This FAQ is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and / or treatment. If u have specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate healthcare professional.
:: 64 CT - RADIOLOGY ::
What is 64 CT Scan?
Computed tomography (CT) combines the use of X-rays with the latest computer technology. Using a series of X-ray beams, the CT scanner creates cross-sectional images. A computer then reconstructs the "slices" to produce the actual pictures. Considering that some slices are as thin as half a millimeter, a 64 slice CT scan offers much more image detail than a traditional X-ray, which means your doctor gets the best information to make the most accurate diagnosis.
How should I prepare?
Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If you have images from previous examinations (including x-rays), please bring them with you.
For head and neck examinations: please remove all jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures or leave them at home. Please refrain from eating or for 4 - 6 hours before the examination. Medications can be taken with a small amount of water. It is very important to let your physician know if you have had previous allergic reactions to a contrast medium, iodine or shellfish or if you suffer from asthma.
If you have diabetes or take medication, please inform the radiologist or his team.
What does the equipment look like?
The CT scanner is a large machine that looks like a long, narrow tube, which has an x-ray machine inside.
How does the procedure work?
Multiple low-dose x-rays are taken in sequence by a rotating tube. All you need to do is lie on a table for a specific range of time depending on the type of examinations. The table top will move you through a gantry (shaped like a big donut) which houses the x-ray tube and a set of detectors. Images are acquired by detectors that pick-up the x-ray that passes through your body. The computer processes this information to form an image that the radiologist will review and interpret.
What will I experience during and after the procedure?
During the examination you will lie on a comfortable patient table. This table will then slowly move you through the opening of the examination unit called the gantry. All you need to do is pay attention to the instructions of the CT personnel who may, for example, ask you to briefly hold your breath or not to move certain regions of your body. As with conventional x-ray examinations, you will not feel the acquisition of CT images at all; you will only hear a low whirring noise. The patient table will move slightly during the entire examination.
Depending on the examination, a contrast medium may be administered to aid in strengthening the diagnosis. Most people tolerate the contrast medium without any problems and merely feel flushed for a moment. Since the contrast medium contains iodine which may cause an allergic reaction in some people, you should consult with your physician regarding any existing allergies prior to the examination. Should you feel any discomfort during the examination, you can communicate this to the CT team any time.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician, who will discuss the results with you.
It is important that you bring any previous x-rays or scans with you to your appointment. If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, please inform our radiographer prior to your examinations.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and / or treatment. If u has specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate healthcare professional.
:: BONE DENSITY ::
What is a Bone Density Scan (DEXA)
Bone density scanning, also called Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) or bone densitometry, is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that is used to measure bone loss. DEXA is today's established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).
What are some common uses of the procedure?
DEXA bone densitometry is most often used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that often affects women after menopause but may also be found in men. Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of calcium, causing the bones to become thinner, more fragile and more likely to break.
DEXA is also effective in tracking the effects of treatment for osteoporosis and other conditions that cause bone loss.
The DEXA test can also assess an individual’s risk for developing fractures.
Bone density testing is strongly recommended if you:
are a post-menopausal woman and not taking estrogen.
have a personal or maternal history of hip fracture or smoking.
are a post-menopausal woman who is tall (over 5 feet 7 inches) or thin (less than 125 pounds).
are a man with clinical conditions associated with bone loss.
use medications that are known to cause bone loss, including corticosteroids such as Prednisone, various anti-seizure medications such as phenytoin and certain barbiturates, or high-dose thyroid replacement drugs.
have type 1 (formerly called juvenile or insulin-dependent) diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease or a family history of osteoporosis.
have high bone turnover, which shows up in the form of excessive collagen in urine samples.
have a thyroid condition, such as hyperthyroidism.
have a parathyroid condition, such as hyperparathyroidism.
have experienced a fracture after only mild trauma.
have had x-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis.
How should I prepare for the procedure?
On the day of the exam you may eat normally. You should not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam.
You should wear loose, comfortable clothing; avoiding garments that have zippers, belts or buttons made of metal.
You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the exam. You may also be asked to remove jewelry, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images.
Inform your physician if you recently had a barium examination or have been injected with a contrast material for a computed tomography (CT) scan or radioisotope scan. You may have to wait 10 to 14 days before undergoing a DEXA test.
Women should always inform their physician or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Many imaging tests are not performed during pregnancy because radiation can be harmful to the fetus. If an x-ray is necessary, precautions will be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the baby.
What does the DEXA equipment look like?
Central DEXA devices which measure bone density in the hip and spine and are usually located in hospitals and medical offices. Central devices have a large, flat table and an "arm" suspended overhead. The arm swings away so that the table can be used as a treatment table or exam chair for routine patient examinations.
How does the procedure work?
The DEXA machine sends a thin, invisible beam of low-dose x-rays with two distinct energy peaks through the bones being examined. One peak is absorbed mainly by soft tissue and the other by bone. The soft tissue amount can be subtracted from the total and what remains is a patient's bone mineral density.
