Health Information

An ultrasound scan, sometimes called a sonogram, is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body.

An X-ray is a quick and painless procedure commonly used to produce images of the inside of the body.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans are used to produce detailed three-dimensional images of the inside of the body.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. An MRI scanner is a large tube that contains powerful magnets. You lie inside the tube during the scan.

An echocardiogram, or "echo", is a scan used to look at the heart and nearby blood vessels.

A computerised tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body.

About one in eight women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. There's a good chance of recovery if it's detected in its early stages.

A barium enema is a test that helps highlight the bowel, so it can be clearly seen on an X-ray. A white liquid is passed into your bowel through your bottom.

Angiography is a type of X-ray used to examine blood vessels. The images created during an angiography are called angiograms. Blood vessels don't show up clearly on ordinary X-rays, so a substance called contrast medium is injected into the area being examined.

Echocardiography (EK-o-kar-de-OG-rah-fee), or echo, is a painless test that uses sound waves to create moving pictures of your heart. The pictures show the size and shape of your heart. They also show how well your heart's chambers and valves are working.

Chest MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a safe, noninvasive test. "Noninvasive" means that no surgery is done and no instruments are inserted into your body. This test creates detailed pictures of the structures in your chest, such as your chest wall, heart, and blood vessels.

Carotid (ka-ROT-id) ultrasound is a painless and harmless test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the insides of your carotid arteries.