DIAGNOSTICS

The Wellington Hospital's Diagnostics and Imaging Department is one of the most up to date in the country and the largest of its kind in the UK private sector. We have just completed a Ł6 million investment programme both expanding and renewing many of our facilities.

Before confirming a diagnosis of, for example spinal stenosis, it is important for your doctor to rule out other conditions that may produce similar symptoms, using a combination of techniques, which may include:

X-ray - shows the structure of the vertebrae and the outlines of joints.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - provides a three-dimensional view of our back and can show the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding spaces, as well as signs of degeneration, tumors or infection.
CAT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - depicts the three-dimensional shape and size of your spinal canal and bony structures surrounding it.
Ultrasound – an Ultrasound scanner does not use X-Rays (ionising radiation).The ultrasound probe emits high frequency sound waves that are passed through your body. As they are reflected back by the structures inside, the echoes are used to form an image. Doppler ultrasound is an additional technique that can be used to examine blood vessels to provide both structural and functional information.Ultrasound is a relatively patient friendly way of imaging and no harmful effects have been found.
DSA (Digital Subtracted Angiography) - a type of X-Ray machine used for taking images of blood vessels and also of soft tissue such as the spinal discs. To be able to show these more clearly, a contrast agent (dye) needs to be given.The machine first takes an image which includes the bones and then when the contrast agent is injected, the machine digitally removes the bones from the images, so that the blood vessels or organ can be seen very clearly.

For full information on the services carried out by the Imaging Department, please visit: www.thewellingtonimagingunit.com