Our advanced digital radiography systems enhance productivity, patient comfort and workflow. Images produced can be transferred digitally throughout the hospital via network to improve patients’ turnaround time and throughput.

Fluoroscopy provides real-time X-ray imaging to guide diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Due to continuous image acquisition in real time, the images shown are virtually a 'video' images with motion of body structures and moving of contrast dye. This allows clearer visibility of our body system functions.

How is Fluoroscopy performed?

• The examination usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Digestive System
  Barium Swallow / Barium Meal: Barium Sulphate is administered orally to visualize the upper gastrointestinal tract
• Gastrografin Enema: Gastrografin is administered rectally to visualize the lower gastrointestinal tract
• Urinary System
  A small catheter is inserted into the urinary tract and contrast dye is injected to visualize the entire urinary system
• Reproductive System
  A small metal tube or catheter is inserted vaginally and contrast dye is injected into uterine cavity to visualize the reproductive system
• The radiologist will move the detector up and down to best see the area being examined and the images will show on monitor.

Ultrasound scanning is an excellent non-invasive imaging technique for the examination of the various organs in the body without the use of x-ray radiation. Hence it is safe, simple and easily tolerated by adults, children and pregnant mothers. It buses high frequency sound wave, which passes through the body and reflects back as an echo to produce real time sectional images.

How is ultrasound performed?
You will be asked to lie on an examination couch. If pelvis examination is required then you must have a full bladder. The radiologist will put some gel on your skin and then press the transducer lightly against your body moving it until the desired images are captured. You will not experience pain. The examination usually takes less than 15 minutes.

Ultrasound Elastography
Measures and displays, in real time, colour coded local tissue elasticity map for liver, breast and prostate.

Why an ultrasound is performed?

• it helps in the diagnosis of abdominal diseases involving kidneys, liver, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas
• it provides detailed information of superficial tissues such as breasts, thyroid and some musculoskeletal system
• it allows accurate evaluation of fluid filled spaces such as pelvic regions
• it measures the blood flow in the blood vessels to detect abnormalities

CT scan is a painless procedure, which combines the use of a digital computer with a rotating x-ray device to create detailed cross sectional images or “slices” of organs and body parts.

Why is CT Scan performed
A CT scan can provide detailed cross sectional images and diagnostic information for nearly every part of the body, including brain, neck, chest, spine, abdomen, pelvis, heart and skeletal systems.

Preparation and how it is performed
A CT scan is very safe and can be done as an outpatient examination. Depending on the type of examination, the length of the procedure will usually take between 5 and 45 minutes. Actual exposure /scanning time is minimal (1 to 10 seconds).
For many, a CT examination may require a special contrast agent (orally, rectally or via injection), which is sometimes referred to as “dye”. The CT contrast is used to make specific organs- blood vessels and / or tissue types “stand out” with more image contrast to better show the presence of disease or injury.

What is MRI?
MRI is a way of creating cross sectional images of your body using a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency. The MRI machine generates images by disrupting and reorganising the water molecules in the body. MRI images show the soft tissues of the body (muscles, nerves, brain, discs, ligaments etc) better than regular x-rays and CT scans.
In most cases you are allowed to eat and drink before the scan. You will be asked:

• To remove any loose metal object before entering the scan room (watch, keys, coins, credit cards, hair pins etc).
• To lie still during the procedure.

You might hear a thumping noise during the procedure.

It may not be safe to have an MRI scan if you have any of the items (Please consult your doctor):

• Permanent pacemaker or Implantable cardioverter defibrillator.
• Surgical clips in your brain (aneurysm clips).
• Artificial heart valves.
• Inner ear implants.

How to reduce effects on the images?
Inform the radiographers if you have

• Any of the above.
• Dental fillings and bridges.
• Hip and knee replacement.

Interventional Radiology is a subspecialty of radiology in which minimally invasive procedures are performed using image guidance. Some of these procedures are done for purely diagnostic purposes (e.g., angiogram), while others are done for treatment purposes (e.g., angioplasty). Pictures (images) are used to direct these procedures, which are usually done with needles or other tiny instruments like small tubes called catheters. The images provide road maps that allow the Interventional Radiologist to guide these instruments through the body to the areas of interest.
Common interventional imaging modalities include fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound (US), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Dental Imaging (OPG-Orthopantomography, Lateral Cephalometry and CBCT-Cone Beam Computed Tomography)

Dental fraternity has been relying on 2-D imaging (Orthopantomography and Lateral Cephalometric) for many years and now we have shifted to 3-D CBCT technology.

Our equipment is capable to produce 2-D dental radiography and 3-D CBCT volumetric data. The use of either 2-D or 3-D is very much depending on the clinical questions to be answered.

3-D CBCT images can help our dental doctor to better diagnose and understand the extent of the oral disease and provide more appropriate treatment in the oral region. Multiplanar views of the volume data offers tremendous advantages by differentiate anatomical structures and many types of tissue in one single scan.

Mammogram (Digital Breast Tomosynthesis)

Mammogram is a special x-ray examination of the breasts. It is a recommended screening test for breast cancer. It can detect cancer at its early stage before it can be felt by hands. Early detection means better survival rate and more treatment options.

We recently installed a new mammography machine with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) capability which by using the advanced technologies to provide a more detailed sectional (3D) assessment of the breasts.

Mammogram procedure

• You will be positioned and your breast will be placed on a special platform.
• The breast will be compressed with a clear plastic compressor.
• X-ray is exposed to produce an image of breast tissue.
• To capture different views of breast, position is changed slightly between images.
• The process is repeated for the other breast.
• Some discomfort may be felt when the compressor compresses your breast. You can postpone the procedure until your breast is less tender (generally after your menses).

Before a mammogram

• Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotions under your armpit or around your breasts.
• Inform radiographer if you have any symptoms or history.
• Bring along previous mammogram films for comparison.
• You are required to remove all your jewellery

You are advised to have your mammogram done if you have any of the following:

• 40 years old and above.
• Last mammogram was 2 years ago.
• Family history of breast cancer.
• Menopause and taking harmone replacement therapy.
• You have history of breast cancer.
• You feel lumps or there are some abnormal changes in your breasts recently.
• Feel free to talk to your doctor about mammogram or call 04-652 8985 for further assistance.

DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorbtiometry)

DEXA Scan is a test used to measure bone mineral density. It is one of the most accurate ways to diagnose osteopenia or osteoporosis. The results from this test can be of great help to monitor your osteopenia treatment plan. It can help your doctor to decide if you need to make adjustments in your plan.

DEXA Scan may be advised if you have:

• A fracture following a minor fall or injury
• Loss of height due to fracture of a vertebra (back bone)
• Taken steroid tablets for three months or more
• An early menopause (aged less than 45)
• A history of periods stopping (amenorrhoea) for more than one year before the menopause
• Other disorders associated with osteoporosis such as rheumatoid arthritis or coeliac disease
• A family history of hip fracture on your mother's side
• A body mass index of less than 19 (that is, if you are very underweight)

Who should not have this test?

• If you are pregnant or suspect pregnant
• If you have had another X-ray with contrast media in the last 7 days (Gastrointestinal tract study, CT scan or nuclear scan)

How should I prepare for the test?

• If you are taking calcium supplements, stop taking them for 48 hours before your test
• If you are taking any medications for osteopenia or osteoporosis, do not take them the day of your test
• Wear loose clothing that has no metal zippers, metal button etc.
• Remove all jewellery
• Inform the radiographers if you have had any hip or back injury