Diagnostic Imaging is the use of medical imaging technology to produce pictures of the body, therefore we can see through body tissue and investigate its function. Diagnostic Imaging can also be used for tissue localization for the purpose of sampling or removal of unwanted tissue. Therapeutic treatment is also possible through the use of imaging technique.
To maintain the highest possible quality, Adventist Medical Center – Taikoo Place offers professional services by a team of highly trained, skilful and qualified technologists for the different areas of our highly specialized Diagnostic Imaging Services.
Different imaging technology has its own characteristics and can be applied for different situations in order to achieve the best result. To allow you to better understand of what needed to be done during the examination, we have prepared you the information below to explain the examination / procedures further.
Although the radiation dose used in our various modalities / examinations are relatively low, we must still watch out the potential harmful effect of radiation to our body, particularly for pregnant patients and children. Therefore, please inform our staff in advance if you are potentially pregnant or have concerns to X-Ray. To further reduce the harm of X-Ray examinations, we will apply radiation protection such as reduce the area of X-ray, use only the minimum dose needed, and use shielding materials if possible.
In addition, to ensure safety of examination / procedure, please tell us details of your medical history particularly if you are suffering from major clinical conditions such as renal impairment, cardiac failure, liver failure, great pain, if you are unable to stand or you lost the control of motion, or if you are taking any special medication. Please check with our staff directly or contact our center for any inquiry.
For your safety, all scan rooms and changing rooms are equipped with nurse call bells, please press if you feel unwell or have any questions. We will keep monitoring you throughout the procedure and respond to your call immediately.
The Diagnostic Imaging Department of Adventist Medical Center – Taikoo Place provides a range of imaging services including but not limited to:
1. RADIOLOGY :
Radiology, otherwise known as X-ray, is the use of high penetration radiation to produce 2D picture of our 3D body tissue on film for diagnostic purpose. Radiology is the most common and relatively inexpensive imaging modality used in Diagnostic Imaging. Radiology is good for tissue of high inherent contrast such as bone and lung.
Although X-ray produces the highest resolution, its soft tissue contrast is relatively low. To improve the soft tissue contrast in Radiology, X-ray contrast (dye) may be used in some situations.
the Diagnostic Imaging Department has a sophisticated digital X-ray room, offers a full range of General X-Ray, and Mammogram diagnostic examinations.
General X-ray Examinations
General X-ray means plain X-ray, without the use of special X-ray contrast medium and requires no special procedure or preparation. Patient just needs to follow the instructions of our technologist (Radiographer) for the required positioning of your body part. There will be no special after-care for general X-ray.
Mammogram
Mammogram is the use of special X-ray technique to produce high contrast picture of the breast tissues.
Our high resolution full-field digital mammography machine is operated by our qualified and experienced female radiographer for both 2D conventional Mammogram and 3D Mammogram services. For 2D Mammogram, under breast compression, normally 2 angles (pictures) will be taken for each breast, occasionally additional magnifying / focus views will be taken, if needed. With less breast compression and one single shoot, our 3D Mammogram virtually slices the breast in pieces, allowing better visualization of the breast tissues. Our advanced machine also allows reconstruction of 3D images to 2D images, reducing the need to redo the 2D Mammogram for comparison with the previous 2D examinations.
2. ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound is the use of non-invasive high frequency sound waves to produce images of the body. In imaging field, Ultrasound is a relatively inexpensive technology that is able to provide “real-time” information of the body tissue in slice form. Because of its convenience, “real-time” and non-invasive characteristics, Ultrasound is commonly applied to small area imaging and dynamic imaging of the body. The ultrasound probe will be placed in the area of interest with “gel” to facilitate transmission of sound wave to your body without any pain or sensation. Patient will be requested to control breathing during the scan so as to get better result. No post-ultrasound after-care is needed. For the scanning of the upper abdomen, you are required to fast (no food or drink) for 6 hours.
Our world-class Ultrasound machines produce ultrasound images of the highest quality without the need of contrast medium. A full range of examinations are performed in our department, including:
- Abdominal and Pelvic scanning.
- Small parts imaging such as breast and thyroid.
- Carotid and Extremity colour doppler for blood vessel imaging.
- Musculoskeletal and Articulating Joint imaging of their soft tissue area.
- US Carotid Intima-media thickness (IMT) assessment
3. DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry)
With the use of 2 different penetration power of X-ray, DEXA is used to measure the density of our bones (calcium and other minerals). With the X-ray dose of lesser than a chest X-ray which is relatively safe and accurate, DEXA is commonly used to measure bone density of Spine, Hip, and Wrist, the most frequently fracture locations.
