to be paid at the business
office.