Menu
In the last few decades’ medical science have taken giant steps and moving fastest and stranger toward new frontiers. What looked like sci-fi few decades earlier is now a reality. Significant breakthroughs in the domain of medical diagnostic imaging, such as the enhancement of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and the introduction of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans, have profoundly reshaped the landscape of diagnosis.
These cutting-edge technologies have empowered medical professionals with the ability to diagnose various diseases at their earliest stages with never before precision, thus significantly improving patient outcomes. The relentless growth and ceaseless innovation that underline the medical science field are a testament to the man’s strive towards excellence. This progress not only stands tall among the list of human achievement but also as a beacon of hope for future groundbreaking discoveries.
It is indeed important even for non-medical individuals to have a well-informed understanding about medical diagnostic imaging and its broad categorizations – notably, radiology, ultrasound, magnetic imaging and nuclear medicine. Let’s explore their nuanced differences and applications can offer valuable insights into the expansive world of modern medical science.
Table of Contents
“Indeed, we often mark our progress in science by improvements in imaging.”
– Martin Chalfie
Decoding Medical Diagnostic Imaging: A Glimpse into the Human Body
Medical diagnostic imaging refers to the use of various imaging technologies to visualize and assess the internal structures and functions of the human body for diagnostic purposes. These imaging techniques help healthcare professionals diagnose, monitor, and treat various medical conditions.
Radiology equips us with a kind of X-ray vision, enabling us to see the body’s internal architecture without making a single cut.
This field leverages powerful X-rays to produce vivid images of our bones and organs. Whether it’s unmasking hidden fractures, unveiling lung conditions, or investigating abdominal issues. Radiology, with its arsenal of X-rays, CT scans, and fluoroscopy, is an irreplaceable tool in modern diagnostics.
Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, is like having a real-time tour inside the body.
It uses high-frequency sound waves to produce instant images of our organs, tissues, and even blood flow. From monitoring the miracle of life developing in the womb to evaluating the health of our abdomen, pelvis, and vascular system, ultrasound imaging is a safe and non-invasive way to keep tabs on our health.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is like having a high-resolution map of the body’s soft tissues.
By using strong magnetic fields and radio waves, MRI can provide us with detailed images of the brain, muscles, and organs. Whether it’s diagnosing neurological disorders, assessing joint injuries, or detecting tumors, MRI is a valuable ally in the fight against disease.
Nuclear medicine is like having a biological tracking device that monitors our body’s metabolism.
This field uses radioactive substances, known as radiopharmaceuticals, to diagnose and treat diseases. These substances, introduced into the body, accumulate in specific organs or tissues. Special cameras then capture the radiation they emit, creating images that provide a unique insight into the organ’s function and metabolism. From PET to SPECT, nuclear medicine provides crucial information about our body’s metabolic performance and health.
Avail specialized Health check-up and screening. North City Diagnostic Centre offers state-of-the-art health check-up and screening packages at affordable prices. Call 
081001 07100 for more information.
Medical Diagnostic Imaging at North City Hospital
At North City Diagnostic Centre, Gauri Bari, Kolkata, we offer state-of-the art medical diagnostic imaging at affordable prices. We also offer diagnostics across all major verticals offering one-stop solution for you diagnostics requirements.
Conventional Radiology
X Ray & Fluoroscopy – For x-ray and fluoroscopy we engage our Siemens Multiphos 450, a High Frequency X-ray generator with multi-pulse voltage waveform for Radiographic and Fluoroscopic procedures. The multi-pulse voltage waveform enables high data accuracy and precise reproducibility even at short exposure times.
If you received contrast dye before your X-ray, you should drink plenty of water to flush the contrast material from your body.
Some people have side effects from contrast dye, which may include, Nausea or vomiting, stomach cramps or diarrhea, headaches, and rarely may you have allergic reactions to contrast material.
Other X-Ray imaging like, Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) for Urological use, Barium Swallow, mouth, throat, mouth and esophagus, and Barium enema, for large intestine (colon).
