Medical imaging scans

Chest X-ray

Also: CXR, Lung X-ray, Chest radiograph

A chest X-ray takes a quick picture of your lungs, heart outline and ribs. It is one of the most common imaging tests and is often used to check for chest infections, a persistent cough or breathlessness.

Hand X-ray

Also: Hand radiograph, X-ray of the hand, Broken hand X-ray

A hand X-ray shows the bones of your palm and fingers. It is the usual first test after a fall, punch or crush injury, and is also used to look at arthritis in the hand.

Wrist X-ray

Also: Wrist radiograph, Scaphoid X-ray, Broken wrist X-ray

A wrist X-ray looks at the forearm bones and the small carpal bones of your wrist. It is the standard first test after falling onto an outstretched hand.

Finger X-ray

Also: Thumb X-ray, Broken finger X-ray, Digit X-ray

A finger X-ray takes close-up pictures of one finger or thumb. It is used after jams, crush injuries and sporting knocks to check for a break or dislocation.

Elbow X-ray

Also: Elbow radiograph, Broken elbow X-ray, Radial head X-ray

An elbow X-ray shows the joint where your upper arm meets your forearm. It is commonly used after falls, especially in children, to check for fractures.

Shoulder X-ray

Also: Shoulder radiograph, Collarbone X-ray, Clavicle X-ray

A shoulder X-ray shows the bones of your shoulder joint, collarbone and shoulder blade. It checks for fractures, dislocations, arthritis and calcium deposits.

Spine X-ray

Also: Back X-ray, Lumbar spine X-ray, Lower back X-ray

A spine X-ray shows the bones of your mid or lower back. It is used to look at alignment, wear and tear, and fractures, but not discs or nerves.

Neck X-ray

Also: Cervical spine X-ray, C-spine X-ray, Neck radiograph

A neck X-ray (cervical spine X-ray) shows the seven vertebrae in your neck. It is used for neck pain, stiffness, arthritis and some injuries.

Hip X-ray

Also: Pelvis X-ray, Pelvic X-ray, Hip radiograph

A hip X-ray shows your hip joints and pelvis. It is the main test for hip arthritis and for checking a hip fracture after a fall.

Knee X-ray

Also: Knee radiograph, Weight-bearing knee X-ray, Kneecap X-ray

A knee X-ray shows the bones of your knee joint and kneecap. It is used for injuries and is the main test for knee osteoarthritis.

Ankle X-ray

Also: Ankle radiograph, Broken ankle X-ray, Sprained ankle X-ray

An ankle X-ray shows the bones around your ankle joint. It is used after rolled ankles and falls to check whether a bone is broken.

Foot X-ray

Also: Foot radiograph, Toe X-ray, Broken toe X-ray

A foot X-ray shows the bones of your toes, midfoot and heel. It checks for fractures, bunions, arthritis and heel spurs.

Abdominal X-ray

Also: AXR, Stomach X-ray, KUB X-ray

An abdominal X-ray takes a picture of your belly to look at the bowel gas pattern, constipation and some kidney stones. It is less detailed than ultrasound or CT.

Pregnancy ultrasound

Also: Obstetric ultrasound, Baby scan, Pregnancy scan

A pregnancy ultrasound uses sound waves to check on your baby and the pregnancy at key stages, from early confirmation through to growth checks late in the third trimester.

Dating scan

Also: Pregnancy dating ultrasound, First pregnancy scan, 6 week scan

A dating scan is an early pregnancy ultrasound, usually between 6 and 10 weeks, that confirms the pregnancy, checks for a heartbeat and works out your due date.

Early pregnancy scan

Also: Viability scan, Early pregnancy ultrasound, Bleeding in pregnancy scan

An early pregnancy scan checks that a pregnancy is developing as expected, often requested when there is bleeding, pain or uncertainty in the first trimester.

12-week scan (nuchal translucency)

Also: NT scan, Nuchal translucency scan, 12 week ultrasound

The 12-week scan, done between 11 and 14 weeks, measures the fluid at the back of the baby's neck as part of optional first-trimester screening and gives an early look at development.

Morphology scan (20-week scan)

Also: 20 week scan, Anatomy scan, Mid-pregnancy scan

The morphology scan, done at 18 to 22 weeks, is a detailed check of your baby's anatomy, growth, placenta and fluid. It is one of the most important ultrasounds in pregnancy.

