The Department of Diagnostic Imaging provides a comprehensive range of radiography services:
PET/CT is an incredible innovation in diagnostic imaging that allows clinicians to see if there is cancer present within the body and is an invaluable resource for patients. In the fight against cancer, heart disease and other illnesses, the best defence is knowledge and the benefits of early detection of diseases can save lives. Although it is not a form of treatment, the scan results can make a significant contribution to cancer diagnosis or may also be used to modify or influence the type of treatment in order to optimize any therapeutic effect.
Clinical Applications
- Cancer
- Inflammation
- Other malignancies
- Other diseases
Angiography is an imaging technique used to visualise the inside, or lumen, of blood vessels and organs of the body, with particular interest in the arteries and veins and the heart chambers to detect blockage or narrowing of the vessels.
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Bone Mass Densitometry is an enhanced form of x-ray technology used to measure bone loss.
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Breast Imaging has been established as the primary means of early detection and diagnosis for breast diseases. Our department has a Breast Imaging Centre especially dedicated for breast imaging services.Services at the Breast Imaging Centre include:
- Assessment centre for Breast Screen Singapore (BSS)
- Screening and diagnostic mammography
- Ultrasound breast
- Ultrasound axilla
- Ultrasound-guided breast biopsy
- Mammogram-guided breast biopsy
- Image-guided fine needle aspiration
- Image-guided hookwire localisation
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Cardiac Imaging refers to multi-modality imaging of the heart. Pertaining to specific diagnosis and treatment, various modalities in radiological imaging are utilised to image the heart. This involves modalities such as Computed Tomography (CT), Nuclear Cardiology, Cardiac Angiography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
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Computed Tomography (CT) is an advanced X-ray technique that uses computer technology together with X-rays to provide high-resolution 3D images on the internal organs of the body. With these high-resolution 3D images, radiologist and clinician are able to make quick diagnosis or surgical planning more precisely.
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Fluoroscopy refers to use of x-rays in order to capture cine or real-time images of an organ while it is functioning. This is done using a special x-ray machine which consists of an exploratory x-ray unit and a corresponding image intensifying plate. It can be used for many different procedures and to image many different parts of the body. However, there are some common procedures associated with fluoroscopy, and it is considered particularly useful in gastro-intestinal imaging.
Some common fluoroscopic procedures include:
- Barium meal and follow-through
- Barium enema
- Micturating cystogram (MCU)
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
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Interventional Radiology is a subspecialty of radiology in which minimally invasive procedures are performed using image guidance. Some of these procedures are done for purely diagnostic purposes (e.g., Angiogram), while others are done for treatment purposes (e.g., Angioplasty). Pictures (images) are used to direct these procedures, which are usually done with needles or other tiny instruments like small tubes called catheters. The images provide road maps that allow the Interventional Radiologist to guide these instruments through the body to the areas of interest.
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Intravenous Urography, also commonly known as IVU or IVP, is an x-ray examination of the urinary system where a contrast media (x-ray dye) is used. It can help diagnose obstructions or abnormalities in your kidneys, ureters and bladder.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical diagnostic technique which uses strong magnetic field and radio waves instead of X-rays. This technique provides clear and detailed images of internal organs and tissues.
Some common MRI scans include:
- MRI Brain/Head/Neck
- MRI Spine/ Musculoskeletal
- MRI Vascular
- MRI Body
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Nuclear Medicine is a specialty of medicine in medical imaging that uses radioactive isotopes (radionuclides) and relies on the process of radioactive decay in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
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Nuclear Cardiology is a form of non-invasive imaging technique that makes use of radioactive isotope to assess blood flow pattern to the heart and give an indication of the strength of heart pumping ability.
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Plain X-ray can be used to reveal the internal structure of the body. It is used in different amounts and strengths depending on what body part is being imaged.
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Ultrasound involves the use of high frequency sound waves to obtain images of internal organs.
Some common ultrasound scans include:
- General Ultrasound
- Vascular Ultrasound
- Transplant Related Study
- Paediatric Ultrasound Study
- Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Study
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Vascular Imaging is the study of the blood vessels.
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