A referral guide for colleagues: what to include in the request
The quality of a radiology report depends directly on the quality of the referral. Here is what a good imaging request should specify.
A precise imaging request helps us choose the right protocol and produces a report that actually answers your clinical question. These are the details that help most.
1. A specific clinical question
Rather than "CBCT of the mandible", something like "assess the distance from the root of 38 to the inferior alveolar canal prior to surgery" is far more useful. A specific question focuses both the protocol and the report.
2. The exact region of interest
State the tooth number or the anatomical region. This directly determines the field of view — and the smallest possible field of view means the lowest dose for your patient.
3. Relevant history
Previous surgery, existing implants, root canal treatment, trauma or current symptoms all affect interpretation. Knowing about metal in the region also tells us to expect artefacts.
4. The output you need
Specify whether you need 1:1 cross-sections, the raw DICOM files for implant-planning software, or both.
Accessing results
Once the report is ready you can download it, together with the DICOM files for your referred patients, from the colleagues' portal. Contact reception to have your access enabled.