Diagnostic Imaging
The Most Advanced Technology Under One Roof
Our center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer of different complexities and stages, and to rehabilitate recovered patients. Advanced detection tools are used to diagnose and stage cancer, track treatment responses, and monitor tumours with accuracy and precision
Positron Emission Tomography and Computerized Tomography
scan (PET/CT scan)
Positron Emission Tomography and Computerized Tomography scan (PET/CT scan) is nowadays the most advanced diagnostic equipment for examining the human body for tumors. It combines the examination of both the cell function and structure of the body. With that any growing tumors can be accurately located which would facilitate early detection and treatment of cancer.
GE Discovery PET / CT Scan
The applications include:
- Finding the source of cancer
- Diagnosing the metastasis of cancer before planning a treatment
- Evaluating the progress and effectiveness of the treatment
- Checking regularly if there are any symptoms of cancer relapse
What is Positron Emission Tomography
(PET scan)?
Positron emission tomography (PET scan) is an advanced isotope imaging technique which is able to display the metabolic state of the cell. The PET scan is currently one of the most effective examination methods of tumor assessment. It can trace and locate the pathological changes of cancer cells in the early stages in order to facilitate extraction of cancer cells for examination. The results of medical treatment could also be detected. The computerized tomography (CT) provides images of the inner organs and the tumor structure.
The model adopted by our hospital is the most advanced among the same type of equipments currently. The scan length is up to 2 meters which is the longest among all others of the same type. The long scan length allows the conduction of a full body scan with high speed and efficiency. A full body scan takes only about 15-20 minutes. Another feature of the scan is its high sensitivity. It combines multi-dimensional image acquisition and processing functions. The location of cancer cells can thus be accurately diagnosed.
What is Computed tomography (CT scan)?
Computed tomography (CT scan) is a precise instrument that calculates the X-ray absorption rate of human tissues and produces detailed images of our internal tissues or organs. Based on the CT images, experts can determine whether the tissues or organs are structurally normal.
Our CT Scanner : The New SOMATOM Definition Flash
Our newly installed CT scanner, Siemens SOMATOM Definition Flash 256-slices CT Scanner, is one of the latest scanning technologies available today. The scanner has a dual-source and dual-energy design featuring two X-ray tubes that simultaneously revolve around the patient’s body. The design enables better tissue differentiation and a reduction of the number of scans.
The Benefits for patients:
- Lower radiation : a significantly improved scanning efficiency that only imparts a fraction of the radiation dosage of a traditional CT scanner.
- More efficiency : captures a complete three dimensional (3D) scan of the heart in just one heartbeat and a full body scan in five seconds, easing the process for patients who have difficulty in holding their breath.
- Better performance : the dual-energy design allows much better performance in functional and CT spectroscopy scans.
Clinical applications of CT Scans include:
A Coronary CT is a screening exam that is non-invasive, painless, and helps detect your risk of having any heart diseases.
Plaque is a buildup of fat and other substances, including calcium, in the coronary arteries which in time can narrow the arteries that blocks blood flow to the heart. The result may be angina or a heart attack. With our Coronary CT scanner, accurate information about the location and extent of calcified plaques in the coronary arteries can be obtained within a short period of time.
Calcium is a marker of coronary artery disease. The findings on a Coronary CT Scan, expressed as a calcium score, may provide important data for calculating the degree of calcium blockage in arteries. A suitable treatment for the patient can then be decided according to this information.
If you have two or more of the following risk factors for a coronary heart disease, you would need to consider to take a Coronary CT Scan Test:
- Women who are 55 or older or postmenopausal
- Men who are 45 or older
- Family history of heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure or hypertension
- Diabetes
- History of tobacco use
- Sedentary lifestyle
Virtual Colonoscopy is a recently developed technique that uses a CT scanner and computer virtual reality software to look inside the body without having to insert a long tube (Conventional Colonoscopy) into the colon or without having to fill the colon with liquid barium (Barium Enema).
Virtual Colonoscopy is a recently developed technique that uses a CT scanner and computer virtual reality software to look inside the body without having to insert a long tube (Conventional Colonoscopy) into the colon or without having to fill the colon with liquid barium (Barium Enema).
For investigation of suspected Arterial Vessel disease without the risk of puncturing the blood vessels.
