Services provided
Potchefstroom Hospital Radiology Department provides a 24 hour service to our patients. Services include general radiography, mobile x-ray, theatre radiography, CT scans and ultrasound.
Radiographers are on duty from 07:30 until 16:00 where one radiographer is available until 19:00 on weekdays. For weekends and public holidays 2 radiographers are allocated to work from 07:00 until 19:00, whilst night duty is from 19:00 until 07:00 Monday to Sunday.
Radiology department has two (2) sonographers working strictly during weekdays from 07:30 until 16:00.
General radiography
The most basic type of diagnostic imaging, general radiography (x-ray), is a crucial diagnostic tool. Images of the organs of the body are produced using x-rays. Using these scans, abnormalities in the bones, lungs, and other internal organs can be found.
The role of the radiographer in general radiography is to provide adequate imaging for diagnostic purposes whilst using the correct technique for optimal patient protection against radiation.
Computed Tomography (CT)
Internal organs, bones, soft tissue, and blood arteries can all be seen in great detail thanks to the diagnostic imaging test known as Computed Tomography (CT).
A CT scan produces cross sectional images that can be rearranged in a variety of planes and even produce 3D images. A CT scan allows medical professionals to confirm the presence of a tumor and its estimate size and location.
With CT scan doctors can see abnormalities in tissues, internal organs and skeletal structures. It can also reveal internal bleeding and injuries in emergency situations early enough to save lives. The CT scan is quick, painless, non-invasive, and precise.
Patients are booked at the CT scan department except for emergency cases which must be communicated with the radiographer working at the CT scanner.
Specialised exams
Potchefstroom x-ray department does not perform any specialised procedures including mammography, barium studies and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Patients in need of these procedures are referred to Klerksdorp/Tshepong hospital complex.
Teleradiology / Radiologist
Teleradiology is the transmission of radiographic images from one location to another electronically for interpretation by a radiologist.
Radiologists are physicians who specialise in the interpreting and reporting of medical images as well as performing specialised procedures under imaging guidance.
Currently there is no residence radiologist in the institution, however all the images requiring reporting are sent via Teleradiology to the radiologists on call for reporting.
Ultrasound (Sonar)
Ultrasound is an imaging technique that produces images of the internal structures of your body using soundwaves. A variety of medical disorders can be diagnosed, and treatment can be planned using these images. Some ultrasound exams include abdominal, pelvic, thyroid, breast, scrotal, infant cranial, ligaments, and vascular scans.
Sonar also plays a role in obstetrical imaging by thoroughly evaluating foetal anatomic development which allows early diagnosis of many foetal abnormalities. Doppler ultrasound can be used to check for blood flow disorders including clots or blockages which is used to evaluate vascular abnormalities. It is one of the main ways to test for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).