DEXA machines feature special software that compute and display the bone density measurements on a computer monitor.
How is the procedure performed?
This examination is usually done on an outpatient basis.
In the Central DEXA examination, which measures bone density in the hip and spine, the patient lies on a padded table. An x-ray generator is located below the patient and an imaging device, or detector, is positioned above.
To assess the spine, the patient's legs are supported on a padded box to flatten the pelvis and lower (lumbar) spine. To assess the hip, the patient's foot is placed in a brace that rotates the hip inward. In both cases, the detector is slowly passed over the area, generating images on a computer monitor.
The patient must keep still and may be asked to hold their breath for a few seconds while the x-ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. The radiographer will walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the x-ray machine.
The DEXA bone density test is usually completed within 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the equipment used and the parts of the body being examined.
What will I experience during and after the x-ray procedure?
Bone density tests are a quick and painless procedure.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist who is physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician, who will share the results with you.
DEXA scans are also interpreted by other physicians such as rheumatologists and endocrinologists.
Your test results will be in the form of two scores:
T score — This number shows the amount of bone mineral density you have compared with a young adult of the same gender with peak bone mass. A score above -1 is considered normal. A score between -1 and -2.5 is classified as osteopenia, the first stage of bone loss. A score below -2.5 is defined as osteoporosis. The T score is used to estimate your risk of developing a fracture.
Z score — This number reflects the amount of bone mineral density you have compared with other people in your age group and of the same size and gender. If this score is unusually high or low, it may indicate a need for further medical tests.
Small changes may normally be observed between scans due to differences in positioning and usually are not significant.
It is important that you bring any previous x-rays or scans with you to your appointment. If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, please inform our radiographer prior to your examinations.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and / or treatment. If u has specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate healthcare professional.
:: MAMMOGRAM ::
What is mammography?
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women.
Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in women experiencing no symptoms and to detect and diagnose breast disease in women experiencing symptoms such as a lump, pain or nipple discharge.
How should I prepare?
Before scheduling a mammogram, Alpha Specialist Centre recommends that you discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your doctor. In addition, inform your doctor of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.
Do not schedule your mammogram the week before your period as your breasts are usually more tender during this time. The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period. Always inform your doctor or radiographer if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
Other recommendations are :
Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.
Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the radiographer performing the exam.
Bring along your previous mammogram films for comparison.
What does the equipment look like?
A mammography unit is a rectangular box that houses the tube in which x-rays are produced. The unit is used exclusively for x-ray exams of the breast, with special accessories that allow only the breast to be exposed to the x-rays. Attached to the unit is a device that holds and compresses the breast and positions it so images can be obtained at different angles.
How does the procedure work?
X-rays are a form of radiation like light or radio waves. X-rays pass through most objects, including the body. Once it is carefully aimed at the part of the body being examined, an x-ray machine produces a small burst of radiation that passes through the body, recording an image on photographic film or a special digital image recording plate.
Different parts of the body absorb the x-rays in varying degrees. Dense bone absorbs much of the radiation while soft tissue, such as muscle, fat and organs, allow more of the x-rays to pass through them. As a result, bones appear white on the x-ray, soft tissue shows up in shades of gray and air appears black. Until recently, x-ray images were maintained as hard film copy (much like a photographic negative).
How is the procedure performed?
Mammography is performed on an outpatient basis.
During mammography, a qualified radiographer will position your breast in the mammography unit. Your breast will be placed on a special platform and is gradually compressed with a paddle (often made of clear Plexiglas or other plastic)..
Breast compression is necessary in order to:
Even out the breast thickness so that all of the tissue can be visualized.
Spread out the tissue so that small abnormalities are less likely to be obscured by overlying breast tissue.
Allow the use of a lower x-ray dose since a thinner amount of breast tissue is being imaged.
Hold the breast still in order to minimize blurring of the image caused by motion.
Reduce x-ray scatter to increase sharpness of picture.
The radiographer will stand behind a glass shield during the x-ray exposure. You will be asked to change positions between images. The routine views are a top-to-bottom view and an oblique side view. The process will be repeated for the other breast.
You must keep still and may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the x-ray picture is taken to reduce the possibility of a blurred image. The radiographer will walk behind a wall or into the next room to activate the x-ray machine. You will be asked to change positions between images. The routine views are a top-to-bottom view and an oblique side view. The process will be repeated for the other breast.When the examination is complete, you will be asked to wait until the radiologist determines that all the necessary images have been obtained.
The examination process should take about 30 minutes.
What will I experience during and after the procedure?
You will feel pressure on your breast as it is squeezed by the compression paddle. Some women with sensitive breasts may experience discomfort. If this is the case, schedule the procedure when your breasts are least tender. Be sure to inform the radiographer if pain occurs when the compression is increased. If the discomfort is significant, less compression will be used.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist who is a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your primary care or referring physician, who will discuss the results with you.
