Different Imaging Tests Explained

CT Scan

CT scan uses a series of x-rays to create crosssections of the inside of the body, including bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues.
What to Expect: You will lie on a table that slides into the scanner, which looks like a large doughnut. The X-ray tube rotates around you to take images.
Imaging Method: Ionizing Radiation
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Used to Diagnose: 

• Bone fractures
• Tumours and cancers
• Vascular disease
• Heart disease
• Infections
• Used to guide biopsies
• Aneurysms
• Injuries from trauma

 

MRI

MRIs use magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the body.
What to Expect: You lie on a table that slides into the MRI machine, which is deeper and narrower than a CT scanner.
Imaging method: Magnetic Waves
Duration: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Used to Diagnose:

• Brain Disease
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Stroke 
• Spinal cord disorders 
• Tumours 
• Blood vessel issues 
• Joint or tendon injuries

 

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of organs and structures within the body.
What to Expect: A technician applies gel to your skin, then presses a small probe against it, moving it to capture images of the inside of your body.
Imaging Method: Sound Waves
Duration: 15 – 25 min
Used to Diagnose:

• Gallbladder disease 
• Breast lumps
• Genital/prostate issues 
• Joint inflammation
• Blood flow problems 
• Monitoring pregnancy
• Used to guide biopsies

 

PET Scan

PET scans use radioactive drugs (called tracers) and a scanning machine to show how your tissues and organs are functioning.
What to Expect: You swallow or have a radiotracer injected. You then enter a PET scanner (which looks like a CT scanner) which reads the radiation given off by the radiotracer.
Imaging Method: Radiotracers
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Used to Diagnose:

• Cancer 
• Heart disease 
• Coronary artery disease 
• Alzheimer’s Disease 
• Seizures
• Epilepsy 
• Parkinson’s Disease

 

X-Ray

X-rays are quick, painless tests that produce images of the structures inside your body especially bones
What to Expect: you will lie, sit, or stand while the X-ray machine takes images. You may be asked to move into several positions.
Imaging Method: Ionizing Radiation
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Used to Diagnose:

• Bone fractures
• Arthritis 
• Osteoporosis 
• Infections 
• Breast cancer
• Swallowed items 
• Digestive tract problems

Advanced facilities and imaging tests are available at Regency Hospitals in Kanpur and Lucknow.