Main Branch :Dusit Thani Commercial Complex, Muroor Road, Opposite Al Jazeera Club Abu Dhabi
Saada Branch :Al Falah building off Murour Street, between 21 & 31, Abu Dhabi
Welcome to the Dept. of Radiology at Yas Healthcare. We are proud to offer a comprehensive range of the highest quality medical imaging services to diagnose a wide variety of medical conditions.
Our mission centers on world-class & patient-centered imaging services in a cost-effective manner . You will find the care you seek & deserve here, emphasizing high quality & cost-effective diagnostic imaging.
The Department is digital with respect to imaging. This presents itself as PACS, which stands for Picture Archival Communication System. This translates to the fact that once a study is obtained, images are immediately transferred to our PACS Network and the images can be visualized by any Physician in the Radiology department for interpretation and by any referring Physician at a PACS monitor located throughout the center.
Examinations are available to be reviewed by your Consultants immediately via the center PACS imaging network, in addition to the hardcopy results for patient referred from other medical facilities.
Plain & contrast radiography examinations for all parts of the body:
Most of the insurance companies require pre-authorization for the CT, MRI & some of the ultrasound especially Doppler studies & few X-ray exams. Otherwise, no need for pre-authorization for the plain X-ray exams, most of ultrasound exams, mammography & DXA exams. If you have any questions regarding pre-authorization requirements, please contact customer service number on the back of your insurance card. if pre-authorization is required, that process will be initiated by the physician who ordered your exam.
if you don’t have an insurance, please contact our financial office to help in that aspect.
We hope you find this website to be a helpful tool. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on any of our services.
To make an appointment for your radiology exam, we need an order from your doctor. Our center physicians will create the order in our electronic order entry system & will also schedule the appointment for the time you choose. Referring physicians from outside our center can fax the order to us & you can then call us to schedule your appointment or you can bring your request by hand & take an appointment in our center.
No special preparation is needed.
Osteoporosis is a thinning and weakening of the bones that increases the chance of fractures. People with osteoporosis most commonly fracture their hips or spine. Loss of natural estrogen in menopausal women is the most common cause of osteoporosis. Other risk factors include a family history of osteoporosis, early menopause, smoking, thin, small or slender body build, liver disease, long-term use of cortico-steroids, anti-seizure medication, thyroid hormones, and some birth control medications.
Osteoporosis can be detected by a simple type of procedure called dual energy absorptiometry (DEXA), also known simply as “bone densitometry.” A bone densitometry test consists of two separate scans; one of the hip, and one of the spine. The entire procedure takes approximately 20 minutes. The actual scan time for each body area is only 10 seconds. This simple procedure can measure the calcium content of the bones and give an indication of how a person’s bone thickness compares with that of other people of similar age and gender. A physician may recommend treatment if the bones are thin or if there is evidence of rapid bone loss on follow-up comparative scans.
A- Not at all. There is no pain associated with a bone density test. There is no medication or anything given for this test.
A- Approximately, 20 minutes for the examination. But the actual scan time is only 90 seconds.
A- Bone Densitometry uses an extremely small dose of radiation.
In the case of pregnancy, patients should notify their physician before having any exam that uses x-rays for imaging purposes.
A mammography is a diagnostic tool used to detect breast cancer. Screening and diagnostic procedures are performed by female mammography specialists. Most screening mammograms can be completed in 15 minutes.
Mammograms are X-rays of the breast. The latest technology is used to obtain images of the structures within the breast. A mammogram is particularly useful in the early detection of early signs of breast cancer, like microcalcifications, and in identifying breast masses.
Mammograms in our center are now a lot gentler with the use of the MammoPad. The MammoPad is a soft foam pad that provides a cushion between you and the mammography machine. Many women have said this pad has made the vital exam less cold and more comfortable.
Ultrasound is often used with mammography to assist with the diagnosis, in particular for dense breasts, discovering non-palpable nodules, and determining their solid or cystic structure. Together with Color Doppler and Elastography, breast ultrasound allows a complete, multiparametric assessment of breast lumps.
