Department of Radio-Diagnosis
SOPs
SOPS FOR VARIOUS INVESTIGATIONS
NOTICE
Instructions for CT Scan Technicians – Case Allocation
To ensure streamlined workflow, equitable load distribution, and timely reporting of urgent studies, the following instructions are to be followed strictly while allocating CT cases:
1. JR-1 Allocation
- Head CT
- PNS
- Orbit
- CT-KUB
- NCCT Face (Trauma cases)
2. JR-2 Allocation
- CT Chest
- CT Abdomen
- CT Temporal Bone
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) CT
- CECT Neck and Face
- Routine CT Angiography
3. JR-3 Allocation
- Complex CT Neck and Face cases
- Complex Angiography cases
- Cross-checking and verification of reports
- All Indoor (IPD) CT scans, which must be reported promptly and on priority by JR-3 only
4. Mandatory Technician Instructions
- Select the triangle option and label all indoor CT cases as “Urgent” (Red colour)
- Allocate CT studies strictly to the relevant resident group as mentioned above
- Ensure that no resident is overburdened
- If a high volume of a particular type of case is generated, distribute cases among other eligible residents to maintain workload balance
- NOTICE
Instructions for MRI Technicians – Case Allocation
To align reporting efficiency, priority management, and equitable workload distribution, the following MRI case allocation instructions are to be followed strictly:
1. JR-1 Allocation
- Support role in reporting workflow
- Maximum of five (5) simple spine MRI cases
- Preferably degenerative spine studies only
2. JR-2 Allocation
- All Brain MRI cases
- All Spine MRI cases
- Excluding indoor (IPD) patients
3. JR-3 Allocation
- All Body MRI cases
- All Musculoskeletal (MSK) MRI cases
- All Indoor (IPD) MRI cases, including:
- Brain MRI
- Spine MRI
- Indoor cases must be reported on priority
4. Mandatory Instructions for Indoor Patients
- For all indoor cases, technicians must click the triangle icon and mark the case as “Urgent”, which will automatically change the case colour to Red
- Indoor MRI cases must be allocated promptly to JR-3 only
5. Workload Balancing
- Allocate cases equally among residents as per the above guidelines
- In situations of asymmetry or unusually high volume of a particular category, apply practical judgment and redistribute cases to avoid overburdening any resident.
GENERAL SOP
INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY (IR) SECTION
Department of Radio Diagnosis
1. PURPOSE
To safely perform minimally invasive image-guided procedures.
2. SCOPE
- IR procedure rooms
- Image-guided biopsies and drainages
3. APPLICABILITY
Applicable to:
- Patients undergoing IR procedures
- Radiology staff
4. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
- IR procedures are done using imaging guidance
- Small cuts are used instead of major surgery
- Faster recovery and less pain
5. PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
- Patient identity verified
- Procedure confirmed
6. PATIENT PREPARATION
- Fasting required
- Blood tests may be advised
- Written consent obtained
- IV line secured
7. DURING THE PROCEDURE
- Local anesthesia usually given
- Patient may feel mild discomfort
- Vital signs monitored continuously
8. SAFETY & MONITORING
- Sterile precautions followed
- Emergency equipment available
9. AFTER THE PROCEDURE
- Observation for few hours
- Instructions given for rest and care
- Report any pain, bleeding, or fever
10. REPORTING & FOLLOW-UP
- Procedure details documented
- Follow-up advice provided
GENERAL SOP
FLUOROSCOPY SECTION
Department of Radio Diagnosis
1. PURPOSE
To perform real-time X-ray examinations for diagnostic and guided procedures.
