The Radiology Department strives to meet all patient and clinician needs in diagnostic imaging. The service provides patient friendly, state-of-the-art imaging equipment ranging from traditional x-ray machines to specialized modalities including: CT, MRI, PET and Ultrasound. In addition, the department uses the latest filmless Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) to provide our patients and physicians with high quality medical images and timely results. Imaging services are provided by a staff of highly trained radiologists and technologists.

· X-Ray
· CT
· MRI
· PET
· Ultrasound
· PET/CT
· X-Ray

The x-ray, or plain radiography, is a diagnostic test that uses x-ray radiation, a form of energy, to produce images of the body. X-rays are commonly used in evaluation of the chest, the musculoskeletal system, and gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.

Many precautions are taken so that x-rays will not harm you. X-ray systems are designed to focus the x-rays precisely on a specific part of the body and to prevent excess x-rays from being released.

An x-ray image is produced when a small amount of radiation passes through a body part and is recorded to produce a black-and-white anatomical image. Areas that are difficult for x-rays to penetrate, such as bone, appear white on the x-ray film. Areas that the x-rays penetrate easily, such as the lungs or other areas filled with air, appear black. Soft tissue, vessels and organs appear as various shades of grey on an x-ray image, depending upon their composition and density.

The CT scan, or Computed Tomography scan, is an advanced diagnostic test that uses X-rays, a special scanner and a computer to produce detailed images of a specific area of your body. These images, when studied in sequence, can give your physician a 3D view of your body, and as a result, a more accurate diagnosis.

The scanner is made up of a ring containing an X-ray tube and receptors. The region of interest is placed within the ring and the X-ray tube rotates around it. With each rotation, the tube emits X-rays. The receptors measure the amount of X-rays absorbed during each rotation of the ring. The computer then transforms these measurements into a visual image. This image, or slice, is viewed on a video screen during the exam and later converted to digital or print media for the radiologist or your doctor to study.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most technologically advanced diagnostic tools available. MRI uses a powerful magnet, low intensity radio frequency pulses and computer technology to create detailed images of the soft tissues, muscles, nerves and bones in your body. In many instances, it replaces the need for X-rays, hospitalization and exploratory surgery. There are no known side effects of MRI and it uses no radiation

The main component of the MRI scanner is a magnet. This magnet causes your body’s hydrogen atoms to align themselves in such a way as to receive radio signals from the magnetic resonance system. When your body receives these signals, it reacts by sending its own radio signals back to the machine. It is this radio frequency transmitted by your body that is computer-processed and turned into highly detailed images.

Positron Emission Tomography, or PET scan, is the latest and most advanced diagnostic technology. It is used primarily to detect cancer and Alzheimer's disease, to localize the origin of epileptic seizures, and to locate functional heart tissue prior to cardiac surgery. This service is now available in an outpatient setting. PET evaluates disease processes - not just anatomy. The procedure shows uptake of a tracer into living tissue and differentiates normal areas from those affected by disease.

Neurology (brain) - helps to localize the area causing epileptic seizures, as well as find the best surgical site, and assists in diagnosis of complex dementia disorders, including Alzheimer's disease.

Cancer detection - provides information about the following:

· Whether a tumour is malignant or benign
· Extent of the cancer
· Tumour recurrence
· Evaluation for surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
· Alzheimer's disease - can detect whether the patient is developing an ailment that causes memory loss and/or mental deterioration.

Cardiac disease - determines potential for heart muscle recovery following coronary artery surgery; can also evaluate the amount of viable heart tissue prior to considering a heart transplant.

PET can also diagnose the following conditions:

· Solitary pulmonary nodules
· Non-small-cell lung cancer
· Malignant melanoma
· Colon cancer
· Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
· Head and neck tumours
· Other specific uses in oncology, cardiology, and neurology

Early indication of the extent of the disease A significant advance in detection of lung cancer - far more accurate than CT studies alone

· Helps differentiate between post-radiation scarring and recurring disease
· Improved monitoring of cancer recurrences
· Effective evaluation of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
· Safe, noninvasive and painless procedure
· Interpreted by radiologists at each center
· Complements CT and MRI studies
· Medicare-approved for a number of diagnoses

Ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves beyond human hearing capability to produce high-quality images of soft tissues and motion within the body. Ultrasound involves no X-rays and can provide medical information that might have required surgery in the past .

Ultrasound can detect aneurysms, blood clots, damaged heart tissue, abnormal growths, diseased tissue and, during pregnancy, a baby's size, weight, position and physical condition. Ultrasound is also used to diagnose and treat muscle injuries and some joint problems.

The ultrasound procedure is simple and painless. A hand-held transducer emitting silent, high frequency sound waves is placed against the body and slowly passed over the area being examined. The sound waves pass through the skin and into the body. The returning sound waves or echoes are separated and identified by the transducer, then changed into electrical energy. Sophisticated equipment produces images on a video monitor and then on paper or film.