- High Resolution CT for lung diseases.
- Abdominal and Pelvic scans.
- Brain scans.
- Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT) : Osteoporosis screening and monitoring osteoporosis treatment.
- Dental Surgery Support V 3-D images of mandible and maxilla for dental implants and surgery.
Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI)
Hong Kong Adventist Hospital – Stubbs Road is pleased to announce that its MRI scanner has been successfully upgraded and begin offering advanced MRI services to patients. The hospital’s new MRI system, the MAGNETOM Skyrafit, features Siemens’ latest generation MRI technology and provides the following applications and benefits:
- Faster scans : Equipped with the latest DOT platform and CAIPIRINHA technology, apart from the MAGNETOM Skyrafit reduces scan times by up to 50 percent, significantly shortening each patient’s examination time while improving scanning accuracy of relatively active organs such as the heart and blood vessels, including performing state-of-the-art non-gated Cardiac scans.
- Excellent image quality : Tim 4G, Siemens’ integrated coil technology, delivers exceptional image quality by optimizing the entire signal chain. The coils also allow for reduced set-up times, minimizing discomfort for patients.
- High signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio : Clearer images of the brain facilitate early detection of brain disorders such as degenerative brain disease, allowing patients to receive treatment earlier. Increased SNR also significantly improves the accuracy of MRI-guided breast biopsies.
- Reduction of artifacts : The system’s syngo WARP technology identifies metal implants within the body and reduces artifacts, minimizing the need for rescans.
- Patient-centered design : The 70-cm open bore design carries a load of up to 250 kg and works well for claustrophobic patients and those with special needs. At 173 cm long, the system also allows for the head of the patient to remain outside the bore during scanning, accommodating a wide range of needs.
Our state-of-the-art MRI equipment can provide the following services:
Cardiac MRI Provides New 3-D images of the beating heart. This non-invasive, radiation-free technique is especially useful for evaluating such conditions as coronary artery disease, heart failure and congenital heart disease. Detailed information on the heart’s pumping and perfusion performance, muscle contractility, blood flow velocity and status of the proximal coronary arteries can be obtained in a single examination, providing a One-Stop-Shop service for cardiac patients.
Most radiologists agree that MRI is the best diagnostic tool for evaluation of the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord). In patients suffering from stroke, Diffusion Weighted Scan permits almost immediate visualization of the part of the brain that is not getting adequate blood flow, and allows faster treatment to prevent permanent cell death.
Spine MRI provides detailed pictures of hard-to-view areas of the spine, including the spinal canal, bony segments, and soft tissue. It can pinpoint problems and show up the exact location of tumors in the spine, spinal cord, or disks. It is an important diagnostic tool for patients suffering from pain or numbness in the back or in the limbs.
MRA provides a noninvasive method to study blood vessels, such as the carotid, pulmonary, peripheral and renal arteries and the aorta. The test minimizes the needs of invasive procedures such as Conventional Angiogram and avoids older radiological techniques that require puncturing major vascular structures.
Other High Resolution Regional MRI Scans :
Examination of muscles and joints in all angles allow better understanding of the complicated soft tissue structure. MRI provides vital information for orthopedic surgeons, and is an indispensible tool in the management of sports injuries.
MRI allows imaging of the entire biliary system. The test is completely non-invasive, and is most useful to investigate the cause of obstruction to the biliary tract.
Breath-hold Abdominal and Thoracic Scans allow dynamic study of the abdominal and thoracic structures.
Radionuclide & Molecular Imaging
Radionuclide & Molecular Imaging is one of the common medical detection methods these days, which diagnose and cure diseases using radiopharmaceuticals. The scanning tests use a special camera to take pictures of certain tissues in the body for clinical diagnosis after a radioactive tracer (radiopharmaceutical) is given to the patient. The tracer accumulates in the tissues, making them visible on the camera. Its extensive application ranges from tumors, brain, heart, lungs, the alimentary canal, bones, endocrine to urinary system and so on and it can effectively detect early expansion of tumors and physiological disorder of organs.
Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography and Computed Tomography (SPECT/CT)
Our hospital has introduced the advanced Infiniavc Hawkeye 4, which incorporates the technology of Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) and Computed Tomography (CT). It can also perform a whole-body scan by Positron Emission Tomography (i.e. PET). With advantages of high speed and low dose, it is beneficial to diagnosis of diseases in early stage and monitoring of changes in the patients’ conditions.
