Diagnostic Imaging Technology

The technology and machinery used in radiology varies from method to method. Some use radiation while others do not.

The most common tecniquess used in radiology are:

X-ray
Uses X-rays, a type of electromagnetic radiation, to produce images of the interior of the body without having to make any incisions. X-rays have evolved and instead of being printed on film, they are now more commonly viewed as digital images that can be manipulated on a computer workstation and sent around and between hospitals or around the world on computer networks such as PACS (picture archiving and communications systems).

Ordinary X-rays include those of the chest, abdomen and limbs as well as X-ray based techniques such intravenous urograms and barium enemas. The most widely used method of examining the small bowel is with a barium examination.


Ultrasound
US is a procedure that uses harmless, high-frequency sound waves, to create an image of a small section of the inside of the body. It helps us find the cause of your problem, and the best treatment options for you. It is a quick out-patient scan that is the first line of investigation for many conditions particularly in the abdomen. It is a very safe method of imaging that does not involve any radiation exposure, hence its use to follow the progress of a pregnancy.

CT Scanner
CT scanning is a quick method of scanning that involves lying on a table which moves through a circular gantry with a rotating x-ray beam. It uses sophisticated, low dose X-ray equipment to create a sequence of cross-sectional images of the body. Often used when a doctor needs highly detailed images to study in order to identify the source of a problem, especially on soft tissue.


PET-CT
PET-CT is primarily used for cancer imaging. A radioisotope tracer is injected into the patient and this shows up cancer lesions as ‘hotspots’. For many cancers it is the most accurate way to identify the spread of discease and its response to treatment.

Siemens SOMATOM definition flash CT machine, as used by our team. These machines were especially selected by our team for the extremely low doses of radiation needed for each exposure.
Image Courtesy of Siemens Press centre.

MRI
MRI is a scanning technique that uses a high powered magnetic field and radio frequency waves to produce beautifully detailed images for parts of the body that CT scanners cannot produce clear images of, such as bones. It is a safe method of scanning which does not involve exposure to x-rays.

The patient simply lies on a table which slides into the scanner. How far in depends on what body part is being scanned. MRI scans take longer than CT scans to perform (average 15-30 minutes in the scanner) and the scanner itself can be noisy so headphones are offered and you can bring a CD of your own choice of music for your scan.

Interventional radiology uses imaging technology such as CT scans, MRI, and Ultrasounds to help guide medical procedures. This technology eliminates the need for surgery and scopes to diagnose and treat certain conditions. Instead, patients are often awake during the procedure or under very mild sedation.

Common uses for interventional radiology include:

• Treating cancers
• Treating blockages in arteries or veins
• Treating back pain
• Treating liver and kidney problems

Interventional radiologists are highly specialised radiologists who have extra training and experience to safely and accurately perform these procedures.