We have a range of imaging and diagnostics available at Mount Alvernia Hospital, including MRI, 3D mammograms (tomosynthesis) and PET-CT scanning.
Get in touch to find out more and our friendly team will be happy to book you in for scan.
The Imaging department is open Monday - Friday from 8.30am - 7.00pm.
The department has a general x-ray unit capable of performing a comprehensive range of x-ray examinations including more specialised orthopaedic x-rays. In addition we also have a dedicated dental unit for panoramic views of the teeth and jaw.
MRI has become an invaluable tool in the detection and monitoring of many diseases. MRI uses a combination of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce exquisitely detailed images of any part of the body.
Our MRI scanner is capable of viewing all parts of the body. It produces high quality scans in about 20 minutes, depending on the area being viewed. For your comfort, both ends of the scanner are open and you can choose from a wide selection of music to listen to whilst you're been scanned.
The 128-slice CT scanner provides patients with a faster and more comfortable overall experience. Patients do not have to hold their breath for long periods, routinely less than 20 seconds. This is particularly beneficial for scanning the elderly, or those with lung disorders.
Radiation amounts are low, thanks to automatic controls, but the scanner will still produce high quality images, which make it easier for your consultant to detect lesions and secure an overall view.
The CT scanner can be used during cancer treatment as the detailed images enable close monitoring of tumour sizes, providing an early view of how a patient is responding to therapy.
Additional applications such as virtual angiography, virtual endoscopy and virtual colonoscopy can also be performed. This means that rather than having a camera inserted in the mouth for assessing the throat, or rectum for assessing the colon, or a catheter inserted for examination of the heart, patients can have a less invasive experience.
Ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that uses high frequency inaudible sound technology (not radiation) to produce an image. It works by travelling freely through fluid and soft tissues and bouncing back when it hits a solid surface. At Mount Alvernia, there are two ultrasound machines that provide excellent resolution with ‘Doppler’ capability.
Our comprehensive breast imaging service encompasses:
- Digital mammography including 3D breast imaging (tomosynthesis)
- Ultrasound
- Fine needle aspirations / biopsies / localisations
- MRI breast scan.
Dedicated breast radiologists perform all examinations together with experienced radiographers, working closely with our breast consultants and breast nurses. For patients with breast problems we can provide a one-stop service, where imaging is followed by a consultation with one of our breast radiologists.
Our specialised digital mammography machine offers improved visibility of the breast tissue allowing, closer accuracy of diagnosis and lower x-ray dosage compared to traditional scanning methods. Patients are made to feel at ease through complimentary mood lighting.
Tomosynthesis (3D breast imaging)
Tomosynthesis is an advanced form of mammography which produces three-dimensional (3D) images using a low-dose x-ray system. It enables your radiologist and consultant to detect soft tissue breast abnormalities and small breast cancers with greater accuracy.
Tomosynthesis is performed by moving an X-ray tube in an arc around the breast, making a series of low-dose exposures from different angles, in a few seconds. Those images are combined in a computer to produce clear, detailed, 3D images of the breast tissue. Radiologists can more easily see through the overlying normal breast tissue to spot small abnormalities on a 3D mammogram.
The main difference between tomosynthesis and digital mammography is how the images that are produced. During a 2D digital mammogram, two pictures are taken of each breast: one from the side and one from above.
Studies have found that 3D mammograms find more cancers than traditional 2D mammograms and that they also reduce the number of false positives.
We provide gold standard DEXA osteoporosis screening for accurate detection of low bone density. Our radiologists will analyse your results and provide a full report.
The hospital is happy to accept self referrals as well as GP referrals for these scans.
Nuclear medicine enables doctors to check how efficiently different parts of your body are working. A small amount of a radioactive substance (tracer) is given, usually by injection into a vein. The tracer gives off gamma rays, so the doctors can measure the distribution of that tracer in your body. This measurement is usually done using a gamma camera, although occasionally blood samples may be needed.
PET-CT Scanning
Combining a CT scan and a PET scan, the PET-CT gives detailed information about a patient's cancer. The CT scan takes a series of x-rays from all around the body and assembles them as a 3-dimensional (3D) picture. The PET scan uses a mildly radioactive drug to show up areas of your body where cells are more active than normal.
Sentinel Node Scanning
This Imaging service is carried out using the latest gamma camera technology and highly qualified staff who are on hand to talk patients through their scan. Scans are performed in pleasant surroundings and patients are made to feel welcome and comfortable throughout their visit to the hospital, which will usually be one day prior to surgery.
Kidney Scanning (glomerular filtration rate or GFR)
A GFR test uses a chemical to carry a radioactive tracer to your kidneys. By measuring the amount of radioactive tracer in a number of blood samples, doctors can assess how efficiently your kidneys are filtering your blood.
Parathyroid Service
The Nuclear Medicine department is also able to offer imaging for the detection of parathyroid adenomas in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid glands control the amount of calcium in our blood and bones. About 1 in 1000 people develop a tumour on a parathyroid gland causing parathyroid disease. This can result in a calcium imbalance that could lead onto more serious health problems such as osteoporosis.
