EOS - A guide to your scan

What is an EOS?

EOS (EOS dual source upright CT scanner) is an imaging system designed for advanced orthopaedic care of the spine, hips and knees. The full body pictures produced provide your doctor with accurate images of your skeleton which can be used for diagnoses, pre-operative planning and post-operative assessments. Benefits of EOS vs Conventional Scanner:

• Low dose radiation, making it more acceptable to do follow up examinations and appropriate for children
• Provides higher quality, accurate images - improved accuracy of disk space in the spine
• Ability to take one full image as opposed to four or five images being ‘stitched’ together
• Can provide 3D images if required
• Advanced speed of scanning

Is it safe?

Exposure to X-ray radiation could slightly increase your chances of developing cancer many years later, although standard CT scans use low doses of radiation so this risk is estimated to be very small. The amount of radiation you are exposed to during a CT scan is equivalent to between a few months and a few years exposure to natural background radiation from the environment. The doctor who has referred you for this procedure has decided that the benefits of the CT scan outweigh the risks.

If you are, or you think you may be pregnant, you should tell us before your scan.

Who will I see?

A small team of radiography staff will look after you during your visit and one of the radiographers will carry out the scan.

Do I need an injection?

No, you will not need an injection.

What can I expect?

Once you’ve checked in at reception, a member of the radiography team will meet you, explain the procedure, go through your safety questionnaire with you and ask you to sign a consent form. You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions.

We might ask you to change into a hospital gown. We’ll give you a container to keep your clothes and personal belongings safe.

Throughout the procedure you will be looked after by the radiography team and they will explain what’s happening.

During the examination

The examination should take no more than a few minutes. In only twenty seconds or less, two full body digital radiographs are taken.

You and the radiographer operating the equipment will be able to see and hear each other throughout the procedure.

The radiographer will position you in the EOS machine, which looks similar to a shower cubicle. You will be asked to stay very still and we might ask you to take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds.

You won’t feel anything and there is no discomfort.

For safety reasons, we won’t normally allow anyone accompanying you to come into the examination room whilst you are having your EOS, they will be invited to wait in the lounge.

After the EOS

There are no restrictions on normal activity, you can eat and drink normally, drive and return to work immediately after the X-ray.

A radiologist will examine the images shortly after your visit and send a report to your doctor within a few days.

For ethical and professional reasons, we cannot discuss results with you. Only your referring doctor can do this.

Your Personal Data

Alliance Medical understands that your personal data is entrusted to us and appreciate the importance of protecting and respecting your privacy.

After care contact

If at any point you would like to contact us after your appointment to discuss any concerns or issues you may have, please do not hesitate to call us on the number given in your appointment letter, where one of our friendly staff members will be happy to help.

If you require this information in a different format please let us know via customercare@alliance.co.uk