Diagnostic imaging

Diagnostic imaging, or radiology, is the term used for a variety of routine and specialised procedures.

The Radiology Department uses state of the art technology to provide the following services:

Plain X-rays (including Dental X-rays)

An X-Ray examination involves positioning the area of your body that is going to be examined between a tube that produces X-Rays and a plate which captures the image (like taking a non-digital photo). On occasion a contrast (or dye) injection may be given – for example when examining the kidneys.

Ultrasound Scanning

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves, which are emitted by an ultrasound probe and travel harmlessly through the body. The sound bounces off various layers of tissue producing images. Ultrasound is routinely used for women during pregnancy.

CT Scan (Computerised Tomography)

CT scan is another x-ray technique, where a machine – in the shape of a large doughnut - takes a series of pictures of the body, allowing review of the images in two or three dimensional form. A contrast injection is commonly used for CT scans.

MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

This test is similar to a CT scan but uses magnetism and radio waves (instead of x-rays) to build up a series of cross sectional images. The hospital has both the large tunnel scanner and a more open scanner. A contrast injection is occasionally used.

Interventional Radiology

This includes any procedure that is invasive, involving the insertion of a needle, catheter (tube), or wire into the patient for diagnosis and /or treatment. Procedures include angioplasty (insertion of a balloon into an artery to widen it and improve circulation), stenting (insertion of a tube to keep an artery, vein or other structure open) and biopsies (tissue sampling) of the lung, breast, liver, bone etc.

Fluoroscopy

Short periods of constant x-rays produce pictures in real time. This allows the operator to view a changing image continuously. Procedures include barium enema and barium swallow where barium mixture is administered to outline the bowel, throat or stomach.

Mammography

The technique of using x-rays of the breast to detect irregularities or early signs of cancer.

DEXA Scanning (Bone Densitometry)

Bone densitometry scanning measures the density of bones and is used to check for signs of osteoporosis, a condition where the bones become weak and prone to fracture.

Examinations are requested by your GP, specialist or hospital doctor and will take place in Croydon University Hospital. Services will return to Purley Hospital when refurbishment is complete in the summer of 2013.

PACS (Picture Archive Communication System) allows doctors to instantly access radiology images 24 hours a day via computers across the hospital group. Pictures can be sent to specialist centres for joint discussion with experts. This can lead to
improved diagnosis and better care.

The Radiology Department has particular expertise in many fields and supports cancer services, pelvic floor clinic, paediatric and orthopaedic specialties as well as general medical and surgical departments.