Department of Radio-Diagnosis

SOPs

Dept. data last updated on :06/01/2026

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