Growth scan

Also: Third trimester scan, Fetal growth scan, 28 week scan

A growth scan is a third-trimester ultrasound that estimates your baby's size and checks fluid, placenta and blood flow when your doctor or midwife wants a closer look.

Abdominal ultrasound

Also: Upper abdominal ultrasound, Liver ultrasound, Gallbladder ultrasound

An abdominal ultrasound looks at organs in your upper abdomen, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys and spleen. It usually needs a few hours of fasting beforehand.

Pelvic ultrasound

Also: Gynaecological ultrasound, Uterus ultrasound, Ovary ultrasound

A pelvic ultrasound looks at the uterus, ovaries and bladder. It usually starts over the lower tummy with a full bladder, and may include an internal scan for more detail.

Transvaginal ultrasound

Also: Internal ultrasound, TV ultrasound, TVUS

A transvaginal ultrasound uses a slim internal probe to give close-up, detailed images of the uterus, ovaries and early pregnancy.

Thyroid ultrasound

Also: Neck ultrasound, Thyroid scan, Thyroid nodule ultrasound

A thyroid ultrasound looks at the thyroid gland in the front of your neck to check its size and any nodules or swelling. No preparation is usually needed.

Breast ultrasound

Also: Breast lump ultrasound, Breast scan, Breast sonography

A breast ultrasound checks a breast lump or a change seen on a mammogram. It is often used alongside a mammogram and is the main first test for younger women.

Kidney ultrasound

Also: Renal ultrasound, Renal tract ultrasound, Urinary tract ultrasound

A kidney (renal) ultrasound checks the size and shape of your kidneys and bladder, and looks for blockages, cysts or stones.

Shoulder ultrasound

Also: Rotator cuff ultrasound, Shoulder scan, MSK shoulder ultrasound

A shoulder ultrasound looks at the rotator cuff tendons, bursa and surrounding soft tissues, and can watch them move in real time.

Hernia ultrasound

Also: Groin ultrasound, Inguinal hernia ultrasound, Umbilical hernia ultrasound

A hernia ultrasound checks the groin or abdominal wall for a hernia, watching the area while you cough, strain or stand.

Scrotal ultrasound

Also: Testicular ultrasound, Testes ultrasound, Scrotum scan

A scrotal ultrasound looks at the testes and surrounding structures to check lumps, swelling or pain. It is quick and needs no preparation.

Carotid ultrasound (carotid Doppler)

Also: Carotid Doppler, Carotid duplex, Neck artery ultrasound

A carotid ultrasound uses Doppler to check the arteries in your neck that supply the brain, looking for narrowing or plaque.

DVT ultrasound (leg vein Doppler)

Also: Leg Doppler, Venous Doppler, DVT scan

A DVT ultrasound checks the deep veins of your leg for a blood clot, using gentle compression and Doppler to watch blood flow.

Lump and bump ultrasound

Also: Lump ultrasound, Soft tissue ultrasound, Lipoma ultrasound

A soft tissue ultrasound checks a lump or bump under the skin to see what it is made of, how big it is and where it sits.

Brain MRI

Also: MRI brain, head MRI, MRI head

A brain MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves to take detailed pictures of the brain without radiation. Learn what it shows, how to prepare, and how Medicare referrals work.

Knee MRI

Also: MRI knee, knee MRI scan, MRI for knee injury

A knee MRI shows ligaments, cartilage, menisci and bone in detail without radiation. Find out what it shows, how to prepare and when a GP referral is Medicare-eligible.

Shoulder MRI

Also: MRI shoulder, rotator cuff MRI, labral tear MRI

A shoulder MRI shows the rotator cuff, labrum, tendons and bones in fine detail. Learn what to expect, how to prepare and how referral and Medicare rules apply.

Lumbar spine MRI

Also: MRI lower back, lumbar MRI, MRI lumbar spine

A lumbar spine MRI shows the discs, nerves and joints of the lower back in detail. Learn when it's used, how to prepare and how Medicare referrals work.

Neck (cervical spine) MRI

Also: neck MRI, MRI neck, cervical MRI

A neck (cervical spine) MRI shows the discs, spinal cord and nerves in the neck. Learn when it's requested, how to prepare and when a GP referral can attract a Medicare rebate.

