INTRODUCTION

The Clinical Imaging Services at the Hayatabad Medical Complex offer a wide range of diagnostic services such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),  computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy, ultrasound and  x-rays,. Our facilities are modern, furnished with the latest technology and equipment.

The Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority (PNRA) certifies our Clinical Imaging Services.  The PNRA operates under the regulatory requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and conducts regular audits and inspections for quality assurance and radiation safety.

Our highly trained and experienced team of consultant radiologists, clinical imaging technicians ensure that the images are properly taken and interpreted to give you fast and accurate results. Some of our services are offered around the clock not just for our admitted patients (inpatients) but also for patients visiting OPD (outpatients) as well as those patients referred from physicians from other hospitals.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves from a probe (transducer) to look at organs and structures inside the body. Jelly is spread over the skin area of the body being examined. The transducer detects the reflected sound waves to generate detailed images that are captured in real time displayed on a computer monitor.

Abdominal

The abdominal ultrasound helps in producing images of the organs in the abdomen, including, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas and kidneys. The ultrasound also helps in examining the blood vessels that lead to and from these organs. 

Preparations for the test:

• You will need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before you arrive for the test. Please ask your doctor about drinking water during your fasting period.
• You may be asked to eat a fat-free meal before beginning your fasting period.
• Please bring your test referral form (letter from the doctor) when you come for the exam

Pelvic or Transvaginal Ultrasound

A pelvic or transvaginal ultrasound helps doctors in the examination of the female organs in the pelvis including the cervix, vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries.

Preparations for the test:

• Please bring your test referral form (letter from the doctor) when you come for the exam.
• Depending on the reason for the ultrasound, you may either be asked to empty your bladder, or drink ample amount of water to make it partially full before the exam.

Obstetric (Pregnancy) Ultrasound

An obstetric ultrasound helps doctors to see how the embryo or foetus is developing in a pregnant woman. It also shows images of the ovaries and uterus. Several obstetric ultrasounds may be advised during the course of the pregnancy.

Preparations for the test:

• Please bring your test referral form (letter from the doctor) when you come for the exam.
• You will be asked to come in with a full bladder. This can be achieved by emptying your bladder two hours before the exam and then drinking 3 glasses (600 ml) of water and not allowing yourself to urinate until after the ultrasound

   X-Ray   

    X-rays (x-radiation) are a type of radiation known as electromagnetic waves. When directed towards the body, the waves are able to produce black and white images of the body based on absorption.  Bones absorb the most radiation and appear white in an x-ray image, while fat and soft tissues absorb less and appear grey. Hollow structures, like the lungs, appear black on an x-ray image because they contain air. 

• People think of x-rays when checking for broken bones although x-rays are also used to detect but not limited to, breast cancer, pneumonia and tuberculosis.?
• Please inform the doctor or technologist if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Mammogram

A mammogram is an x-ray of either one or both the breasts to help in the screening for breast cancer in women.

Preparations for the test:

• Please bring your test referral form (letter from the doctor) when you come for the exam.
• Schedule an appointment for the test for when your breasts are least likely to be tender. If you haven’t reached menopause, this is usually the week after your menstrual cycle. 
• Please remove metal objects, including jewellery, dentures, spectacles and hearing aids before coming for the test. Metallic objects may interfere with producing accurate results. 

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is a type of clinical imaging that involves the passage of x-ray beams through the body to produce real time moving images of the internal parts of the body. The image is transmitted to a monitor so the movement of a body part or of an instrument or contrast agent (“X-ray dye”) through the body can be seen in detail.

Fluoroscopy is used in a wide variety of examinations and procedures to diagnose or treat patients, including but not limited to, a view of the gastrointestinal tract, to direct the movement of a catheter through blood vessels, bile ducts or the urinary system, placement of devices within the body to open up narrowed or blocked blood vessels and to view blood vessels and organs.

Preparations for the test:

• Please bring your test referral form (letter from the doctor) when you come for the exam.
• It is suggested that you schedule to have the test immediately after your period ends to ensure that you are not pregnant. 
• Please do not eat or drink anything after midnight if your test is scheduled for the morning. If it is scheduled for sometime in the afternoon, you can have a slice of dry toast and clear liquid for breakfast.

     CT Scan

• A Computerized Tomography or CT Scan produces a series of x-rays. A computer then arranges these pictures in a series that give detailed, cross-sectional pictures of the body, from different angles.

Preparations for the test:

• You will need to fast for 6 hours before you arrive for the test. Drinking lots of water is allowed and encouraged. 
• You may be allowed to take your medications (if any), unless informed otherwise by your doctor. Diabetic patients will be given special instructions.
• Please remove metal objects, including jewellery, dentures, spectacles and hearing aids before coming for the test. Metallic objects may interfere with producing accurate results.
• Please arrive 30 minutes before your exam to help you prepare for the test.
• Please bring your test referral form (letter from the doctor) when you come for the test.
• Please inform the doctor or technologist if you are pregnant or think you maybe pregnant. 
• Please let us know if you have any allergies or experience any adverse reactions to medications.
• Please inform the doctor or technologist if you have medical or electronic devices in your body.

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging uses a powerful magnetic field and a series of radio wave energy pulses to produce detailed images of the organs and structures within the body. An MRI does use x-rays or radiation. The MRI scan produces cross sectional images of the body called slices. These help in examining the internal parts of the body to assess for any medical conditions or diseases. MRIs are very useful for examining the brain and spinal cord

• You will need to fast for 4 to 6 hours before you arrive for the test. 
• You may be allowed to take your medications (if any), unless informed otherwise by your doctor.
•  Please arrive 30 minutes before your exam to allow sufficient preparation time for the test.
•  Please bring your test referral form (letter from the doctor) when you come for the exam.
• Please remove metal objects, including jewellery, dentures, spectacles and hearing aids before coming for the test. Metallic objects may interfere with producing accurate results.
• If you get anxious in closed spaces (experience claustrophobia), please inform your doctor or technologist. He or she may suggest medications to help you relax.
• Please inform your doctor or technologist if you have any allergies or experience any adverse reactions to medications. Please also let us know if you have any recent health problems or have had any recent surgeries. 
• Please inform the doctor or technologist if you have medical or electronic devices in your body.