Emergency Radiology
What is emergency radiology?
Emergency radiology provides imaging support when patients need urgent assessment for an injury or sudden illness. The aim is to give the treating team information that may influence time-sensitive decisions.
The examination may involve X-ray, CT, ultrasound or another appropriate imaging technique, depending on the patient's condition and the clinical question.
Imaging is coordinated with the emergency or treating team. In urgent situations, the sequence of assessment, imaging and treatment may differ from a scheduled outpatient examination.
What to expect
- The treating team prioritises immediate medical needs and explains the scan when circumstances allow.
- Tell staff about possible pregnancy, implanted devices, relevant allergies or previous contrast reactions if you are able.
- Preparation may be shortened or adapted because of the urgency of the clinical situation.
- A family member or carer may be asked for important safety information when the patient cannot provide it.
- The type of scanner and positioning depend on the injury or illness being assessed.
- Staff may help with positioning or monitoring if the patient has pain, limited movement or needs medical support.
- Contrast may be used when the clinical benefit justifies it and the necessary precautions have been considered.
- The imaging and treating teams coordinate the examination so urgent care can continue.
- The patient may return directly to the emergency department, ward or other treatment area.
- Important findings are communicated to the treating team according to clinical urgency.
- Further imaging or treatment may be arranged based on the initial findings and clinical assessment.
- Discharge or ongoing-care instructions are provided by the treating healthcare team.
Safety and results
- In emergencies, the likely benefit of timely imaging is weighed against the risks of delaying diagnosis or treatment.
- Radiation, contrast and MRI safety precautions still apply when relevant, even when the examination is urgent.
- The imaging team adapts positioning and monitoring to the patient's condition whenever possible.
- The treating team determines the urgency and appropriateness of the requested imaging.
Please contact our team if you have questions about your examination or preparation instructions.
Emergency imaging findings are reviewed and communicated to the treating clinical team according to priority. Critical findings may require direct communication so that treatment decisions are not delayed. A formal report documents the examination and relevant observations. The treating team will explain the findings and how they affect immediate care or further investigations.
For questions about your findings or treatment, please speak to your referring healthcare professional.
For questions about your findings or treatment, please speak to your referring healthcare professional.