Are radiologists certified doctors?

Yes, all radiologists are certified medical practitioners qualified to perform diagnostic tests and prescribe medicine.

Can pregnant women get X-ray scans?

The radiation exposure during X-rays is minimal and poses no risk to your child. However, radiologists always aim to limit X-ray exposure for pregnant patients according to the ALARA principle.

Should I inform my radiologist if I am planning to conceive a child?

Yes, it is always better to keep your radiologist informed in case you are planning to conceive, so that they can prescribe suitable and safe imaging.

Can a radiographer help me with the diagnosis of physical injury?

For diagnosis based on medical imaging results, it is best to consult a radiologist.

Do X-ray tests cause side effects?

No, as the radiation exposure from X-rays is a negligible amount only, you will face no side effects from X-ray tests.

Cutting-edge medical imaging for complete healthcare

Radiology is the field of medicine that involves imagery of internal organs for precise diagnosis and treatment. When you think about radiology, you might commonly associate it with X-ray procedures in medical institutions. However, the overall scope of medical treatments that a radiologist can provide extends beyond this. A radiologist is qualified to perform imaging and analyze reports to arrive at a diagnosis. Within this broad definition, radiology procedures are diverse, assisting in accurate diagnosis of any complex conditions you may have.

The field of radiology can be categorized into distinct sub-specializations based on specific factors. These categories are based on the primary function of the specialization in the diagnosis and treatment process.

- Interventional radiology: This branch of radiology covers both diagnosis and treatment. Interventional radiologists use medical imaging techniques to assist with accurate assessment of causative triggers. They are instrumental in treating conditions such as organ abscesses and taking biopsies.
- Diagnostic radiology: A diagnostic radiologist specializes in precise imaging and diagnosis of physiological conditions. In cases where specialized imaging tests are required, a diagnostic radiologist will perform testing and provide precise insight into any complications in the body’s systems.
- Oncology radiologists: These radiologists specialize in identifying and diagnosing cancer (and carcinogenic growths) in your body. Through imaging techniques, they can delineate the extent of tumor growth and its associated complications.

A key point to note is that a radiologist’s scope of diagnosis differs significantly from a radiographer. The primary difference is that a radiologist is a doctor specializes in diagnosing conditions through radiological imaging. A radiographer deals with the actual testing process for CT scans and X-rays. Radiographers and radiologists collaborate to get accurate diagnoses for every patient. Knowing when to visit a radiologist for consultation can help streamline the types of investigations you need to reach a certain diagnosis.

When To Visit a Radiologist

You will usually be referred to a radiologist by a specialist who requests dedicated radiology imaging for a better diagnosis. In cases of severe injury or physical trauma, a firsthand diagnosis can only paint a rough picture of the injury.

For deeper insight into the potential damage caused by the injury, a specific radiology test will be necessary. Based on the diagnosis from the radiology report, you will have a follow-up appointment with the referring specialist to finalize a suitable treatment method.

With this general outline in mind, you should consult your radiologist if you are facing the following conditions:

- Abdominal pain
- Muscle tear/strain
- Focal swelling over any body part
- Severe injury/physical trauma

You may be advised to consult a radiologist for a diagnosis aside from the reasons listed above. Radiologists assist other specialists in diagnosing complex diseases that require detailed scanning and imaging of internal organs. The radiology tests conducted are pivotal in the treatment journey and eventual road to recovery. Some common cases where radiology testing is required include:

- Testing for cancer presence in specific organs
- Pregnancy screening for fetal (and maternal) health
- Diagnosing infections (such as abscesses)
- Identifying critical blockages in blood vessels.

When at the radiologist’s clinic, you must disclose all relevant medical history and information to your consultant before any imaging tests. If you suspect that you may be pregnant, for instance, informing your radiologist can help them calibrate the tests to not affect the fetus.

Radiology equipment utilizes technology such as X-rays, which expose you to low levels of radiation. While this is harmless in a day-to-day sense, you should inform your radiology expert if you have received prior medical advice to reduce radiation exposure. Specifying your medical history and current health conditions will ensure smooth radiology procedures and diagnosis, guaranteeing accurate reports.

Common Procedures and Treatments

The immediate assumption you may jump to when picturing a radiology lab is an X-ray apparatus. However, X-rays are one technique among many that your radiologist will perform, depending on the imaging required. Your radiology specialist will walk you through the testing process during the consultation, including any preliminary steps you may have to take before the test.

Radiologists are classified into three distinct categories, and the treatments they offer also fit into those classifications. They include:

Diagnostic Radiology

Procedures in this division of radiology involve imaging tests that aid specialist diagnosis of internal organs. They will prescribe you an appropriate imaging test after considering all your medical parameters. Some of these tests are:

- X-Ray scan: This is a simple no-frills test that is commonly requested to view bone, muscle, and other vital organs for diagnosis. You may be asked to get an X-ray in case of physical injury or trauma.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This technique uses magnetic energy to target the softer internal tissues inside your body. It is particularly useful in visualizing your brain and spinal cord. Before an MRI scan, you should always let your radiologist know about any electronic appliances you are wearing that may hinder the scan, such as pacemakers.
- CT scan: This computerized test can generate more detailed images than a standard X-ray. Through it, your doctor can check for complex symptoms such as internal bleeding and infections.
- Ultrasound scan: Commonly known for pregnancy scans and diagnosing maternal and fetal health. It can also be used to diagnose damage to cardiac tissue.

Interventional Radiology

These specialists use dedicated radiology procedures that are aligned toward the treatment of a condition, usually as part of a larger surgery. Some of the common treatments that are performed in this division include:

- Tissue extraction for biopsy
- Stent placement (blood vessel treatment)
- Drainage tube implantation
- Needle placement for fluid draining

Radiation Oncology

Radiation therapy is a major treatment method for cancer. It utilizes targeted radioactive particles to bombard the cancer cells, eliminating them. Radiation oncologists work closely with other cancer care specialists to ensure a smooth cancer treatment process.

myAster: Seamless radiology consultation

To get streamlined radiology testing services and consultation, myAster is your one-stop hub. The application (available on Google Play Store and the App Store) gives you direct access to the best radiologists in the UAE in a few clicks. Additionally, you can also view your radiology lab reports anytime on the app, for easy reference. Booking follow-up appointments with expert radiologists is also a simple stepwise process with myAster. All your records, all your preferred specialists, on a single, easy-to-use interface.