The Department of Radiology of the Ripas Hospital is the main diagnostic  imaging centre for Brunei Darussalam.

Its 15 procedure rooms are extensively equipped to provide a wide range of diagnostic investigations including Vascular / Interventional Radiology, Computerized Tomography (CT) Scans, Mammography and Specialized Dental Radiography.

The information in this brochure will help you understand the department and its services better. Further information not covered by this brochure can be obtained from our staff personally or by calling our department.

PLAIN X-RAY EXAMINATION
These are carried out either in the main department, Accident and Emergency Radiology unit or as portable examinations in the wards and operation theatres.

SPECIALIZED EXAMINATION
These are examinations that sometimes require preparation such as fasting, a full bladder, and clearing of the bowl. Usually an appointment is given for these examinations. This specialized examinations include Ultrasound Scans, Computerized Tomography (CT) Scans, Intravenous Urography (IVU), Fluoroscopy, Mammography and Vascular / Interventional Radiology. Most of these examinations require the use of a contrast medium (dye) that is injected and / or taken orally.

• Ultrasound scans
  These are examinations that use high frequency sound waves to produce images of your internal organs as thyroid, liver, kidneys, and other organs.
  
  
• Computerized Tomography   (CT) Scans
  These are examination that use X-rays to look inside your body and produce multiple cross-sectional images.
  
  
• Intravenous Urography (IVU)
  This is an X-ray examination of the urinary system - the kidneys, ureters and bladder. The examination uses a certain liquid (contrast medium) that is injected to outline the system clearly on the x-ray images. The contrast medium is normally injected into one of the veins in the arm.
  
  
• Fluoroscopy
  This uses X-rays to capture moving images of an organ / blood vessel on a TV monitor, normally performed through the ingestion (orally) or injection of a contrast medium.
  
  
• Mammography
  This an X-ray examination of the breast. It has been established  as a reliable technique for the diagnosis of early breast lesions. It is carried out by female radiographers. To ensure good visualization of any abnormality, it is necessary that the breast be firmly compressed for a few seconds during the X-ray exposure. Every effort will be taken to ensure that any discomfort is kept to a minimum.
  
  
• Vascular / Interventional Radiology
  We provide a wide range of services which includes Diagnosis Angiography, interventional procedures such as Balloon Angioplasty, AVM Embolisation, Tumour Embolosisation, Chemoembolisation etc. Non - vascular interventional procedures such as Biliary Drainage, Nephrostomy, Stenting and Foreign-Body Removal are also done in this department. all these procedures are also performed out-of-hours as required.
   

REFERRALS for RADIOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS
Besides hospital in-and-out-patients, we also accept patients private and other government clinics.

RECEPTION
On your arrival at our reception counter, we will need to ask you a few routine question. Your cooperation will make this a smooth process.

For female patients, it is important to inform the radiology staff if you were pregnant or unsure of your pregnancy status.

PAYING PATIENTS
There are different categories of paying patients which include patients coming from private clinics, non-Bruneian citizens and/or non-government servants.

WAITING TIME
Due to the complexity and priorities of some X-ray examinations, an average waiting time of about half an hour is to be expected for plain X-ray examinations . However we do give priority to emergency cases and very ill patients.

APPOINTMENT
Appointment are usually given for specialized examination. Patients are expected to come for the specified time. If you cannot come for your appointment, please do inform the department.

EXAMINATION REPORTS
Reports may be given to waiting patients on request. If reports are not required immediately, the films and/or reports will be collected by the referring doctor, clinic or ward.

Department of Radiology

OUR STAFF
All our staff work providing our patients with professional, safe and efficient service. It is our intention to provide you with the highest standard of medical and nursing care in comfortable surrounding.

The following are the professional staff you are likely to meet in the Department of Radiology:

The Radiologist is a doctor who specializes in the interpretation of the X-ray films. The radiologist also performs specialized examinations.

The Radiographers and Radiographic Technicians are trained personnel who use highly sophisticated equipment to produce quality diagnostic images for interpretation by radiologist and clinicians

The Radiologist Nurses have been trained to assist in specialized procedures and will attend to your needs in the examination room.

The Radiology Support staff provide both technical and administrative support for the smooth running of our self.