Certain characteristics and changes in the breast determine whether a nodule should be biopsied or not.
Breast Biopsies are performed so that a suspicious-looking area of the breast can be further investigated. A sample of the suspicious breast tissue is removed for examination. This is the only certain way to determine whether the abnormality is cancerous or not.
At Yas Healthcare, women at high-risk for breast cancer are routinely identified, to guarantee the most appropriate screening pathway, which may include breast MRI.
Breast MRI is also provided for all additional clinical indications.
Radiologists interpret the current images and compare them with previous studies whenever possible.
At age 20 all women should begin to examine their breasts regularly. The best time to do a breast self-exam (BSE) is 1 week after your period starts or the same time each month. Familiarity with how the breast changes is key to successful BSE, and the breasts should be examined monthly in order to recognize these changes. Everyone’s breasts are different. It is even possible for one breast to look different than the other. Monthly Breast Self-Exams help you to become familiar with the feel and look of your breasts, so changes will be more noticeable to you. If changes are noticed you should contact your doctor. Your best defense against breast cancer is to find it early.
A- The National Guidelines for Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis recommend the first mammogram by the age of 40. At the age of 40, a mammogram should be scheduled every 2 years for patients at average risk. Patients at higher-than-average risk should follow a specific pathway that comprehends annual mammograms and annual MRIs.
A- Compression spreads out the breast tissue so that the Radiologist is better able to visualize more of the breast tissue.
A- Some powders and deodorants have little metallic crystals that could show up on the mammogram images.
A- Caffeine can make the breast more tender, which can make the test more uncomfortable.
We are proud that we have in our department a high end Multidetector Computed Tomography machine (MDCT) with 64 slice technology (Philips, Brilliance) which makes it very easy for us to perform different advanced CT exams like high-resolution CT of the lung (HRCT), coronary computed tomography Arteriography (CTA), CT perfusion studies, CT Enterography (CTE), dynamic contrast-enhanced CT for liver masses in addition to the routine CT exam with very short time & much less radiation dose to the patient compared with the old CT machines.
CT uses x-rays and a computer to produce cross-sectional slices of the body. Standard x-rays produce a flat picture of a body part but CT produces cross-sectional slices which can be reconstructed to make 3D images.
CT uses x-rays in a rotational or helical form. A patient lies on the CT couch which moves into the middle of the scanner and the x-ray rotates around the patient. This x-ray is continuously taking pictures and each time a rotation is made, a cross-section image or slice is produced. These slices allow us to look inside the body. A good way of explaining how CT images are taken in the body can be likened to a sliced loaf of bread. The CT scanner takes very thin images (0.25 – 10 mm in thickness) of an area which is then viewed on a computer screen.
You can wear your normal clothes. The department does ask that you try to avoid wearing metal [under-wired bras, braces, tops with zips, etc] and clothes that have diamante detail. You may be asked to pull your trousers to your knees for some examinations (this removes the metal zip of the trousers from the area being scanned) however you will be covered and your dignity will be maintained at all times. Occasionally, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown for your CT examination.
Some CT scans require you to drink some fluid before we take you into the scanner. You will be asked to drink the fluid for between 30 and 60 minutes [see the section entitled Are there any preparations for my scan? for more information]. Once you enter the scanning room CT scans take between 5 and 15 minutes on average depending on what procedure you are having.
You can bring someone with you while you are having your scan if you wish but it is not essential. We provide comfortable waiting areas so anyone accompanying you can wait there whilst you are having your scan.
Good patient hydration is always preferable for all CT studies.
However, may require you to be fasting (no solid food) for 2 or 4 hours before coming for your appointment. More detailed information can be found on your appointment letter for the procedures.
For certain scans, you will be asked to drink some water or an oral contrast that has an aniseed taste before you have your scan. The drink helps to give your stomach and bowel better definition.
If you are taking a medicine called Metformin [normally taken for type 2 diabetes or poly-cystic ovarian syndrome] and suffering from severe chronic kidney disease, you will need to stop taking your tablets 24 hours before and 48 hours after your appointment for any CT scan requiring contrast. Please contact the department if you have any questions.