It is important that you bring any previous x-rays or scans with you to your appointment. If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, please inform our radiographer prior to your examinations.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and / or treatment. If u has specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate healthcare professional.
:: EXECUTIVE HEALTH SCREENING ::
1) How long does the medical check-up take?
The duration depends on the package that you take. If you opt for the basic package, the whole procedures will take about 1 to 2 hours. If you choose the package with more investigations like CT scan, BMD, mammogram and stress test; it may take up to 3 hours to finish the check-up.
Is the doctor’s consultation on the same day or by appointment?
If the doctor is available on that day, yes. If not, then we will fix the nearest appointment for you.
How much does the package cost?
For your information, we have a few packages that you can choose from. The cost for each differs mainly because of the different investigations in each package. The information can be obtained from our brochure and if you are not sure, please call us for assistance.
Do I need to come back to collect the medical report?
The choice is yours. We can courier the complete medical report to your doorstep upon request.
Is the blood specimen done in-house or sent out?
The routine blood tests are done in-house but if there is a need for a more specific test, the specimen will be sent to the outside lab.
:: DAYWARD ::
When should I start fasting?
It depends on the procedure that you are going for.
Colonoscopy
- You can only drink clear fluids from midnight onwards on the night before the procedure
OGDS
- You have to fast from midnight onwards on the night before the procedure
Operation Cases under Local Anaesthesia (LA)
- Can take food as usual
Operation Case under General Anaesthesia (GA)
- You have to fast from midnight onwards on the night before the procedure or for a minimum of 6 hours
Can I continue my medicine during fasting?
For patients with diabetes, you must omit your diabetic medication on the day of the operation especially when you have been instructed to fast.
For patients who are on anticoagulant medication such as warfarin, you must stop taking the medicine a week before the procedure.
For patients who are on hypertension medication, you can continue taking it until 6am on the day of operation
How long does the procedure take?
It depends on the procedure that are you going for :
Operation under GA
- 30 minutes to 1 hour ( and it depends on how big the operation )
Operation under LA
- 20 – 30 minutes
OGDS
- 15 minutes
Colonoscopy
- 20 minutes
OGDS + Colonoscopy
- 20 – 30 minutes
How long do I need to stay in ward?
In this case it depends on how fast your body can recover. But normally, it just takes about 2 – 3 hours after the procedure.
After the procedure, can I continue my own medicine?
It is best to consult the doctor performing the procedure to know if you can continue your current medications. It is important to do so as certain medicine can delay the healing process (eg. anticoagulants). To add on, you might be given new medications after the procedure and they could interact with your current ones.
Can I continue my daily routine after the procedure?
Yes! But patients are usually advised not to do heavy work or strain themselves for about 1 – 2 weeks.
Can I take my favorite food as usual?
Normally we suggest that patients take food that is high in protein and fiber as it helps in the wound healing process.
What type of cases will be running in DAY CARE WARD?
There will be Minor OT cases which is low risks e.g.:
a) Release carpel tunnel syndrome
b) Remove external fixation
c) Circumcision
d) OGDS, Colonoscopy and Polypectomy
How many beds do you have?
Total beds that we have is 16 beds, but we only used 9 beds for time being.
What is your working hours?
Our operation hours are from 9am until 5.30pm from Monday to Friday, and for Saturday is only from 9am until 1pm
We are closed on PH and Sunday.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I VOMIT DURING THE PREP?
Drinking the colon prep too fast may cause you to feel nauseous or full between glasses. It may help to stop drinking for 30 minutes and walk around to relieve these symptoms.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE CLEAR LIQUID STOOLS AT THE END OF THE PREP?
It basically means that your bowels are “clean” or is free from solid stool. The yellow or greenish fluid that replaces your usual stool is due to digestive juices and bile (which gives the yellow or green colour) that is constantly produced in your body.
MAY I TAKE MY ANTIANXIETY MEDICATIONS THE MORNING OF MY TEST?
If you feel it necessary, you may take your antianxiety medications by 6 :00 AM with just a small sip of water.
WHY DO I HAVE TO BE AT THE OFFICE OR HOSPITAL SO EARLY?
Patients are asked to arrive an hour earlier so that you have time to fill out the necessary paperwork. It also gives the nurses adequate time to complete your admission and start your IV. You will have some waiting time before your test. Please bring along a book, magazine or a visitor to help you to pass the time.
WHY CAN'T I DRIVE MYSELF HOME?
As you will be sedated for the procedure, you will feel drowsy and sleepy for hours. This might make it difficult for you to concentrate and focus, hence making it very dangerous for you to drive. YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DRIVE YOURSELF HOME. We strongly advise you to bring a trusted family member or friend to drive you and to be there during the doctor’s consultation after the procedure.
HOW WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF MY TEST RESULTS?
Your physician will discuss your test results upon discharge. If biopsies are taken during the procedure, they will be sent to a laboratory for a pathologist's examination. Once the written report is received (usually within 1 - 3 weeks), you will be notified by letter or the report will be given to you during your follow-up appointment.