Hip MRI

Also: MRI hip, hip MRI scan, labral tear hip MRI

A hip MRI shows the joint, cartilage, labrum, tendons and bone in detail without radiation. Learn what it shows, how to prepare and how Medicare referrals apply.

Ankle MRI

Also: MRI ankle, foot and ankle MRI, Achilles MRI

An ankle MRI shows ligaments, tendons, cartilage and bone in detail. Learn when it's used after a sprain or injury, how to prepare and how Medicare referrals work.

Pelvic MRI

Also: MRI pelvis, pelvis MRI, endometriosis MRI

A pelvic MRI shows the organs of the pelvis — bladder, bowel and reproductive organs — in detail without radiation. Learn what it's used for and how to prepare.

Prostate MRI

Also: multiparametric prostate MRI, mpMRI prostate, MRI prostate

A prostate MRI gives a detailed picture of the prostate gland and helps guide decisions after a raised PSA. Learn how it works, how to prepare and how Medicare applies.

Breast MRI

Also: MRI breast, breast MRI scan, contrast breast MRI

A breast MRI uses contrast and a strong magnet to show breast tissue in detail. Learn when it's used alongside mammography and ultrasound, how to prepare and how Medicare applies.

Cardiac MRI

Also: heart MRI, CMR, cardiovascular MRI

A cardiac MRI shows the structure and function of the heart without radiation. Learn what it shows, how to prepare and how Medicare referral rules apply.

Whole body MRI

Also: full body MRI, whole-body MRI scan, WBMRI

A whole body MRI images most of the body in one session without radiation. Learn when it's medically used, what to expect and why it's usually private.

Abdominal MRI

Also: MRI abdomen, liver MRI, MRCP

An abdominal MRI shows the liver, pancreas, bile ducts, kidneys and other organs in detail without radiation. Learn what it shows, how to prepare and how Medicare applies.

CT head (brain CT)

Also: head CT, CT brain, brain CT scan

A CT head scan is a fast X-ray based scan of the brain and skull. Learn what it shows, how to prepare, radiation, and how Medicare and bulk billing work.

CT chest

Also: chest CT, CT thorax, lung CT

A CT chest scan gives detailed images of the lungs, airways and chest. Learn what it shows, how to prepare, radiation and Medicare billing.

CT abdomen and pelvis

Also: CT abdomen, abdominal CT, CT AP

A CT abdomen and pelvis scan shows the organs of the abdomen and pelvis in detail. Learn how to prepare, whether you need to fast or drink contrast, and how Medicare applies.

CT spine

Also: spine CT, CT lumbar spine, CT lower back

A CT spine scan shows the bones of the neck or back in detail. Learn when it's used instead of MRI, how to prepare and how Medicare and bulk billing apply.

CT sinus

Also: sinus CT, CT sinuses, CT paranasal sinuses

A CT sinus scan shows the air-filled sinuses around the nose in detail. Learn when it's used, how to prepare and how Medicare and bulk billing work.

CT KUB (kidney stone CT)

Also: CT KUB, kidney stone CT, CT kidneys ureters bladder

A CT KUB is a low-dose CT of the kidneys, ureters and bladder used to find kidney stones. Learn how it works, how to prepare and how Medicare applies.

CT angiogram

Also: CTA, CT angiography, CT angio

A CT angiogram uses contrast and CT to show blood vessels in detail. Learn what it shows, how to prepare for the contrast injection, and how Medicare applies.

CT coronary angiogram

Also: CTCA, heart CT, coronary CT

A CT coronary angiogram (CTCA) shows the arteries supplying the heart. Learn how to prepare, including caffeine and heart-rate medication, and how strict Medicare criteria apply.

Coronary calcium score

Also: calcium scan, CAC score, coronary artery calcium score

A coronary calcium score is a short, low-dose CT that measures calcium in the heart's arteries. Learn what the score means, how to prepare and why it's generally private.

CT-guided biopsy

Also: CT biopsy, CT guided lung biopsy, CT guided needle biopsy

A CT-guided biopsy uses CT images to guide a fine needle to take a small tissue sample. Learn how it's done, how to prepare, and what to expect afterwards.