Some CT scans require you to be injected with an iodine-based contrast medium. The radiographer will explain the procedure to you when you come into the scanning room. They will also ask you some questions to make sure you are suitable to have the contrast medium. The nurse will usually insert a cannula into your arm. The injection allows for the contrast medium to be injected into your body. The contrast medium shows the blood vessels and helps to enhance the organs inside your body.
When the contrast media enters your body you might get a warm flush, a metallic taste in your mouth and you may feel as though you have passed urine. Contrast media produces better images and helps to make the diagnosis. The contrast media will be passed through your kidneys and will pass naturally in the urine. The contrast media is not radioactive and it won’t turn you or your urine a different color.
The radiologists need to view your images and formulate a report. The results will then go to the doctor who sent you for the scan. This could be our center doctor. If you are referred by an outside doctor, most scan results will be available within 1-2 working days.
We are honored to start cardiac CT service in our department using a high-end MDCT machine (Philips, Brilliance 64 slice). the cardiac CT study includes calcium scoring, Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) & CT cardiac function study. All Cardiac CT angiographies are performed in the radiology department under the joint supervision of a radiologist and cardiologist.
Coronary calcium scans use CT images, to check for the buildup of calcium in plaque on the walls of the arteries of the heart (coronary arteries). This test is used to check the plaque burden within the coronary arteries and to determine how severe it is. If calcium is detected, a quantitative score is obtained based on its extension and density and the result is compared with a multiethnic database. The results are plotted against your peers (age and gender) and allow us to assess your relative risk.
A CT coronary angiography scan takes pictures of your heart and coronary arteries. This allows us to see any narrowing or blockage of the arteries around your heart.
Not all coronary plaques are calcified, and coronaries may be affected by non-calcific plaques visible only after administration of contrast medium. A cardiac CT scan, which completes the coronary study, evaluates the morphology and some functional characteristics of your heart. The results of the scan will help your doctor diagnose any health problems you have been experiencing and decide on further treatment for you.
CT coronary angiography is the only non-invasive test to visualize the coronary arteries, which reduces the risk of complications. Other non-invasive tests including MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and echo scans provide information on how well your heart is functioning, but only a CT coronary angiography scan gives us enough information about the structure of your coronary arteries.
Your doctor may not have all the information needed to make a diagnosis. This may affect the type of treatment he or she can suggest for you.
A special dye called contrast medium is then injected into a small vein in your arm so that we can see your heart and arteries clearly.
It can be difficult for us to get a clear picture if your heart is beating too quickly. We will check your heart rate when you arrive and if it is faster than the ideal rate, we may give you some medication to slow it down. This may be in the form of a tablet or an injection and can take up to an hour to work. As soon as your heart rate is beating at the right place, we will perform the scan.
To help us get a clear picture of your heart, we will ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds during the scan. We will discuss this with you before your scan so you know exactly what to do.
The scan takes around 15 minutes. However, you may have to stay with us for over an hour if we have to give you medication as described above.
The medication can make you a little drowsy for up to a few hours after the scan. Please avoid driving or cycling to or from your appointment. It is also a good idea to ask someone to come with you to the appointment.
Virtual colonography is a safe, painless & non-invasive exam of the large bowel (colon & rectum) using low-dose computed Tomography (CT) scanner to obtain a detailed interior view of the colon & rectum. The other available alternative way to visualize the colon is by a more invasive & unpleasant procedure by introducing a colonoscope device through the anal orifice & pass it through the entire colon to see it.
Research shows that less than of those who should be screened actually do so. Left undetected, colon polyps larger than 7-10 mm are at risk of developing into colon cancer.
A person who is very large may not fit into the opening of a conventional CT scanner or may be over the weight limit—usually 450 pounds—for the moving table.
CT colonography is strictly a diagnostic procedure. If any clinically significant polyps are found, they will have to be removed by conventional colonoscopy.