2. SCOPE
- Fluoroscopy rooms
- Contrast studies (barium, IV contrast)
3. APPLICABILITY
Applicable to:
- Patients undergoing fluoroscopic studies
- Radiology staff
4. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
- Fluoroscopy provides moving X-ray images
- Helps study swallowing, stomach, intestines, and joints
5. PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
- Patient identity confirmed
- Procedure explained
6. PATIENT PREPARATION
- Fasting may be required
- Remove metal objects
- Contrast material may be given orally or through injection
7. DURING THE PROCEDURE
- Patient may be asked to change positions
- Follow instructions carefully
- Procedure may take longer than routine X-ray
8. RADIATION SAFETY
- Radiation kept to minimum
- Protective measures used
9. AFTER THE PROCEDURE
- Drink fluids if contrast used
- Mild constipation may occur after barium
10. REPORTING
- Images reviewed
- Report issued after interpretation
GENERAL SOP
ULTRASOUND (USG) SECTION
Department of Radio Diagnosis
1. PURPOSE
To perform ultrasound examinations safely using sound waves to visualize internal organs.
2. SCOPE
- Ultrasound rooms
- Doppler studies
- Portable ultrasound services
3. APPLICABILITY
Applicable to:
- Patients undergoing ultrasound
- Radiology staff
4. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
- Ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation
- It is safe, painless, and non-invasive
5. PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
- Patient details are confirmed
- Correct examination verified
6. PATIENT PREPARATION
Preparation depends on examination type:
- Abdominal scan: Fasting for 6 hours
- Pelvic scan: Full bladder
- Other scans: No special preparation
7. DURING THE PROCEDURE
- Gel applied on skin
- Probe moved over the area
- Mild pressure may be felt
8. AFTER THE PROCEDURE
- Gel is cleaned
- No side effects
- Resume normal activities
9. REPORTING
- Images reviewed by radiology doctors
- Report issued accordingly
GENERAL SOP
X-RAY SECTION
Department of Radio Diagnosis
1. PURPOSE
To safely perform X-ray examinations and obtain clear images with minimum radiation exposure.
2. SCOPE
- X-ray rooms
- Patient waiting area
- Portable X-ray services
3. APPLICABILITY
Applicable to:
- Patients undergoing X-ray examination
- Radiology staff
4. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
- X-ray uses a small amount of radiation to create images
- The procedure is quick and painless
- It helps doctors diagnose bones, chest, and other conditions
5. PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
- Patient name and hospital ID are confirmed
- Correct X-ray examination is verified
6. PATIENT PREPARATION
- Remove metal objects (jewelry, belts, coins)
- Wear hospital gown if required
- Inform staff if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy
7. DURING THE X-RAY
- Patient is positioned properly
- You may be asked to hold breath for a few seconds
- Remain still during exposure
8. RADIATION SAFETY
- Protective lead apron provided when required
- Radiation exposure kept as low as possible
9. AFTER THE PROCEDURE
- No special care required
- Normal activities can be resumed
10. REPORTING
- Images are reviewed by radiology doctors
- Report is issued after evaluation
GENERAL SOP
CONTRAST ADMINISTRATION
Department of Radio Diagnosis
1. PURPOSE
This SOP explains the safe use of contrast injection during radiological investigations (CT/MRI) to improve image quality while ensuring patient safety.
2. SCOPE
This SOP applies to:
- CT Section
- MRI Section
- Patient preparation and injection areas
3. APPLICABILITY
This SOP is applicable to:
- Patients undergoing contrast-enhanced scans
- Radiology staff involved in contrast administration
4. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
- Contrast is a special medicine given through a vein
- It helps doctors see organs and blood vessels clearly
- Contrast is usually safe and well tolerated
5. PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
- Patient name, age, and hospital ID are confirmed
- Correct examination and contrast requirement are verified
6. PATIENT ASSESSMENT BEFORE CONTRAST
Before giving contrast, the patient is asked about:
- Previous contrast allergy
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Current medications
7. PATIENT PREPARATION
Fasting
- Do not eat or drink for 4–6 hours before contrast scan (if advised)
Consent
- Written informed consent is taken
- Procedure and possible side effects are explained in simple language
Blood Tests
- Kidney function test may be required in some patients
8. CONTRAST ADMINISTRATION
- Contrast is given through a small needle in the vein
- Injection may be manual or through an injector machine
- Patient may feel:
- Warm sensation
- Metallic taste in mouth
(These are normal and temporary)
9. PATIENT MONITORING
- Patient is observed during and after contrast injection
- Emergency medicines and equipment are kept ready
- Any discomfort is immediately attended
10. MANAGEMENT OF CONTRAST REACTION
Mild Reactions
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Itching
Severe Reactions (Rare)
- Difficulty in breathing
- Swelling of face or throat
- Drop in blood pressure
👉 Immediate medical treatment is provided if any reaction occurs.
