RADIOLOGY – SMC

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MRI Scans

Southern Medical Clinic offers MRI scanning as part of its range of diagnostic services. With one of the most modern MRI scanners in the in the Caribbean (Siemens wide bore) we are able to obtain superb quality images to assist in diagnosis and enable your doctor to commence the most appropriate treatment. Our scanner is ‘open’, which avoids the claustrophobic sensation as in most conventional units. The experience of having an MRI scan is sometimes viewed as a daunting prospect by patients, but our highly-experienced staff are experts at making the experience as easy as possible for you. If this will be your first experience of MRI, you probably have many questions about the procedure. We have attempted to answer some of them here, but we cannot be comprehensive.

What is an MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a method of obtaining pictures of the human body, using a strong magnet and a radio transmitter. It avoids the risk from radiation associated with x-rays, which are traditionally used for looking at the bony parts of the body. MRI allows the non-bony parts to be seen with astonishing clarity, from any angle. The uses of MRI are gradually increasing, and it is routinely used to visualise the brain, spinal cord, joints and some blood vessels.

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CT Scans

Our CT Scan department offers state-of-the-art technology with a spiral scanner for scheduled appointments, and emergency patients. Unlike the MRI, the CT Scanner uses very low doses of radiation, so our machines are regularly calibrated to manufacturer’s specifications, in order to ensure your safety. The scan itself takes a couple of minutes, but we may do several runs to ensure that the appropriate area is well seen to make a diagnosis, or interpret the necessary information.

What is a CT Scan?
Computed Tomography Scan (CT scan) is an imaging technology, which uses x-ray beams (radiation) and computers to form detailed, cross-sectional (sliced) images of an area of anatomy.CT scans are frequently used to evaluate abnormalities anywhere in the body from blood vessel blockages to damage caused by trauma such as head injuries.They are also used to locate infections or tumours and cancers. It serves as a valuable tool for use in minimally invasive interventional radiology procedures.X-ray beams pass through the body parts depending on the density of the structure being scanned. This process is recorded by computers and translated into images in varying shades of gray, which are displayed on monitors and produced on sheets of film, which the radiologist reviews.

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Ultrasound Scans

General diagnostic ultrasound, is used by all radiologists to obtain diagnostic and function information related to organs in your body.
The Ultrasound Department performs a variety of routine and specialized sonographic (use of high-frequency sound waves) procedures.
In addition to the full range of standard procedures, the department offers exams such as image-guided biopsy procedures, endovaginal examinations.
No ionizing radiation (or x-ray beams) is employed. Therefore, the technology is safe and is frequently used in pregnancy and children. (taken out from “Here are some areas where Ultrasound is used:”)

What is an Ultrasound?
In an ultrasound procedure, high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) are transmitted to tissues or organs and make echoes. The echo patterns – interpreted by a computer – create a visual image (sonogram) of the tissues and organs under examination. Most ultrasound images are obtained by gently pressing and rolling a handheld transducer (probe) over areas of the body with a warm gel utilised to improve sound wave propagation.

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Digital Mammography

American Cancer Society guidelines recommend that all women age 40 and over have annual mammograms. A woman at high risk of breast cancer because her mother or sister was diagnosed with the disease should have her first mammogram at age 40 or 10 years before the age at which the relative was diagnosed, whichever comes first.
At Southern Medical our trained technicians and doctors have performed and successfully interpreted thousands of mammograms for our patients.

The first mammogram done is called a baseline mammogram. This baseline becomes the standard for which all future mammograms are compared and the physician can tell if there have been any changes in the breast tissue.

Sometimes, additional images for more precise pictures of the breast tissue are required. Although unsettling, this is not unusual and provides the images needed for more accurate results.

What is Digital Mamography?

A mammogram is an X-ray of breast tissue. Mammography is a screening tool that searches for cancer when there are no symptoms of a health problem.

A mammogram detects lumps, changes in breast tissue or calcifications when they’re too small to be found in a physical exam. Usually two images, from different angles are taken of each breast.

The procedure uses the X-ray images to find abnormalities within the breast tissue. Our specially trained radiology technologist performs the mammogram by positioning the breast tissue in the screening equipment and a radiologist, a medical doctor trained in radiology, reads the mammogram.

Compressing or flattening the breast obtains a clearer picture of the tissue while using the lowest dose of radiation possible. The compression can be uncomfortable but will only last for a few seconds while the X-ray is taken. Some women may feel sore after a mammogram.

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X-Rays and Fluoroscopy

Diagnostic Imaging includes evaluation of the chest, spine, skull, extremities, hips, pelvis and abdomen using X-rays. General diagnostic radiology is often used to evaluate suspected fracture or other indications of injury of any of the bones in the body. Our in-house imaging department allows us to do diagnostic tests, without having to outsource to labs and radiologists. So that means less running around for our patients and quicker diagnosis for your peace-of-mind.

What is an X-ray?
An X-ray is a painless test that uses radiation beams to see inside your body. For the most part, radiation exposure from X-rays is low and is more beneficial in what it allows doctors to detect and diagnose without invasive surgery.

What is Fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images of the interior of an object, much like an X-ray movie. A contrast agent or x-ray dye is used through the body part to capture the detail.

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