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Clinical Radiology guides
16 plain-English, evidence-linked guides in Clinical Radiology, with clinical review status shown on each page.
Bone scan (Radionuclide bone scan (bone scintigraphy))A nuclear medicine scan that uses a small amount of a radioactive tracer, injected into a vein, to show areas where bone is more active — for example from injury, infection, arthritis or cancer.Breast ultrasound (Breast ultrasonography (breast ultrasound scan))A usually not painful scan that uses sound waves (no radiation) to look more closely at a breast lump or an area of concern, often alongside a mammogram or examination.CT scan (Computed tomography (CT) scan)A scan that uses X-rays and a computer to build detailed cross-section pictures of the inside of the body, often used to look at bones, the chest, the tummy or to check for bleeding.Fluoroscopy (including barium studies) (Fluoroscopy and contrast studies (e.g. barium swallow, meal, follow-through and enema))A moving X-ray test that uses a contrast liquid such as barium to watch how part of the body works in real time — for example the gullet, stomach or bowel.Image-guided biopsy (Image-guided percutaneous biopsy)A minor procedure in which a radiologist uses a scan to guide a needle and take a small sample of tissue or fluid for testing, to help reach a diagnosis.Image-guided steroid injectionAn injection of steroid (usually with local anaesthetic) placed accurately using a scan — ultrasound, X-ray (fluoroscopy) or CT — to reduce pain and swelling in a joint, soft tissue or around a spinal nerve.Mammogram (Mammography (breast X-ray))A low-dose breast X-ray used to screen for breast cancer before it can be felt, or to investigate a breast symptom or change.MRI scan (Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI))A scan that uses a strong magnet and radio waves (no X-rays) to make detailed pictures of the soft tissues, organs, joints and brain to help diagnose a problem.Nuclear medicine scan (Nuclear medicine imaging (radionuclide scan / scintigraphy))A scan that uses a small amount of a radioactive 'tracer', usually injected into a vein, to show how an organ or part of the body is working rather than just its shape.PET-CT scan (Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT))A specialised scan that combines a PET scan with a CT scan, using a small amount of a radioactive tracer to show how tissues are working — often used in cancer to find, stage or check the response of disease.Pregnancy and obstetric ultrasound (Obstetric ultrasonography (pregnancy ultrasound scan))A scan that uses sound waves (no radiation) during pregnancy to check the baby's development, dates and wellbeing — but it cannot find everything or guarantee a healthy baby.Second-opinion scan reporting (Second-opinion radiology reporting (independent image review))A re-read of scans you have already had — your existing X-ray, ultrasound, CT, MRI or PET-CT images are reviewed again by another radiologist, who issues a fresh written report.Testicular (scrotal) ultrasound (Scrotal ultrasonography (ultrasound of the testes))A usually not painful scan that uses sound waves (no radiation) to look at the testicles and scrotum, often to find out what is causing a lump, swelling or pain.Ultrasound scan (Ultrasound scan (sonography))A scan that uses high-frequency sound waves (no X-rays) to make live pictures of organs, blood flow, muscles or a developing baby to help diagnose a problem.Ultrasound-guided joint or soft-tissue injection (Ultrasound-guided joint and soft-tissue injection)An injection of steroid (and usually local anaesthetic) into a joint or soft tissue, with a radiologist using ultrasound to guide the needle to the right spot.X-ray (Plain radiograph (X-ray))A quick, usually not painful imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to take pictures of the inside of your body, most often to look at bones, the chest or the lungs.
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