Radiology is the area of medicine that uses X-rays, magnetic waves and ultrasound to obtain detailed images of the inside of the body. Doctors can then use those images to detect and diagnose illnesses and injuries, as well as to help develop treatment plans. The Radiology Department at SAIH offers radiology (also called imaging) services to residents of SAIH, Rohini and the surrounding region. Below are descriptions of some of the imaging tests available at SAIH.
Breast Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a noninvasive, non-radiation examination that uses sound waves to detect disease and locate possible abnormalities in breast tissue. Ultrasound systems at SAIH are designed to provide doctors with precise images for efficient diagnosis of breast problems. The system enables the physician to perform high-resolution panoramic imaging or 3D scanning in real time.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging test that creates detailed images of internal organs, bones and tissue. The images generated during a CT scan can be reformatted into three-dimensional images viewed on a computer monitor, printed out or transferred to other media. SAIH uses a 64-slice scanner, as well as a four-slice scanner for CT examinations. Each time the scanner rotates around a patient's body, it uses low radiation X-rays to create four or 64 high-resolution slices (images). Because the scanner circles a patient's body about four times every second, patients lie inside of the CT machine for two to three minutes.
Digital Mammography
Digital mammography is a system to detect breast cancer or other abnormalities. It is replacing traditional X-rays with electronic pictures of the breast. These mammography systems are similar to those found in digital cameras. The images the radiologist reviews are sharper and clearer than film x-rays and the patient's mammogram requires a lower dose of radiation. The radiologist reviews and stores the mammograms on a computer. The woman's experience during a digital mammogram is almost identical to the one she would have during a film mammogram. The only difference she might notice is that her mammogram is now available to her on a compact disc (CD) rather than on a large piece of film.
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is the use of MRI imaging (see below) to study a patient's blood vessels after the injection of a contrast material. Unlike conventional angiography, which is an invasive procedure, MRA is noninvasive other than an injection with a needle to administer the contrast material. This technique can be used to obtain images of arteries in the brain, heart, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, aorta, neck, chest, limbs and pulmonary system.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create clear, detailed images of internal organs and tissues. Since X-rays are not used, no radiation exposure is involved. Instead, radio waves are directed at the body. This exam takes 30-50 minutes on average and consists of several imaging series. Many studies will require a small intravenous injection of a contrast agent. However, this agent does not contain iodine, an element used in other contrast agents for X-rays or CT scans. MRI is often used to evaluate or diagnose tumors and diseases of the heart, liver and bowel. It is also sometimes used to monitor an unborn child in the womb.
X-ray (Radiography)
X-ray (also called radiography) uses a very small dose of radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are the most frequently used form of medical imaging and they are also the oldest. They are often used to help see bone fracture, injuries or infections; they are also used to locate foreign objects in soft tissue. In some cases, x-ray tests are used in conjunction with an iodine-based contrast material, which is swallowed, to help doctors see certain organs, blood vessels or tissue.