Radiology
Alliance Radiology, together with Alliance Medical Centre, provides a full suite of diagnostics and radiological services.
X-Ray
General radiography, also known as x-ray, is a diagnostic imaging procedure that can be done on various parts of the body such as the chest, abdomen, pelvis, skull, and limbs. It involves using a small dose of radiation to capture images of internal organs.
Common Uses of General Radiography
- Fracture detection: Bone x-rays are effective in detecting fractures and evaluating the extent of an injury.
- Chest x-ray: Chest x-rays are commonly incorporated into general health screenings to evaluate lung health, detect early lung diseases, assess heart size and blood vessels, identify occupational and environmental lung impacts, and evaluate risks associated with lung-related issues.
- Cancer screening: Mammography, a type of x-ray, is used as a screening tool for breast cancer in women.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, also known as ultrasound scanning or sonography, employs high-frequency sound waves to non-invasively visualise internal body structures. This radiation-free technique offers detailed organ images, aiding early detection, diagnosis, and monitoring. Ultrasounds excel in evaluating abdominal, pelvic, and cardiovascular health, thereby enhancing comprehensive health assessments.
Common Uses
- Abdominal Imaging: Examining organs in the abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, and kidneys.
- Cardiac Imaging: Assessing the structure and function of the heart.
- Breast Imaging: Supplemental tool for characterizing breast lumps and guiding biopsies.
- Prostate Imaging: Evaluating the prostate gland and detecting abnormalities.
Mammogram (For Women)
A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast used by doctors to detect early signs of breast cancer. Regular mammograms are the most reliable method for early detection and allow for intervention before a noticeable lump develops. The procedure uses a low-dose x-ray system to screen for breast cancer in asymptomatic women and diagnose breast diseases in those experiencing symptoms such as lumps or discomfort.
Mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. While mammography is the best screening tool for breast cancer available today, mammograms do not detect all breast cancers but remain a crucial component of early detection efforts.
Bone Density Scan / DEXA Scan
Bone mineral densitometry (BMD), also known as Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), is a simple and low-radiation test that measures the mineral content of the bones. It involves a using a dose of radiation approximately equivalent to a quarter of a chest X-ray.
If you are at high risk for osteoporosis, it is recommended to undergo a BMD scan. Both men and women experience natural bone loss, but women have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis.
Common Uses
BMD is commonly used for diagnosing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by the thinning and weakening of bones due to faster bone tissue loss than replacement. This leads to increased brittleness and susceptibility to fractures.
The following checklist can help assess your risk, with a higher number of checks indicating a greater risk:
- Have undergone menopause or had your ovaries removed (may cause decline in oestrogen levels)
- Over 50 years old
- Have lost height over the years
- Have a small-frame or have lighter, smaller bones
- Currently lactating (breastfeeding)
- Seldom consume milk or milk products (not lack calcium in diet)
- Regularly drink coffee, tea, or alcohol
- Not physically active and seldom exercise
- Smoker
- Have family members with osteoporosis
- Have fair skin
Treadmill Stress Test (TMX)
A treadmill stress test is conducted to evaluate the condition and response of your heart during progressively demanding exercise. It involves walking on a treadmill machine while an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors your heart’s electrical rhythms. The test helps identify abnormalities in blood pressure, heart rate, ECG, or worsening physical symptoms, which may indicate the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD). Your doctor will discuss the interpreted results with you and recommend any necessary follow-up actions if required.
Common Uses
Visual and Hearing Examination
Visual Examinations
Essential eye health screening routinely includes visual acuity testing, colour vision screening, and diagnostic examinations such as Tonometry and Retinal Photography.
Tonometry is a quick and simple automated test that measures the intraocular pressure of the eyes. This non-invasive procedure helps assess the risk of glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Measuring eye pressure enables the identification of potential glaucoma risk factors to determine if specialist follow up is necessary.
Retinal Photography, also known as fundus photography, captures detailed images of the back of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve. This enables the detection of various eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and other retinal abnormalities. Early identification of these conditions through Retinal Photography enables timely treatment, preserving vision and preventing complications.
Hearing Examinations
Audiometry is a diagnostic procedure used to measure an individual’s hearing sensitivity and assess their ability to hear sounds at different frequencies and volumes. This test is conducted using an audiometer, which produces various tones and sounds at controlled levels. The individual wears headphones and responds when they hear the sounds, allowing the healthcare provider to create an audiogram, a graph that illustrates the individual’s hearing thresholds across different frequencies.
Audiometry is commonly used to identify hearing loss and determine its type and severity, aiding in the diagnosis and management of hearing-related conditions.