CT colonography is not recommended for patients who have active Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, inflammatory bowel disease or diverticulitis, because of increased risk of perforating the colon. Patients with a history of bowel perforation and those experiencing severe pain or cramps on the day of the examination should not undergo CT colonography. Some insurance companies do not cover CT colonography as a screening test for colonic polyps, but they may cover the cost if a patient has symptoms related to the colon
Our CT scan equipment is a state-of art technology machine & produces a very low dose of radiation exposure with negligible adverse effects. It is not much different than the exposure from ‘background environmental radiation’ from the sun, air travel, television, or computer screens.
There is NO change to your medications – take as directed. You may take medications for headaches, colds, etc. as needed. DIABETIC patients – the dosage of your pills may need to be adjusted as a result of the food and fluid restrictions. PRIOR to the procedure please consult with your doctor for instructions about your diabetic medication. We do recommend that you bring your medication and some food with you to your appointment.
This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
The technologist begins by positioning you on the CT examination table, usually lying flat on your back. Straps and pillows may be used to help you maintain the correct position and to help you remain still during the exam.
A very small, flexible tube will be passed two inches into your rectum to allow air to be gently pumped into the colon using a hand-held squeeze bulb. Sometimes a small balloon is inflated on the rectal tube to help keep the tube positioned correctly. The purpose of the gas is to distend the colon as much as possible to eliminate any folds or wrinkles that might obscure polyps from the physician’s view.
Next, the table will move through the scanner. Patients are asked to hold their breath for about 15 seconds or less before turning over and lying on their back or side for a second pass that is made through the scanner. Once the scan is done, the tube is removed. The entire examination is usually completed within 15 minutes.
The vast majority of patients who have CT colonography report a feeling of fullness when the colon is inflated during the exam, as if they need to pass gas. Significant pain is uncommon, occurring in fewer than 5 percent of patients. A muscle-relaxing drug may be injected intravenously or subcutaneously to lessen discomfort, but this is seldom necessary. The scanning procedure itself causes no pain or other symptoms.
When you enter the CT scanner room, special light lines may be seen projected onto your body, and are used to ensure that you are properly positioned. With modern CT scanners, you will hear only slight buzzing, clicking and whirring sounds as the CT scanners internal parts, not usually visible to you, revolve around you during the imaging process.
You will be alone in the exam room during the CT scan, unless there are special circumstances. For example, sometimes a parent wearing a lead shield may stay in the room with their child. However, the technologist will always be able to see, hear and speak with you through a built-in intercom system.
After a CT exam, you can resume your normal work & activities as well as your normal diet.
Dear customer, bowel preparation is the cornerstone to get an ideal & beneficial virtual colonography exam. Please follow the following instructions closely to make sure that your bowel is as empty as possible before the scan. keeping to this diet will improve the accuracy of this test.
take only clear liquid diet for the whole of the day including (clear soup, strained fruit juice, clear beef broth, chicken broth, vegetable broth, coffee or tea without milk).
Mix one bottle of Microbar suspension (150 ml) in 600 ml of water. take 250 ml at 12.00 pm & another 250 ml at 7.00 pm in the day before the exam & 250 ml at 7.00 am in the morning of the exam day.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic imaging technique that combines a powerful magnetic field with computer technology to produce detailed images of the body’s soft tissue. Because certain atoms in our cells respond, or “resonate,” slightly in the presence of magnetic fields, MRI is able to use that response to create detailed computer representation of internal organs, muscles, connective tissue, and the central nervous system. MRI doesn’t expose patients to radioactive materials, x-rays, or any form of ionizing radiation. To the best of our knowledge, MRI produces no harmful side effects.
We use in our department a state-of-art MRI machine (Philips, Achieva, 1.5T). A wide range of MRI scan can be performed by this machine.
Upon arrival, patients are welcomed by a receptionist who will request pertinent insurance information. Patients are asked to fill out paper work and submit their insurance cards.
This will be followed by a brief interview with an MRI technologist who will discuss the MRI procedure and confirm all safety screening questions.