Clinical Applications of Radionuclide & Molecular Imaging:
- Tumor scan : It is mainly applied for detection of the position of tumors, differentiation of benign tumors from malignant ones and diagnosis for the relapse of tumors, etc.
- Bone Scan : The radioactive tracer substance is injected into a vein in the arm. A special camera then takes pictures of the tracer in the bones. This helps show cell activity and function in the bones. The technique is most commonly used in the detection of metastases in cancer patients.
- Cardiac Perfusion Scan : A cardiac perfusion scan measures the amount of blood in the heart muscle at rest and during exercise. It may be done after a heart attack to see if areas of the heart are not getting enough blood or to find out how much heart muscle has been damaged from the heart attack.
- Renal Scan : Assess Renal and Urinary tract Disorders.
- Biliary Scan : Examination of the intra and extrahepatic bile ducts and the Gall Bladder.
- Thyroid Scan : A thyroid scan can show the size, shape, and location of the thyroid gland. It can also find areas of the thyroid gland that are over or under active. The test is commonly ordered in patients presenting with thyroid swellings.
- Lung Scan : A lung scan is most commonly used to detect a blood clot that is preventing normal blood flow to part of a lung (pulmonary embolism).
- Gastro Intestinal Bleed Scan : to localize and find out the cause of bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract.
- White Blood Cell Scan : Identify the presence, site and severity of focal infection.
Mammography
Using special machine that delivers very low doses of x- ray to the breasts, mammography can detect tumors long before they are big enough to be detected clinically. With our 3D and mobile mammography, we can give you the flexibility and versatility to create a mammography solution that’s customized for your facility. All are built around the way you work and designed to deliver intelligent ergonomics, exceptional efficiency and outstanding image quality.
Our machine goes directly from mammography to biopsy in under a minute. The Affirm breast biopsy guidance system gives the power to conduct 2D or 3D breast biopsies in the same modality as imaging. And speed procedures with automated image acquisition and one-click targeting. This would shorten procedure time and reduce patient dose from Affirm 3D biopsy procedures, allows us to keep our patients for their continuum of care.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses reflected sound waves to produce a picture of organs and other structures inside the body. Since the technique does not use X-rays or any type of possibly harmful radiation, it is widely used in pregnant women. With top-of-the-line Ultrasound equipment, we provide the following ultrasound services:
- Obstetric examination
- Diagnosing gallbladder diseases
- Assessing blood flow
- Localizing the site for biopsy
- Detecting breast tumour
- Examining thyroid
- Examining reproductive organs and prostate
- Examining inflammatory joint diseases
- Diagnosing degenerative bone diseases
Interventional Radiology
Interventional radiology procedures use minimally invasive, targeted treatments performed under X-rays, ultrasound and other imaging techniques to guide small instruments such as catheters that are passed through the skin or blood vessels to treat diseases of internal organs.
As technology advances and high-quality imaging equipment becomes more widely available, interventional radiology is able to offer patients and referral physicians a host of options to perform simple procedures for to treat an increasingly wide range of diseases. Interventional radiology procedures are generally easier for the patient because they do not involve large incisions, with less risk, less pain and shorter recovery times.
Full-service X-ray Diagnostic Radiology
Our X-Ray department provides the following services for both in and out patients:
- General X-Ray, such as Chest and bone X-Ray.
- Barium Meal : Examine the upper alimentary system and stomach.
- Barium Enema : Examination of colon.
- Intravenous Pyelogram or IVP : Examination of the Urinary System for possible obstruction, infection or mass within the system.
- Hysterosalpingography or HSG : Examination of the Female Reproduction System and is commonly used for investigation of infertility.
- Venography : for the examination of the Venous System in the body for Deep Vein Thrombosis.
- Biopsy for pathology.
DEXA
DEXA (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) is the most widely used and most accurate way to measure Bone Mineral Density (BMD). Our state-of-the-art GE DEXA equipment uses two different X-ray beams to estimate bone density in your spine and hip. DEXA can measure as little as 2% of bone loss per year. The test is fast and uses very low doses of radiation, and allows you to keep track on your bone density as you age.
