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Our Radiology 
Services

For Patients

Prepare for your visit with us. Learn what to expect on the day and how you can prepare.

For Referrers

Access referral resources and see how to view patient results online.

Prepare for your visit with us. Learn what to expect on the day and how you can prepare.

Access referral resources and see how to view patient results online.

All results will be sent to and accessed electronically by your Doctor.

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Contact

Complete our booking form, and our friendly team will contact you to confirm an appointment.

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Our experienced team will guide you through the diagnostics process and keep you comfortable and informed.
Radiology services help your doctor look closer at what’s happening inside your body to identify and understand health concerns. At St Vincent’s Private Radiology, we offer same-day appointments for urgent and some routine examinations. All results can be delivered to your referrer electronically.

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Visit us at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne Building B, Basement Level, 55 Victoria Parade Fitzroy, conveniently near public transport and with free parking available.

55 Victoria Parade

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PET image

SVHM’s PET Department is proud to be able to perform 18F-FP-CIT studies with the support of Cyclotek, who has been making this tracer available to our patients since 2022.
18F-FP-CIT is a PET radiopharmaceutical used to help diagnose Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease (IPD), the most common form of Parkinsonism, a motor syndrome that causes rigidity, tremors and slowness of movement. 18F-FP-CIT can be used to differentiate IPD from other forms of Parksonism, such as degenerative parkinsonism (DP).

18F-FP-CIT uptake reflects presynaptic dopamine transporter density, which has high sensitivity and specificity for differentiating IPD from DP. This distinction is important to guide treatment and provide prognostic information, and is particularly valuable in the early stages of the disease when the clinical signs and symptoms of the different forms of Parkinsonism are very similar.
Pictured below, the image on the left is a normal 18F-FP-CIT study, with normal uptake of the radiopharmaceutical seen throughout the basal ganglia. The image on the right is an abnormal study which demonstrates reduced uptake throughout the putamen, more so in the posterior aspect on the left side consistent with IDP.
For more information about SVHM’s PET service, please contact Chief Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Mareeka Bruns, via email at <a href="mailto:mareeka.bruns@svha.org.au">mareeka.bruns@svha.org.au</a>. Alternatively, please call PET reception on (03) 9231 3071.

PET Department 18F-FP-CIT studies with the support of Cyclotek.

PET Services Launch

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RAB Hanoi Photo 06.2024

Many of our Radiologists at St Vincent&#8217;s Private Radiology support and engage with Radiologists Across Boarders (RAB).
This organisation gives our Radiologists opportunities to support medically underserved populations across the world with the diagnostic imaging services.
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Radiologists Across Borders is a volunteer, not-for-profit charity that is dedicated to teaching, mentoring and up-skilling Radiologists in developing nations. Regular web based teaching sessions are run which are free and cover the full spectrum of radiology. In addition, an annual meeting is held focusing on a single body region.
This year there was an abdominal focus and the meeting was held in Vietnam at the Hanoi Medical University Hospital with four visiting Radiologists from Australia, New Zealand and Canada. A/Prof Tom Sutherland has been involved with RAB for a number of years, delivering multiple web based lectures and tutorials, and gave multiple lectures while in Hanoi.
St Vincent&#8217;s Hospital in Melbourne and St Vincent&#8217;s Private Radiology are proud supporters of RAB. A/Prof Peter Brotchie, Dr Nick Trost and Ms Yvette Hearn are delivering a web based teaching session on stroke with A/Prof Lauren Sanders in the coming months.

SVPR's latest philanthropic projects with Radiologists Across Boarders. 