For more details contact our X-ray Department → Click to know more
CT Scan – A CT (computed tomography) scan is an imaging test used by doctors to diagnose illnesses and injuries. It creates comprehensive pictures of your bones and soft tissues using a succession of X-rays and a computer. A CT scan is non-invasive and painless. At North City Diagnostic Centre we employ GE Brightspeed Elite for 128 Slice CT scan.
For more details contact our CT-Scan Department→ Click to know more
Mammography – Mammography is an X-ray screening technique for breast cancer detection and is often recommended along with regular clinical exams and monthly self-examinations.
The risk of breast cancer increases with age. A mammogram can detect upto 90% of breast cancer.
At North City Diagnostic Centre (NDC) we use Venue DRV, a full field digital mammography technology for a cost-effective digital mammography. It just takes 15 minutes to get digital mammography done at our centre.
For more details contact our Mammography Department→ Click to know more
Dental Imaging – CBCT & OPG – In dental diagnostic procedures, X-rays are used to identify oral issues. North City offers OPG, CBCT,and Dental IOPA X-Ray
Dentists recommend 3D Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to assess underlying bone, nerve connections, and surrounding soft tissues for patients with dental complications. It is a sort of x-ray machine that is utilized when standard dental or face x-rays are insufficient.
An OPG is a panoramic or wide view x-ray of the lower face that shows all of the upper and lower jaw teeth on a single film. It shows the number, location, and development of all teeth, even those that have yet to emerge or erupt. It differs from the tiny, close-up x-rays taken by dentists of individual teeth. An OPG may also reveal problems with the jawbone and the joint which connects the jawbone to the head, called the Temporomandibular joint or TMJ. An OPG may be requested for the planning of orthodontic treatment.
For more details contact our Dental Department→ Click to know more
Ultrasound
Diagnostic ultrasonography, also known as sonography or USG, is a type of imaging that employs sound waves to create pictures of structures within your body. The photos can give useful information for diagnosing and treating a wide range of illnesses and ailments.
The majority of ultrasound tests are performed using an ultrasound device outside your body, while some need the placement of a tiny device within your body.
Types of USG can be classified in 4 broad types:
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- USG Trans Vaginal Ultrasound
- Liver Elastography
- Trans Rectal Ultrasound
Ultrasound is used for a variety of purposes, including:
- During pregnancy – examine the uterus and ovaries and keep track of the developing fetus’s health.
- Determine the presence of gallbladder disease.
- Examine blood flow,
- Use a needle to guide a biopsy or tumor therapy.
- Look for a breast lump.
- Examine the thyroid gland,
- Locate genital and prostate issues.
- Examine joint inflammation (synovitis).
- Analyze metabolic bone disease.
At NDC we have Philips Affiniti 70 a state of the art technology to provide the best possible care for our patients every day.
For more details contact our Ultra Sonography Department → Click to know more
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) produces detailed pictures from any part of the body by utilising the body’s own magnetic properties. Because of its abundance in water and fat, the hydrogen nucleus (a single proton) is employed for imaging.
The axes of the protons all line up when the body is put in a high magnetic field, such as an MRI scanner. This consistent alignment produces a magnetic vector that is aligned along the MRI scanner’s axis.
The following are some applications for an MRI scanner:
- Brain and spinal cord abnormalities
- Tumours, cysts, and other anomalies in various sections of the body
- Breast cancer screening for women at high risk of breast cancer
- Joint injuries or abnormalities, such as the back and knee
- Certain types of heart problems
- Diseases of the liver and other abdominal organs
- Evaluation of pelvic pain in women, with causes such as fibroids and endometriosis
- Suspected uterine anomalies in women undergoing infertility evaluation.
- This is by no means a complete list. The breadth and use of MRI technology is constantly growing.
Our most recent MRI equipment, GE’s new HDxt-Signa Works Edition, is powered by Air Recon DL, an AI-based image reconstruction algorithm that provides the patient with more comfort throughout the exam while also shortening scan time and generating superior pictures for better treatment decisions.
The field strength of our MRI scanner is 1.5 tesla.
For more details contact our MRI Department → Click to know more
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is a medical speciality that assesses body functioning and diagnoses and treats disease using radioactive tracers (radiopharmaceuticals). Doctors may follow the passage of these radioactive tracers using specially developed cameras. NDC offers PET CT, SPECT, and low-dose therapy – the three distinct areas of the Nuclear Medicine department.
