Vhi 360 Health Centre

Service

An MRI is a diagnostic scanning technique that uses a strong magnetic field and radio frequency waves to produce detailed images of internal organs and tissue. It can be used on almost any part of the body and generally used to examine the brain, joints and discs in the spine. It is a painless procedure and can take between 15 - 90 minutes, depending on the part of the body being scanned. No radiation is involved in an MRI scan.

Please alert a member of our team if you have any of the below, as it may not be possible to have an MRI:

 - certain aneurysm clips in your head.

 - metal clips.

 - metallic joint prosthesis.

 - certain metallic heart valves.

 - a pacemaker.

 - inner ear implants e.g. cochlear.

 - certain neurological stimulators.

 - metal fragments in your eyes.

What to expect

Generally, there is no preparation required before a DEXA scan so you can take your normal medication and eat and drink as usual. 

When you are having your scan, you will lie on a cushioned table. You will need to lie still for the duration. 

It is a painless and non-invasive procedure and should take approximately 15 - 20 minutes. 

Appointment

You should arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of your appointment and will need to complete some forms.

Service

This is an internal referral service only. What this means is that you may be referred for this scan through our Urgent Care section, for example. The referral for this service may take place in a clinic other than that where the scan is available. So, if you go to one of our health centres (or SwiftCare) for urgent care and you need a scan, you may need to travel to a health centre in another location for this.  

A Dexa Scan is a type of x-ray which is used to determine bone mass. It is a widely used scan in the diagnosis of osteoporosis.

It can also be used to evaluate body composition, such as how much fat and muscle mass your body has (and where).

What to expect

Generally there is no preparation required before a DEXA scan so you can take your normal medication and eat and drink as usual. 

When you are having your scan, you will lie on a cushioned table. You will need to lie still for the duration. 

It is a painless and non-invasive procedure and should take approximately 15 - 20 minutes. 

Appointment

You should arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of your appointment and will need to complete some forms.

Service

An X-ray is the most frequently used form of medical imaging. It is a painless medical scan that generates an image of an internal area of the body and is used to assist in the diagnosis of many conditions.

What to expect

Generally, there is no preparation required before a scan so you can take your medication as you nomally would (if required) and eat and drink as usual. 

It is a painless and non invasive procedure and should take approximately 10 - 15 minutes. 

You need to remain still for the examination. 

Appointment

You will need to remove all jewellery and may need to remove some or all of your clothing depending on the part of the body being examined - a gown will be provided.

You should arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of your appointment and will need to complete some forms.

Service

A ultrasound is a type of imaging test used to examine the internal organs with very high frequency sound waves. It is a painless and non-invasive procedure scan and is used to assist in the diagnosis of many conditions. 

What to expect 

You will need to follow instructions given by the doctor, as there may be specific guidelines regarding food and water intake.

You may also need to change into a gown or loose clothing, and will be asked to lie in an instructed position.

Water based gel is applied on the area of examination. This allows the waves to pass easily in and out of the body. It also reduces the friction with the transducer.

The transducer will be pressed lightly and moved on the area of examination.

Appointment

By Vhi 360 referral appointment only.

You will need to remove all jewellery and may need to remove some or all of your clothing depending on the part of the body being examined - a gown will be provided.

You will need to complete some forms on arrival.