Radiologists Across Borders

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The MGF Donnan Prize is one of six yearly prizes awarded as part of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) examinations. This prize recognises the best performance in the Phase 2 Pathology examination and honours one of the Radiologists who shaped the College throughout its formative years, the late Dr Gordon Donnan.
This year, it was awarded to our Registrar, Dr Arpit Talwar who got to know a little better with a staff Q&amp;A.
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How did you get into the field of Medicine?
Growing up I had always been drawn towards problem-solving tasks and I quickly figured out that the harder the task the more interest it sparked in me.
Medicine therefore seemed to be a good fit and through the years has had many unique challenges. The fact that I still encounter new situations every day that require reasoning and logic keeps the job interesting and given that you can help a patient whilst you’re at it makes it all worthwhile!
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Where are you up to in your career and what are your plans for the future? 
I’m currently in my 4th year of Radiology training. As Radiology is so broad and encompasses a wide range of work, I have developed many interests, which makes choosing a sub-specialty difficult! I do know that I enjoy both diagnostic and procedural work and would like to employ a good mix of the two in the future.
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What are some of your proudest achievements academically and in your personal life?
Academically, passing the Radiology fellowship exams and receiving the MGF Donnan Pathology Prize. These exams are hard and definitely took a mental and emotional toll! Glad they are done and very grateful for being recognised through receiving this award.
Personally, running a half-marathon.. and hopefully a marathon soon!
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What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Tragic Carlton supporter, I also enjoy running, travel and exploring new tech gadgets.
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Can you tell us a fun fact about yourself?
I started a socks business at one point in my life… obviously didn’t go too well!
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Congratulations Arty for this significant achievement and all the work you do in our practice, we can&#8217;t wait to see what you do next.

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Congratulations to our Registrar Dr Arpit Talwar, winner of this year's prize. 

MGF Donnan Prize 2024

Some examinations require specific preparation, complete our booking form to ensure your visit with us goes smoothly. Once your booking form is received, our administration team will contact you to confirm an appointment.

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X-ray procedures typically take around 15 minutes to complete. The X-ray is conducted by our qualified radiographer, reported by our experienced radiologist, and then shared with your doctor or specialist electronically.
You may be asked to lie down or sit in different positions depending on what is being examined. Sometimes you may need to wear a medical gown or protective clothing to shield parts of your body that aren&#8217;t being X-rayed.

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Medical results

We offer low out-of-pocket fees that are highly competitive.
For rebatable exams, we bulk bill all pension or health care card holders and full-time tertiary students.
For any billing queries, you can contact our administration team to discuss applicable fees.

X-rays are one of the most common methods of medical imaging that SVPR offers as a walk in service, no appointment required. X-rays are a type of radiation that is beamed through the body. As x-ray beams pass through your body they are absorbed differently by various structures in the body, such as bones and soft tissues, and this is used to create an image.
Why would you need an X-ray? X-rays assist in diagnosing lots of conditions. From broken bones, lung and heart disease, organ blockages, and detecting foreign or surgical objects.
St Vincent’s Private Radiology offers dental imaging through Orthopantomograms (OPG), a radiograph that provides a panoramic upper and lower jaw 2D View of the mandible from ear to ear, including wisdom teeth.

Radiation-based imaging for internal structures.

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X-Ray

Bring the referral your Doctor or Specialist gave you.

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Wear comfortable clothing and leave any valuables at home where possible.

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Let us know if you have had any relevant imaging outside of St Vincent’s.

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Let our team know if you’re pregnant or have any allergies to contrast dyes.

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Bring your Medicare card, healthcare card or insurance details as applicable.

X-ray

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CT-Scan

Some examinations require specific preparation, so complete our booking form to ensure your visit with us goes smoothly. Once your booking form is received, our team will contact you to confirm an appointment.

CT scans are customised for each individual, meaning no two scans are precisely alike. During the scan, you may receive an injection of a contrast medium to enhance the image quality.
During the procedure, you will typically lie on your back on a flat bed that moves into the CT scanner. The doughnut-shaped scanner rotates around a specific section of your body as you pass through it.
To ensure clear images, it&#8217;s essential to lie still and breathe normally during the scan. You may be instructed to breathe in, out, or hold your breath at certain moments. The test generally takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete.
If you received a contrast injection, any sensations of warmth or unusual tastes should dissipate within a few minutes.

