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A CT scan (computed tomography) is a medical imaging procedure that uses x-rays and digital computer technology to create detailed pictures of the body.The CT scan is a non-invasive, painless and relatively safe procedure that doesn’t require any recovery time.

A DEXA scan, also known as a Bone Densitometry test, is an enhanced form of X-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. A DEXA scan is a non-invasive medical test that is effective in tracking the effects of treatment for osteoporosis and other conditions that cause bone loss.

Nuclear medicine is a specialised area of radiology that uses small amounts of radioactive medications (radiopharmaceuticals) to image and sometimes treat disease.

An Echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart, using a machine very similar to that used for pregnancy ultrasound. We are able to assess heart muscle and valve function, as well as check for congenital problems, such as “hole in the heart”.  We perform studies on patients of all ages from newborn onwards.

An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a procedure where stickers and wires are attached to the chest and an electrical heart tracing is produced. An ECG is a non-invasive, painless and safe procedure that doesn’t require any preparation.

An Electroencephalogram (EEG) is performed where a cap is fitted to your head and gel squirted through holes in the cap to touch your skin – the electrical activity of your brain is recorded. The test may involve some breathing exercises and flashing lights, you are encouraged to fall asleep if possible. This test is non-invasive, painless and safe. We cannot read or influence your thoughts in any way with this test. There is no shaving or cutting of hair involved.

The test will involve exercise on a treadmill during which your heart rate and rhythm will be monitored via ECG, along with your blood pressure, exercise capacity and cardiac ultrasound both before and after exercise.ECG stickers and cables will be attached to your chest and a blood pressure cuff fitted to your upper arm.

A pacemaker check is performed on patients with implanted cardiac devices to check the function, settings or any abnormal heart rhythms that may have been recorded. It involves the use of a computer that communicates with the device wirelessly.

A holter monitor is a small device, with 5 leads that are attached to your chest with stickers, that record the rate and rhythm of your heart. It is used to diagnose abnormal heart rhythms and can investigate symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness and fluttering heart beats.

To monitor blood pressure, a cuff is fitted to your arm and attached to a device that will inflate the cuff to take your blood pressure automatically every half an hour during the day and every hour overnight – this is worn for 24 hours and returned to Diagnostic Services the following day.

This is a breathing test, using a variety of different breathing exercises, to assess lung volumes, gas exchange, response to Ventolin and airflow. The results are used in the diagnosis and treatment of lung conditions (e.g. asthma and emphysema) or as a routine check prior to operations. You will receive clear instructions and coaching to perform the test.

The six minute walk test is to access your oxygen levels. 

Fluoroscopy is a type of medical imaging that shows continuous X-ray images on a monitor, much like an X-ray movie. 

Breast imaging is a subspecialty of diagnostic radiology. It involves a range of imaging procedures using low dose x-ray or ultrasound, sometimes both methods are used.

Heart Failure Symptom & Early Review HelplineA specialist Heart Failure Nurse Practitioner is available to support patients after they leave hospital.Patients (or their support person) can call and get advice/support from an experienced Heart Failure Nurse Practitioner if they have concerns about the signs and symptoms that they are experiencing.If you are experiencing chest pain or a medical emergency, please call the ambulance on 000.

Grampians Health Ballarat provide inpatient and outpatient medical services across the Ballarat and Grampians regions. 

The Heart Failure Clinic provides outpatient care for patients with heart failure across the Ballarat region.

Grampians Health Ballarat Dialysis Unit is a twelve-station state-of-the-art facility providing Haemodialysis to patients with end-stage renal disease. Support is also provided for patients dialysing in the region, who require additional treatments in Ballarat. Holiday Dialysis enquiries are welcome any time.