11. AFTER CONTRAST PROCEDURE
- Patient is advised to drink plenty of water
- Patient is observed for a short period
- Report any delayed symptoms such as rash or breathing difficulty
12. DOCUMENTATION
- Contrast name, dose, and route are recorded
- Any reaction is documented in patient records
13. DISPOSAL & SAFETY
- Used syringes and materials are disposed safely
- Infection control protocols are followed
14. REPORTING
- Images are reviewed by radiology doctors
- Final report is issued after proper interpretation
GENERAL SOP
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI SECTION)
Department of Radio Diagnosis
1. PURPOSE
This SOP describes the safe and systematic conduct of MRI scans to ensure patient safety and good-quality images.
2. SCOPE
This SOP applies to:
- MRI scan room
- Patient screening and waiting area
3. APPLICABILITY
This SOP is applicable to:
- Patients
- Radiology staff involved in MRI scanning
4. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
- MRI uses a strong magnet, not X-rays
- The test is painless
- The scan may take more time than a CT scan
5. PATIENT SCREENING
- Patients are asked questions for safety before MRI
- Inform staff if you have:
- Pacemaker
- Metal implants
- Previous surgery with metal
- Pregnancy
6. PATIENT PREPARATION (MRI)
- Remove all metal items (jewelry, watch, coins, hair clips)
- Change into hospital gown
- Do not eat or drink if advised (especially for contrast or sedation)
7. MRI SCAN PROCEDURE
- Patient lies on a table that moves into the MRI machine
- Loud sounds are produced during scanning (ear protection is given)
- Patient must lie still for clear images
- Scan duration is usually 20–45 minutes
8. MRI SAFETY
- No metal objects are allowed inside the MRI room
- Patients are monitored during the scan
- Emergency procedures are in place for safety
9. AFTER THE MRI SCAN
- Patient can return to normal activity
- Drink water if contrast was used
- Inform staff if feeling unwell after the scan
10. REPORTING
- MRI images are reviewed by radiology doctors
- Important findings are communicated to the treating doctor
GENERAL SOP
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT SECTION)
Department of Radio Diagnosis
1. PURPOSE
This SOP explains how CT scans are performed in a safe, simple, and organized manner so that patients receive accurate results with minimum risk.
2. SCOPE
This SOP applies to:
- CT scan area
- Patient waiting and preparation area
3. APPLICABILITY
This SOP is applicable to:
- Patients
- Radiology staff involved in CT scanning
4. GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
- A CT scan is a special type of X-ray
- It helps doctors see inside the body clearly
- The scan is painless and usually quick
5. PATIENT IDENTIFICATION
- Patient name, age, and hospital ID are checked before the scan
- Female patients must inform staff if they are pregnant or may be pregnant
6. PATIENT PREPARATION (CT)
Plain CT Scan
- In most cases, no fasting is required
- Follow instructions given by staff, if any
Contrast CT Scan
- Do not eat or drink for 4–6 hours before the scan
- Inform staff if you have:
- Kidney problems
- Previous allergy to contrast injection
- Blood test and consent may be required
7. CT SCAN PROCEDURE
- Patient will lie on the CT table
- The table moves slowly through the scanner
- The scan is painless and takes only a few minutes
- If contrast is given, a warm feeling may be noticed (this is normal)
8. SAFETY MEASURES
- Radiation dose is kept as low as possible
- Repeat scans are avoided unless necessary
- Protective measures are used whenever required
9. AFTER THE CT SCAN
- Patient can eat and drink normally unless advised otherwise
- Drink plenty of water if contrast was given
- Inform staff immediately if there is itching, rash, or breathing difficulty
10. REPORTING
- CT images are reviewed by radiology doctors
- Reports are prepared and shared with the treating doctor