All results can be downloaded electronically by your Doctor.

A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is a specialised x-ray technique that generates 3D images of your body, displaying bones, organs, tissues, and blood vessels. The CT scanner captures ultra-thin sections of your body to create a comprehensive cross-sectional picture.
Offering multiple perspectives and significantly more detail than 2D x-rays, CT scans are often preferred when doctors need to visualise soft tissues that may not be visible in standard x-rays. CT scans are valuable tools for diagnosing medical conditions and assisting doctors in planning appropriate treatments.

Detailed cross-sectional imaging technique.

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CT-scan

Bring the referral your Doctor or Specialist gave you. 

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Advise the administration team if you have had relevant imaging outside of St Vincent’s.

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Contrast medium

Many types of CT scans require an injection of a special contrast-medium. Let our team know if you’re pregnant or have any allergies to contrast dyes. 

CT Scan

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MRI_2

Some examinations require specific preparation. Complete our booking form to ensure your visit with us goes smoothly. Once your booking form is received, our team will contact you to confirm an appointment.

When arriving, we require a <a href="https://svhasvprwe7647ea2604.blob.core.windows.net/blobsvhasvprwe7647ea2604/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/MRI-safety-Questionnaire.pdf">safety questionnaire</a> to be completed and discussed with our Nurse or Radiographer to ensure it is safe to proceed with the scan.
You may be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove metallic objects and jewellery to ensure they do not interfere with the magnetic field and image quality. If you cannot remove your jewellery, contact our Administrative Team on 03 9231 3056 to discuss. Some precious metals can be worn in the scanner but all should be magnetically tested prior to your scan.
Throughout the examination you will be able to communicate via intercom with our experienced radiographers. It is essential to remain still throughout the scan to ensure clear images are obtained.
MRI scans typically last 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the examined area. The examination doesn&#8217;t involve radiation exposure and is generally safe for most patients. After the scan, you can resume your normal activities. Your doctor will discuss the results and any necessary next steps.

We offer very low out-of-pocket fees that are highly competitive.
For rebatable exams, we bulk bill all pension or health care card holders and full-time tertiary students.
For any billing queries, you can contact our reception team to discuss applicable fees.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic tool that captures detailed images of your body&#8217;s internal structures. It helps identify issues within soft tissues and can be crucial for planning specific treatments.
When you undergo an MRI at St Vincent&#8217;s Radiology, you&#8217;ll typically lie on a comfortable table that slides into a tunnel-like scanner. This state-of-the-art device uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to generate signals from your body. These signals are received by a radio antenna and processed by a computer to create high-resolution images.
Key benefits of MRI scans include producing precise, detailed images with the absence of x-ray radiation. The expert staff and cutting-edge technology ensure a high standard of care.

Magnetic resonance imaging of internal structures.

Bring the referral your Doctor gave to you.

Advise the administration team if you have had relevant imaging outside of St Vincent's. 

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Safety questionaire

Bring your completed safety questionnaire.

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Implants

Inform your referring Doctor of any metal implants you may have or if you suffer from claustrophobia.

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Medication

Withhold any prescribed sedation until after safety checks have been performed.

Remove all jewellery, body piercings and eye makeup.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing without fastening and leave any valuables at home where possible.

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Info

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Ultrasound

Some examinations require specific preparation. Complete our booking form to ensure your visit with us goes smoothly. Once your booking form is received, our team will contact you to confirm an appointment.

A Sonographer utilises a hand-held scanner, called a transducer to perform an ultrasound. High-frequency sound waves are sent into your body, and their echoes are converted into electrical impulses to create images on a screen.
During the scan, the sonographer will apply a gel to your skin in the examined area. The sonographer moves the transducer on the gel, pressing gently if necessary.
Ultrasound scans take 20-60 minutes and are performed by specially trained professionals. There are no after-effects, and you can resume your normal activities afterwards.