PET CT – Step into the world of advanced medical diagnostic imaging with a Positron Emission Tomography, more commonly known as a PET scan. This cutting-edge technology generates detailed images of your body, honing in on the minute particles called positrons. These positrons originate from a safe, radioactive substance given to you before the examination.
The process usually takes about two hours. To enhance the clarity of the images, we often use a technique where a contrast agent is injected into a vein. This helps us to get a more precise look at what’s happening inside your body. If our expert radiologist thinks it’s beneficial, we’ll set up a small intravenous (IV) line in your arm. Through this line, both the contrast agent and the isotope are administered. Rest assured, the contrast agent will naturally leave your body through your kidneys.
To prepare for the scan, we recommend that you hydrate well by drinking around five glasses of water prior to the procedure. You can continue with your regular medication unless advised otherwise. If you’re managing diabetes, make sure to take your diabetes medication at least four hours before the scan.
At NDC, we pride ourselves on utilizing the state-of-the-art Siemens Biograph mCT x for our PET scans. This ensures that we provide you with the most accurate and detailed results possible. Trust us to help you take a closer look at your health!
SPECT CT Gamma Camera – Single-photon emission computed tomography, often referred to as SPECT (or less commonly, SPET), is a cutting-edge imaging technique in the field of nuclear medicine. It uses gamma rays, much like the regular nuclear medicine imaging you might be familiar with. The main difference, however, is that SPECT can give us a true 3D image, bringing medical imaging to life.
Think of it as looking at a series of photographs that, when put together, create a comprehensive 3D image. These images are typically shown as slices that go through the patient, but the great thing about SPECT is that these images can be adjusted or reshaped as needed.
SPECT is a brilliant addition to any gamma imaging study. It comes in handy when a 3D image can provide a clearer understanding, such as in cases of tumor imaging, infection imaging, thyroid imaging, or bone scintigraphy.
Why is this so important? Well, because SPECT allows for precise location tracking in a 3D space, it can give us detailed insights about how certain internal organs are functioning. For example, it can provide valuable information about the functioning of the heart or brain.
In simpler terms, SPECT is like having a GPS for the human body. It not only shows us where things are, but also gives us real-time updates on how they are performing. It’s a fantastic tool in the world of nuclear medicine.
At North City Diagnostic Centre we use Seimens Symbia T with gamma camera for SPECT scans.
Some of the tests done at NDC by our Department of Nuclear Medicine include, PET CT, SPECT CT, Cardiac Viability Test, Myocardial Perfusion, Neuro PET, Iodine Scan, Iodine Therapy, Post Therapy Iodine, Thyroid Scan, Parathyroid Scan, Esophageal Scan, Lung Perfusion / Vent Scan, Liver / Spleen Scan, Gastric Emptying Scan, G I Bleed Scan, Renal Scan, Hepatobiliary Scan, MIBG, MUGA Scan, V U Reflux Scan, DAT Scan Brain, Renogram, Venogram, Scintigraphy, Bone Scan and few others.
For more details contact our Department of Nuclear Medicine → Click to know more
At North City Diagnostic Center we offer personalized testing schedule that aligns with your medical history and risk factors. Consistent monitoring can be invaluable for early detection and effective management of arthritis. It’s not just about how often you test but making sure that the tests are aligned with your overall health profile for maximum benefit.
References
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007451.htm
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4995-ultrasound
https://www.nibib.nih.gov/science-education/science-topics/ultrasound
https://www.healthline.com/health/ultrasound
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri
https://radiology.ucsf.edu/patient-care/prepare/pet-ct
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-photon_emission_computed_tomography
Hashtags
#MedicalImaging #DiagnosticImaging #XRay #Ultrasound #MRI #NuclearMedicine #Healthcare #Radiology #MedicalTechnology #NorthCityDiagnostic #NDC #HealthFirst #DiagnosticNearMe #HealthcareIndia #JointHealth #ChronicConditions #HealthFirst #DiagnosticServices
