The Radiology Department (X-ray Department) offers diagnostic services using X-rays and high-frequency sound waves. These technologies provide detailed imaging of internal organs to assist physicians in diagnosing various conditions such as fractures, lung infections, tuberculosis, urinary tract stones, intestinal obstructions, brain hemorrhages, strokes, breast lumps, fetal development, and more.
Services Provided:
1. General X-ray
A simple and quick examination requiring no prior preparation. X-rays pass through the body to a receptor behind the area being scanned, which converts the signals into images.
Common uses:
- Bones: To detect fractures, deformities, or degenerative conditions.
- Chest: To identify lung and heart conditions like pneumonia, tuberculosis, or an enlarged heart.
- Abdomen: To diagnose digestive or urinary system abnormalities, or detect foreign objects.
Precautions:
- X-rays should only be used when necessary to minimize long-term radiation exposure.
- Pregnant individuals, especially in the first trimester, should avoid X-rays unless absolutely required and must inform the radiology staff beforehand.
2. Dental X-ray
Provided within the dental department, this uses specialized dental X-ray machines to detect abnormalities such as tooth decay or impacted teeth.
3. Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
Uses a rotating X-ray source and detectors to generate cross-sectional images of internal organs, which can be reconstructed into 3D images.
Purposes:
- Diagnose conditions like internal bleeding, blood clots, bone fractures, strokes, or tumors.
- Monitor progress during and after treatment (e.g., tumor size post-therapy).
- Aid in planning medical procedures by providing detailed images.
Advantages:
- Provides detailed cross-sectional and 3D images.
- Fast and suitable for uncooperative patients or those in critical condition.
- Ideal for moving organs like those in the chest or abdomen.
- Effective in emergency situations like acute brain hemorrhage or trauma.
Limitations:
- Not recommended for pregnant patients unless it’s an emergency.
- For young children, sedation may be needed to keep them still.
- Should not be used for general screening due to radiation exposure risks.
- Contrast agents may require kidney function tests (BUN, Cr, eGFR) and medical history review.
4. Mammogram
A low-dose X-ray used specifically for breast imaging to detect abnormalities such as microcalcifications or early-stage breast cancer, often before a lump can be felt.
Purposes:
- Detect early-stage breast cancer.
- Evaluate and locate palpable breast lumps.
Recommended for:
- Women aged 35 and older.
- Those with a direct family history (maternal side) of breast cancer — screening can begin at age 30.
- When recommended by a physician.
Limitations:
- Not suitable for pregnant patients (must notify staff).
- Not available for bedridden or immobile patients.
5. Specialized X-ray
Uses standard X-ray or fluoroscopy with contrast agents to enhance imaging. Currently, the department offers Intravenous Pyelography (IVP) to assess urinary system function.
6. Ultrasonography (Ultrasound)
Uses high-frequency sound waves (1–20 MHz) to create real-time images of internal tissues and organs. The sound waves reflect differently depending on the tissue type, allowing the machine to generate detailed images.
Purposes:
- Detect abnormalities such as kidney stones, gallstones, liver tumors, vascular obstructions, muscle/tendon issues, or infant brain conditions.
- Evaluate heart function, valves, and early development in infants.
- Confirm findings from other imaging studies.
- Monitor changes in known abnormalities.
- Guide procedures like biopsies for greater accuracy.
- Monitor fetal development (gender, size, abnormalities).
Advantages:
- Safe — no radiation or magnetic fields; suitable for pregnant women and infants.
- Portable — can be used bedside without the need for special shielding rooms.
- Non-invasive and painless; no injections or surgery involved.
- Versatile — can be used to examine nearly any tissue or organ.
- Cost-effective — significantly more affordable than CT or MRI.
Limitations:
- Cannot image air-filled organs like the lungs or stomach effectively.
- Not suitable for imaging through or behind bone.
