Image Guided Procedures Preparation Guide
Appointment Preparation

Image Guided Procedures

Everything you need to know before your image guided procedure. Preparation varies — please read your specific instructions carefully.

Image guided medical procedure
Fasting
May be required
Medications
Inform us of all meds
Transport
Arrange a driver home
Arrive Early
15 mins before

Preparation Checklist

Important steps to follow before your image guided procedure appointment.

Fasting May Be Required

Some procedures require fasting for several hours beforehand. Our team will advise you of the exact requirements when booking your appointment.

Blood Thinners & Medications

Please inform us if you take blood thinners, diabetes medication, or any regular prescriptions. You may be asked to pause certain medications before the procedure.

Arrange Transport Home

For many procedures, you will need someone to drive you home afterwards. Please arrange a companion or transport before your appointment day.

Arrive 15 Minutes Early

Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete paperwork and allow time for pre-procedure preparation.

Please Bring With You

  • Doctor referral letter
  • Medicare card
  • Previous related scans or reports
  • Full medication list

Common Image Guided Procedures

These procedures use live imaging to guide precise, minimally invasive treatment and diagnosis.

Biopsy

A small tissue sample is taken from an area of concern using a fine needle, guided precisely by ultrasound, CT, or X-ray imaging.

Ultrasound / CT guided

Cortisone Injection

A corticosteroid medication is injected into an inflamed joint, tendon, or bursa to reduce pain and swelling effectively.

Ultrasound guided

Aspiration

Fluid is withdrawn from a joint, cyst, or abscess using a needle guided by imaging to ensure accuracy and patient safety.

Ultrasound guided

Drainage

Fluid collections such as abscesses or effusions are drained using imaging guidance to confirm correct placement and complete removal.

CT / Ultrasound guided

Joint Injection

Therapeutic or anaesthetic agents are injected precisely into a joint space using real-time imaging to maximise accuracy and effectiveness.

Ultrasound guided

Other Procedures

A range of other procedures may be performed under imaging guidance. Your referral will specify the exact type and our team will provide tailored instructions.

Varies by procedure

What to Expect

A step-by-step overview of what happens on the day of your procedure.

Arrival & Registration

Check in at reception and complete any required consent forms and paperwork. Please have your referral and Medicare card ready.

Radiologist Consultation

The radiologist will meet with you to explain the procedure in full, discuss risks and benefits, and answer any questions before you provide written consent.

The Procedure

The area is cleaned and local anaesthetic applied. Using real-time imaging guidance, the radiologist performs the procedure with precision. You may feel mild pressure but should not experience significant pain.

Recovery & Aftercare

You will be monitored for a short time after the procedure. Our team will provide aftercare instructions and advise when you are able to leave with your driver.

Important Information

Key details to be aware of before your image guided procedure appointment.

What Are Image Guided Procedures?

These are minimally invasive procedures performed under real-time ultrasound, CT, or X-ray imaging. The live imaging improves precision, accuracy, and safety for both diagnosis and treatment.

Consent & Aftercare

Your radiologist will explain all risks, benefits, and aftercare instructions before the procedure. Written consent is required. You will receive specific aftercare guidance to follow at home.

Pregnancy & Allergies

Please tell our team if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or have known allergies to medications, latex, or contrast dye. This is essential information before any procedure begins.

Results & Follow-Up

Where applicable, results and reports are prepared by our radiologist and forwarded to your referring doctor. Follow up with your doctor to discuss findings and any next steps in your care.

Urgent Notice

Please contact us before your appointment

Certain conditions require special preparation or arrangements. Please do not wait — contact our team as soon as possible before attending.

Please let us know if

  • You take blood thinners or anticoagulant medication
  • You are diabetic and fasting may be difficult
  • You have allergies to medications, contrast dye, or latex
  • You require an interpreter for your appointment
  • You need to reschedule your appointment
Get in Touch

Have a question or need to get in touch?

Our friendly team is available to assist you before, during, and after your appointment. Don't hesitate to reach out — we're here to help.

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This preparation guide is provided for informational purposes. If you have clinical concerns, please speak with your referring doctor or contact our team directly.