Select your scan type below for preparation instructions, fasting rules, what to wear, and what happens during the scan.
Uses a small amount of radiation to create images of bones and some soft tissues.
You'll be asked to stand, sit, or lie down depending on the body part. The radiographer positions the X-ray machine and steps behind a screen. You'll need to stay still for a few seconds. It's completely painless. Results are usually sent to your GP within 1–2 days.
Uses sound waves to create real-time images. No radiation. Safe in pregnancy.
A warm gel is applied to your skin. The sonographer moves a smooth probe (transducer) over the area, pressing gently. You'll see images on a screen. It's painless — you may feel mild pressure. For a transvaginal ultrasound (internal pelvic), a slim probe is inserted — this gives better images of the uterus and ovaries. Results are usually sent to your GP within 1–3 days.
Uses X-rays from multiple angles to create detailed cross-sectional images. Higher radiation than a standard X-ray.
You lie on a motorised table that slides through a large doughnut-shaped ring (not a tunnel — it's open on both sides). The scan is fast — often just 10–20 seconds of actual scanning. If contrast is used, a cannula is placed in your arm and the dye is injected during the scan. You may feel a warm flush and a metallic taste — this is normal and passes quickly. You need to lie still and may be asked to hold your breath briefly. Results are usually available within 1–3 days.
Uses strong magnets and radio waves — no radiation. Excellent for soft tissue, brain, spine, joints, and some cancers.
You lie on a table that slides into a tunnel. The scan takes 20–60 minutes depending on the body part. The machine makes loud knocking, buzzing, and clicking sounds — you'll be given earplugs or headphones (some centres let you listen to music). You must lie very still. You can communicate with the operator through an intercom at any time. If contrast is needed (gadolinium), it's injected through a cannula. Results are usually sent to your GP or specialist within 2–5 days.
Low-dose X-ray that measures bone mineral density. Used to diagnose osteoporosis and monitor treatment.
You lie flat on an open table (not a tunnel). A small scanning arm passes over your hip and spine. It's painless and very quick — usually 10–15 minutes. Results include a T-score comparing your bone density to a healthy young adult. Your GP will explain what the numbers mean.
Low-dose X-ray of the breast. Used for screening (BreastScreen) and diagnosis.
You'll stand in front of the mammography machine. Each breast is placed on a flat plate and gently compressed with a clear paddle. Compression is needed for a clear image — it can be uncomfortable but only lasts a few seconds per image. Two images of each breast are taken (top-down and side). The whole process takes about 10–20 minutes. BreastScreen results are usually sent within 2 weeks.
| Scan | Fasting? | Radiation? | Contrast? | Time | Typical gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X-ray | No | Yes (low) | No | 5–15 min | $0 |
| Ultrasound | Depends | No | No | 15–30 min | $0–150 |
| CT scan | If contrast | Yes | Often | 10–30 min | $0–300 |
| MRI | Sometimes | No | Sometimes | 20–60 min | $0–400+ |
| DEXA | No | Very low | No | 10–20 min | $50–100 |
| Mammogram | No | Low | No | 10–20 min | $0 (BreastScreen) |