Radiation Safety

Radiation protection is a science in itself and is a delicately balanced process between getting the ‘right’ picture the first time and using the minimum amount of radiation. International protocols refer to this as the ALARA principle which simply means ‘as low as reasonably achievable’ radiation dose to produce the desired result. At MDI Radiology, taking into account the ALARA principle, we take every precaution to minimise any risks including:

• The use of Lead Shielding (lap aprons, thyroid shields etc).
• Communicating with the referring doctor regarding the appropriate test, in particular if the patient has had a similar test within a short time frame.
• Checking a menstrual history of the female patient as appropriate.
• Ensuring that we use equipment that is serviced and checked regularly and meets strict accreditation standards that are presently in place.
• Using the appropriate protocols for the particular examination.
• Constant monitoring of our staff and minimising their exposure to radiation.

Contrast Safety

For many CT scans, an intravenous injection of contrast medium is required. The contrast is a colourless fluid, containing iodine, which allows blood vessels (and organs containing blood vessels) to be shown in the scan, and therefore help diagnosis.

MDI Radiology uses low-allergy non ionic contrast. However, despite this, there is no perfectly safe medical substance in the world. The possible reactions which can occur are fever, nausea, vomiting, rash, diarrhoea, hypertension, breathing problems, shock and in 1 in 100,000 patients (0.001%) could result in death.

Patients are required to fill out a questionnaire prior to having the injection and a doctor is always present to monitor the injection.

MDI Radiology adheres strictly to the ESUR (European Society of Urogenital Radiology) Guidelines, which are constantly reviewed and updated by the Contrast Medium Safety Committee of the ESUR - viewed around the world as the “guardians” of contrast medium safety.

These guidelines are published in booklet format and on the ESUR website. The Director of Radiology for MDI Radiology is a member of ESUR. Furthermore, the Director is in regular communication with Prof Henrik Thomsen, of Denmark, the Committee chair and co-author of “Contrast Media: Safety Issues and ESUR Guidelines”.

MDI Radiology is currently the only private medical imaging practice in Victoria utilising echoenhancers (ultrasound contrast agents). The only such agent approved for use in Australia is DefinityTM , which has been shown in tens of thousands of doses overseas and locally to be completely safe.

MDI Radiology believes that it is important to be able to use such new technology, as it assists greatly in the diagnosis of certain abnormalities.

Infection Control

MDI Radiology is committed to providing the best possible practice for infection control procedures within our health care setting.

Policies and procedures are in place throughout our organisation to minimise the risk to patients and healthcare providers. These policies are reviewed continuously to coincide with regulatory changes and technical developments.

MDI Radiology uses only the highest quality, fully sterilised, single use disposable equipment for all interventional procedures.

Image-Guided Procedures

The Radiologists at MDI Radiology specialise in CT and ultrasound guided procedures, such as biopsies, joint injections, and drainages.

The Radiologist will explain to each individual patient the procedure and highlight if there are any risks involved. Generally these are very safe.

MDI Radiology uses only the highest quality, fully sterilised, single use disposable equipment, thereby further ensuring optimal patient safety and care at every turn.

Please note that an account for any specimens that are taken will be sent to you from a Pathology company (e.g. TissuPath, Gribbles or Melbourne Pathology), which is separate to your account with MDI Radiology.