OPG (panoramic dental X-ray)

Also: OPG, Panoramic X-ray, Wisdom teeth X-ray

An OPG is a single panoramic X-ray of all your teeth, both jaws and the jaw joints. It is commonly requested before wisdom tooth removal, orthodontics and implants.

CBCT dental scan

Also: CBCT, Cone beam CT, 3D dental scan

A CBCT (cone beam CT) scan creates a 3D image of your teeth and jaws. It is used for implant planning, complex wisdom teeth and root canal problems.

Lateral ceph X-ray

Also: Lateral ceph, Cephalometric X-ray, Ceph X-ray

A lateral ceph X-ray is a side-on picture of your skull, jaws and facial profile. Orthodontists use it to plan braces and track jaw growth.

Screening mammogram

Also: Breast screen, Routine mammogram, Breast cancer screening

A screening mammogram is a routine breast X-ray for people without symptoms. It aims to find breast cancer early, before it can be felt.

Diagnostic mammogram

Also: Breast lump X-ray, Diagnostic breast imaging, Follow-up mammogram

A diagnostic mammogram investigates a breast symptom or an abnormal screening result. It often includes extra views and may be followed by an ultrasound the same day.

3D mammogram (tomosynthesis)

Also: Tomosynthesis, Breast tomosynthesis, DBT

A 3D mammogram, or tomosynthesis, takes many low-dose images of the breast from different angles to build thin layers. It can make it easier to see through dense breast tissue.

Barium swallow

Also: barium swallow test, oesophagram, swallow study

A barium swallow uses live X-ray to watch a contrast drink pass down your oesophagus. Learn why it's done, how to prepare and how Medicare applies.

HSG (hysterosalpingogram)

Also: hysterosalpingogram, HSG test, fallopian tube test

An HSG is an X-ray test that checks whether the fallopian tubes are open, often as part of fertility investigations. Learn about timing, preparation and Medicare.

Nuclear medicine bone scan

Also: bone scan, whole body bone scan, skeletal scintigraphy

A nuclear medicine bone scan uses a small tracer injection to show areas of increased bone activity. Learn how it works, the waiting time between injection and scan, and Medicare.

Thyroid scan (nuclear medicine)

Also: thyroid uptake scan, thyroid nuclear scan, technetium thyroid scan

A nuclear medicine thyroid scan shows how your thyroid gland is working. Learn how it's done, which medications may need pausing, and how Medicare applies.

Lung V/Q scan

Also: VQ scan, V/Q scan, lung ventilation perfusion scan

A lung V/Q scan compares airflow and blood flow in the lungs, often to check for clots. Learn how it's done, how it compares with CT, and how Medicare applies.

Myocardial perfusion scan (nuclear stress test)

Also: nuclear stress test, MPS, MPI

A myocardial perfusion scan shows blood flow to the heart muscle at rest and under stress. Learn how to prepare, including avoiding caffeine, and how Medicare applies.

PET-CT scan

Also: PET scan, PET/CT, FDG PET

A PET-CT scan combines a tracer injection with CT to show how tissues are working. Learn how to prepare, including fasting, how long it takes, and how Medicare applies.

PSMA PET scan

Also: PSMA scan, PSMA PET-CT, Ga-68 PSMA PET

A PSMA PET scan uses a tracer that targets prostate cells to show where prostate cancer may be. Learn how it works, how to prepare and how Medicare applies.

Bone density scan

Also: BMD scan, Osteoporosis scan, DXA scan

A bone density scan uses DEXA to measure how strong your bones are, usually at the hip and lower spine. It is the standard test for osteoporosis.

Body composition DEXA scan

Also: Body composition scan, Body fat scan, DEXA body scan

A body composition DEXA scan measures fat, lean muscle and bone across your whole body and in each region. It is used to track training, weight loss or health programs.

Image-guided cortisone injection

Also: cortisone injection, steroid injection, facet joint injection

An image-guided cortisone injection uses ultrasound or CT to place anti-inflammatory medication exactly where it's needed. Learn how it's done, how to prepare and Medicare.

Image-guided biopsy

Also: ultrasound guided biopsy, needle biopsy, core biopsy

An image-guided biopsy uses ultrasound, CT or other imaging to guide a needle to take a small sample of tissue. Learn about the procedure, preparation and results.