Interventional CT FAQs
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- It is recommended to wear separate top and bottom clothing to make accessing the treatment area easier.
- Depending on the procedure, specific guidance about food, drink, and medications will be given at the time of booking.
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Your radiographer will explain exactly what will happen during your procedure. It may vary slightly from what we describe below, so don’t worry if this is the case, you’ll always be in very good hands.
At the start of your appointment, the area of concern will be identified using CT imaging.
Once the area is located, the skin will be cleaned with antiseptic. A local anaesthetic will be administered to help numb the area and minimise any pain. Discomfort is usually minimal.
The radiographer will use CT guidance to direct the needle to the appropriate area.
Depending on your procedure, the needle may be used to remove a tissue sample for a biopsy or to inject medication. You may feel some mild discomfort or pressure, but the local anaesthetic typically prevents pain.
Following a biopsy, the area will be pressed on firmly for a few minutes to reduce bruising and bleeding, and then covered with a dressing.
An injection may take a few minutes, during which time you may feel some minor pressure or discomfort. We will do our very best to keep this to a minimum and keep you comfortable.
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The time required for an interventional CT varies depending on the specific procedure. For details about the duration of your appointment, you can enquire when booking.
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If you have had a biopsy taken, the samples are immediately sent to a pathologist after the procedure. The pathologist will then examine the samples and determine whether they represent normal or abnormal tissue. The pathologist is generally able to issue a report on the samples within 48 hours.
A copy of the report is sent to Queensland X-Ray and to your doctor.
The area that has been biopsied may feel a little tender for several days and there is usually some bruising.
The dressing applied during the procedure is waterproof and should be kept on for two days. You can shower with it, but strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided for 48 hours to allow the area to heal.
If you have had medication administered, such as a PRP injection for pain management, you may initially feel relief from the local anaesthetic, but this will wear off after a short time. Discomfort in the area may persist for a few days as part of the healing process. You should avoid strenuous activities or anything beyond daily living tasks for one week.
Depending on the procedure, specific guidance about your recovery will be given during your appointment.
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Like all medical procedures, interventional CTs carry some risks. Depending on the specific procedure, these risks may vary.
For biopsies, there is a slight risk of bleeding or infection, but this is minimised by performing the procedure under sterile conditions. Patients are monitored after the biopsy to ensure there are no complications. If you notice further bleeding during this time, staff will apply additional pressure and provide appropriate care.
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Interventional CTs are performed by a skilled team of radiologists using advanced imaging to position the needle safely and reach the target area faster with greater precision.
How much will it cost?
Fees for radiology procedures will vary depending on a variety of factors. We will advise you about the cost of your service at the time of booking but if you do have any questions, contact us and one of our team will be happy to help with your query. You can read more about our billing information here.
How do I access my images?
At Queensland X-Ray, we provide our patients with their images and results online. To access your images and results, you’ll need to register for an account when you visit one of our practices. If you’ve already registered, you can access the Patient Portal here.