We offer very low out-of-pocket fees that are highly competitive.
For rebatable exams, we bulk bill all pension or health care card holders and full-time tertiary students.
For any billing queries, you can contact our reception team to discuss applicable fees.

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About-us-2

Ultrasound scans offer real-time images of your body&#8217;s interior using sound waves. Unlike x-rays, ultrasounds do not involve radiation exposure.
We direct high-frequency sound waves at the body part examined during the ultrasound. These sound waves are emitted by a device called a transducer, which also captures the echoes that bounce back from your body. The reflected sound waves, or echoes, generate an image displayed on a monitor, allowing your healthcare team to visualise the inside of your body in real-time.
Our ultrasound specialists at St Vincent&#8217;s Private Radiology are ideal for completing abdominal, vascular, obstetrics and musculoskeletal studies. For gynecological studies, you may require an internal examination that provides greater structural detail. This will be discussed with you prior to the examination.

Real-time images of your body's interior using sound waves.

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Instructions

Follow the instructions provided to you — you may be asked to fast or to drink water and not go to the toilet before the procedure.

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Fasting

You may be asked to fast or have a full bladder for your examination. All detailed instructions will be provided to you at the time of your booking. 

Receiving nuclear medicine involves using small amounts of radioactive materials, called radiotracers, to create images of your body&#8217;s internal functions.
Before the procedure, you may need to change into a hospital gown and remove jewellery. The radiotracer will be administered through injection, pill, or inhalation. It may take minutes to hours to accumulate in the target area.
You will lie on a table during the scan while a gamma camera captures images. Remaining still is essential for clear pictures. After the scan, you can resume normal activities. Your healthcare provider will review the results and discuss any necessary next steps.

Nuclear medicine is a branch of diagnostic imaging that uses small doses of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to image the body.
Nuclear medicine scans offer a unique way to examine your body&#8217;s internal functions. Unlike traditional x-rays, which primarily reveal the body&#8217;s internal structures, nuclear medicine tests create images that showcase how your organs are performing.
Nuclear medicine helps medical professionals better understand your body&#8217;s processes and detect potential health issues more effectively.

Radiopharmecuticals used to image the body.

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Nuclear-Medicine

Advise administration staff if you have had relevant imaging outside of St Vincent’s.

Nuclear Medicine

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BMD DEXA

A bone density scan, which takes about 15 minutes, measures the bone mineral density in your lumbar spine (lower back), hip, and sometimes your forearm. Scanning these areas offers the best fracture risk assessment and overall bone density.
During the test, you will lie on a flat padded table as the arm of the DEXA machine moves over your body.  The radiation exposure during the test is minimal, and you may need to change into a gown.
This test is a valuable tool in understanding your bone health, allowing you and your doctor to make informed decisions about maintaining or improving your bone density and reducing fracture risks.

Also known as a DEXA, a bone density scan is a vital tool in evaluating bone health, determining the risk of osteoporosis and assess body composition. This information enables your healthcare team to recommend appropriate preventive measures and treatments to maintain bone strength and reduce fracture risks.

Measuring bone density, diagnosing osteoporosis.

Bone Mineral Densitometry

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Interventional-Radiology_banner_3

Some examinations require specific preparation. Complete our booking form to ensure your visit with us goes smoothly.
Once your booking form is received, our team will contact you to confirm an appointment.

When receiving an Interventional Radiology treatment, you can expect a minimally invasive procedure that utilises advanced imaging techniques to diagnose and treat various medical conditions.
Before the treatment, you may need to undergo certain diagnostic tests and follow specific instructions, such as fasting or adjusting medications. For most procedures you will need to wear a hospital gown and remove any jewellery or metal objects.
In the procedure room, you will be positioned comfortably on a table. The radiologist will use imaging guidance, such as x-ray, CT, or Ultrasound, to visualise the targeted area.
After the procedure, you will be given instructions if follow up care is required. Recovery times can vary depending on your procedure and individual medical history. Full preparation details will be provided to you at the time of your booking.
Any queries can be directed to our Nursing Team on 03 9231 3654.

