Imaging plays an important role in diagnosing and investigating possible health problems. Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans and MRI can show structures inside the body in great detail.
What is imaging?
Imaging is the term used to describe the process of taking photos (images) of parts of the body. These images can help doctors:
- Screen (or look) for possible health problems before symptoms appear, for example breast screening for cancers
- Diagnose the possible cause of existing symptoms
- Monitor health conditions that have been diagnosed, or the effects of treatment for them
Imaging is also called radiology:
- Doctors who specialise in imaging are called radiologists
- Staff who are with you during a scan are called radiographers or technicians
There are many different types of imaging, such as x-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and ultrasound. Each imaging type uses a different technology to create the image.
When your doctor wants you to have an angiogram, you come to Radiology for a procedure to enable us to see specific blood vessels and arteries inside your body.
Find out moreComputed Tomography, commonly known as a CT scan, is an imaging test that uses X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed pictures of the inside of your body.
Find out moreMammography is an imaging test that uses X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed pictures of your breast tissue.
Find out moreMRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the inside of your body.
Find out moreNuclear medicine allows us to look at a specific part of the body by giving you a small amount of a dye in your blood, known as a radioactive tracer.
Find out moreUltrasound is an imaging test that uses high frequency sound waves to produce detailed pictures of the inside of your body.
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