Patients will recline on a cushioned MRI table, and because the machine is rather loud, they are offered either earplugs or a headset to listen to music and to hear instructions from the technologist. During the scan, patients will hear the machine making various thumping and buzzing noises.
Depending on the type of MRI scan, plan on spending at least 1 hour to an hour and a half for the entire visit. The patient should bring the following for the appointment:
The most important role of the patient is to relax and lie perfectly still during the scan, because the MRI equipment is very sensitive to motion. Even the slightest movement can distort and limit the diagnostic value of the scan.
Although MRI is a safe and painless exam, the patient does need to enter a magnetic field for the exam. Therefore, there are some conditions that may interfere with the quality and/or may prevent a patient from having an MRI exam.
The scan itself lasts from between 30 minutes to an hour. The patient lies on a table that slides into a large circular tube, which makes a variety of knocking/drilling noises. Earplugs or headphones (with music) are supplied. Devices of various shapes, called coils, are placed around the body part to be imaged. Sometimes a small injection of a substance that highlights certain structures is used. The quality of the images is entirely dependent on how still the patient keeps.
In modern surgery MRI is considered to one of the most beneficial diagnostic tools to date. Effective treatment of various medical conditions begins with with accurate evaluation and diagnosis and that is why Yas Healthcare is proud to offer some of the most technologically advanced MRI equipment available.
In our department we performing most of the ultrasound exams using high-end ultrasound machine (Philips, Epiq) supplied by all the transducers & technologies that enable us to practice advanced ultrasound imaging including ultrasound elastography of the abdomen & tissue Doppler for functional fetal echocardiography in addition to the whole routine ultrasound scans.
An ultrasound is a frequently used diagnostic investigation that uses sound waves to create images of organs, blood flow and tissues inside the body. As the scan uses sound waves rather than radiation, the procedure is understood to be completely safe.
Examinations include general and specialist scans such as musculoskeletal, breast imaging, vascular investigations and some interventional procedures, such as biopsies and drainages, which are best performed with ultrasound guidance. Doppler ultrasound is an additional technique that can be used to examine blood vessels to provide both structural and functional information. The majority of ultrasound scans take between 15 -30 minutes.
Most ultrasound procedures do not require preparation. However, you will be advised prior to the scan, if there are any specific requirements for you to follow.
Performed trans-abdominally & will usually involve fasting for 5-6 hours prior to the exam to enable better imaging of the liver & gall bladder. You may be required to come with full bladder or to drink a liter of water approximately 60 minutes before your scan if a full bladder is needed for pelvic scan. The ultrasound probe is pushed against your abdominal wall and looks down into the pelvis.
This scan can be performed either trans-abdominally or trans-vaginally. For trans-abdominal scan full bladder is essential.
Performed with an empty bladder. It uses a thin probe inserted into the vagina. This allows more detailed information to be obtained by having the probe closer to the pelvic organs.
Performed by our radiologist. No special preparation is needed.
Performed trans-rectally – an ultrasound probe in inserted into the rectum to allow for better visualization of the prostate gland. |Cleansing enema may be needed prior to the exam.
It includes B-mode & color Doppler study of the neonatal brain looking for any brain pathology or brain hypoxia during neonatal period.
Performed by our radiologist. Doppler imaging demonstrates blood flow within vessels including Doppler of the cervical arteries (carotid & vertebral), visceral & renal vessels in addition to the peripheral arteries & veins of the extremities & scrotum.
Performed by our radiologist. No special preparation is required.
Further information including individual preparation for various scans, length of procedures and care to be taken following each scan, is available from the imaging department.
Qualification
MD Radiologist, Italian Board (Specialista in Radiologia e Scienze delle Immagini)
Areas of Interest
Qualification
Areas of Interest
MOH Approval No. 7W8ERMWD-120722
Emergency Number :
Main Branch
Dusit Thani Commercial Complex, Muroor Road, Opposite Al Jazeera Club, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Saada Branch
Al Falah building off Murour Street, between 21 & 31, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Parking:
The main visitors’ parking, located outside the building complex of the center, is available in parking B1 and in the main branch. There is a signposted as you enter the main building.