Interventional Radiology (IR) uses advanced imaging techniques, such as x-rays, CT, and Ultrasound, to perform invasive procedures for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Instead of traditional open surgery, Interventional Radiologists use small incisions and specialised instruments to diagnose and treat various medical conditions.
This innovative approach offers several advantages over conventional surgical methods. These benefits include better pain management, shorter recovery times, lower risk of complications, and less damage to surrounding tissues. Interventional Radiology can aid in diagnosis and treatment of various conditions including vascular diseases, cancer, kidney and liver disorders, and urological issues. We offer a variety of services including, but not limited to aspirations, drainages, lumber punctures, biopsies (soft tissue, bone, deep organ), ablations, steroid and joint injections. The procedures performed by Interventional Radiologists often serve as effective alternatives to surgery, providing patients with safer and more comfortable treatment options.

Minimally invasive, image-guided procedures.

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Interventional-Radiology

Bring any relevant imaging performed outside of St Vincent's.

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Escort home

You may require an escort home after your procedure.

You may be required to fast before your appointment. 

Contact our nursing team for any specific queries prior to your procedure on 03 9231 3654.

Interventional Radiology

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Fluoroscopy---Swallow2

Some examinations require specific preparation. Complete our booking form to ensure your visit with us goes smoothly.
Once your booking form is received, our team will contact you to confirm an appointment.

Depending on the specific exam, you might be asked to fast, or consume a contrast material to enhance the images. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove any jewellery or metal objects.
During our examination, you will be positioned on an examination table, and the x-ray machine will be positioned above or beside you. The machine captures live images, allowing your treating team to observe your body&#8217;s internal structures in motion.

Fluoroscopy is a medical imaging technique that helps doctors examine the inside of your body in real-time. It uses x-rays to create live, moving images, allowing healthcare professionals to see how your organs function and observe any abnormalities. Unlike traditional x-rays, which capture motionless pictures, fluoroscopy captures a continuous series of images, like a video.
During a fluoroscopy procedure, you may be asked to eat or drink a contrast material. This substance helps improve the visibility of specific organs or areas in your body, providing a clearer, more detailed image for your doctor to analyse.
Fluoroscopy is used for diagnosing and treating conditions related to the digestive system, blood vessels, joints, or other organs.

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Fluoro---Head

Follow the instructions provided to you when booking your appointment.

Fluoroscopy

Most PET scans require you to fast for 6 hours before your appointment, but you can continue drinking plain water only during fasting. If you are diabetic, pregnant or breastfeeding please contact us before your appointment. You will be provided with the required preparation for your scan when making your appointment.
For the PET scan, you will be injected with a radiopharmaceutical. Many PET scans then require that you rest quietly in our department for about an hour after the injection prior to the images being taken. Before the scan, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown and you will be required to remove any metal objects. Images are taken with you lying on the scanner bed, and most PET scans take 20 to 35 minutes to complete, depending on the type of scan being performed.
After the PET scan, you can resume normal activities. In many cases, drinking water is a good idea to help flush the radiopharmaceutical from your body.
You should allow between 2-3 hours for the entire PET scan appointment.

Positron Emission Tomography, or PET, is a medical imaging technique that shows the functioning of your body’s organs and tissues by providing information about metabolic activity. PET scans can help to diagnose health conditions, plan cancer treatment and monitor the effectiveness of therapies.
During a PET scan, a small amount of a radioactive substance called a radiopharmaceutical is injected into your body. In many cases, this tracer is a form of glucose that emits a type of radioactivity known as positrons. As the tracer travels through your body, it accumulates in areas with high metabolic activity, such as sites of disease or pathology. The PET scanner detects the positrons and creates a detailed 3D image of the examined area.

Cellular level imaging of organs and tissues.

Most scans require fasting for 6 hours before your scan. Nothing to eat and drink except plain water.

Advise the administration team if you have had any relevant imaging outside of St Vincent’s.

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