A CT (Computerised Tomography) scanner is a sophisticated machine that uses X-Rays to acquire images of any part of the body. Instead of sending out a single X-ray beam through your body as with ordinary X-Ray examinations, a fan-shaped beam of X-Rays passes through a slice of your body to produce a cross-sectional, two-dimensional picture shown on a monitor.

DEXA stands for Dual Energy Xray Absorpitometry, which is a way of using low-dose x-rays to measure the mineral content of bones. This is compared against a database of many other people to assess whether your bone mineral density is normal, or if it is low, which may mean you are at an increased risk of bone fractures or of developing osteoporosis.

MRI is a non-invasive examination which does not involve radiation. Instead it uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body’s anatomy. No X-Rays are involved. Any part of your body can be scanned in this way to assist in the diagnosis of your medical condition.

An Ultrasound scanner does not use X-Rays (ionising radiation). The ultrasound probe emits high frequency sound waves that are passed through your body. As they are reflected back by the structures inside, the echoes are used to form an image. Doppler ultrasound is an additional technique that can be used to examine blood vessels to provide both structural and functional information.

This is the simplest form of imaging. It uses an X-Ray tube and a cassette to record the image. There is a plate inside the cassette that records the information which is then processed by a computer in order to produce a visible image. This is known as computed radiography (CR). A fluoroscopy machine produces a constant stream of X-rays so that it works in real time, enabling the doctor to view a changing image continuously.

DSA is a type of X-Ray machine used for taking images of blood vessels and soft tissue organs such as the kidneys or the liver. To be able to show these vessels and organs more clearly, a contrast agent (dye) needs to be given. The machine first takes an image which includes the bones and then when the contrast agent is injected, the machine digitally removes the bones from the images, so that the blood vessels or organ can be seen very clearly. Any part of the body can be examined using DSA to assist in the diagnosis of medical conditions. It is particularly useful for diagnosing arterial disease, blood vessel malformation, spinal disc problems and taking liver biopsies. It can also be used to carry out treatments such as angioplasty, stent insertion and embolisation. Having DSA may mean you don’t have to undergo surgery.

A PET/CT scan is a combination of 2 scans- a PET scan and a CT scan. PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. The PET scan requires an injection of a very small amount of a radioactive tracer similar to sugar (18-Fludeoxyglucose, or FDG for short) to produce images that show how your body is working. CT stands for Computed Tomography, and uses X-rays to take pictures of different organs in your body. By combining these two techniques in one scanner, we are able to provide important information to help your doctor plan the best treatment for you.

There are no known side effects from the radioactive tracer. The amount of radiation varies but by utilising the latest technology in our state of the art Siemens mCT scanner we are able to keep your radiation exposure as low as possible. The radiation related risks are very small and the risk of missing a serious problem if you don’t have a PET/CT scan could be much higher.