CT scanning - sometimes called CAT scanning is a non-invasive, painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT imaging uses special X-Ray equipment to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body and a computer to join them together in cross-sectional views of the area being studied. CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity than conventional X-Ray exams.

Originally, CT scans were developed to detect abnormalities in the brain. Technology has become so advanced, that modern CT scanners can help detect other major symptoms and conditions (like heart problems, lung problems, spinal problems, injuries, cancer, kidney failure, etc) and now are so fast that they can scan through large sections of the body in just a few seconds. Such speed is beneficial for all patients but especially children, the elderly and critically ill.

CT imaging is:

•	One of the best tools for studying the chest and abdomen because it provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all types of tissue.
•	Often the preferred method for diagnosing many different types of cancers, including lung, liver and pancreatic cancer, since the image allows a physician to confirm the presence of a tumor and measure its size, precise location and the extent of the tumor's involvement with other nearby tissue.
•	Invaluable in diagnosing and treating spinal problems and injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures because it can clearly show even very small bones as well as surrounding tissues such as muscle and blood vessels.
•	An examination that plays a significant role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, kidney failure or even death.

Physicians often use the CT examination to :

•	Plan and properly administer radiation treatments for tumors
•	Guide biopsies and other minimally invasive procedures
•	Plan surgery
•	Measure bone mineral density for the detection of osteoporosis
•	Quickly identify injuries to the liver, spleen, kidneys or other internal organs in cases of trauma

Very fine soft-tissue details in areas such as the knee or shoulder can be more readily and clearly seen with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The exam is not generally recommended for pregnant women.

A mammogram (also called a mammography exam) is a safe, low-dose x-ray of the breast. Mammograms don't prevent breast cancer, but they can save lives by finding breast cancer as early as possible. Early detection of breast cancer may allow a greater number of treatment options. It could mean saving your or your loved ones life.

•	Women age 40 and older should have a mammogram every year, and should continue to do so for as long they are in good health.
•	Women under 40 with a family history of breast cancer or other concerns about personal risk should talk to their doctor about when to begin mammograms.
•	Mammograms for women 65 and older should be based on the woman's health and whether or not she has other serious illness.

Ultrasound is the use of high frequency sound waves that reflect off of a body structure to form an image and the procedure is painless and safe .Ultrasound can detect damaged tissues, identify changing conditions and locate abnormal growths. Since ultrasound uses no ionizing radiation, it is an ideal test for use during pregnancy to check on fetal development.

Ultrasound scan is used in many situations. The way the ultrasound bounces back from different tissues can help to determine the size, shape and consistency of organs, structures and abnormalities. The Ultrasound Scan is used for

•	Help to monitor the growth of an unborn child, and check for abnormalities. An ultrasound scan is routine for pregnant women to provide critical information regarding the fetus and the child’s environment.
•	Detect abnormalities of heart structures such as the heart valves (an ultrasound scan of the heart is called an echocardiogram).
•	Help to diagnose problems of the liver, gall bladder (such as gall-stones), pancreas, thyroid gland, lymph nodes, spleen, ovaries, testes, kidneys, bladder and breast. For example, it can help to determine if an abnormal lump in one of these organs is a solid tumor or fluid-filled cyst. Additionally helps diagnose pancreatic diseases.
•	Detect abnormal widening of blood vessels (aneurysms).
•	Help diagnose issues affecting the organs of a woman’s pelvis – the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries
•	High frequency probes are useful to investigate eyeball, thyroid, breast, scrotum, infant's brain and joint diseases.

•	Non-invasive (nothing inserted into the body and no surgical procedure)
•	Relatively inexpensive, quick and convenient
•	Painless and safe - no radiation exposure
•	No special preparation
•	Immediate report
•	Reproducible results
•	Sedation is not required
•	Safe to use during pregnancy

Color Doppler Ultrasound is useful in studying blood flow patterns in the heart and blood vessels. The most common studies performed are the arteries in the neck (carotid arteries). These supply blood to the brain and face. Other common vessels examined supply your kidneys, the veins and arteries in the legs looking for blockages or clots.

The most common reasons for having an Ultrasound in pregnancy are to

•	check or confirm how many weeks pregnant the woman is
•	view the position of the placenta
•	to know the single/twin pregnancy
•	check the baby’s growth and physical development
•	check the pregnancy when there has been a complication such as bleeding
•	determine if the baby is at an increased risk for having a chromosome problem
•	get a clear picture of the baby when diagnostic tests are being done
•	view the position of fetus and fetal movements

The exam length varies depending on the part or region and issue under investigation. Most ultrasound exams are completed within an hour.

X-Rays are a type of high energy radiation camera. An X-Ray test is a quick and painless method used to diagnose many health conditions such as issues with the bones, joints and soft tissues.

X-Rays are useful in diagnosis of diseases involving bones, lungs, gut, kidneys & gall bladder. X- Rays are useful in detecting the congenital, inflammatory, traumatic, degenerative and neo-plastic disease with variable sensitivity and specificity depending on the region (part) affected. They can be used to check:

•	bones for fractures or infection
•	joints for damage or inflammation
•	soft tissues and organs for signs of disease

Advantages:

•	X-rays can be used to produce an image of any body part. X-Ray imaging is useful to diagnose bone injury and disease, such as fractures, bone infections, arthritis, and cancer.
•	X-Ray imaging is fast and easy, and particularly useful in emergency diagnosis and treatment.
•	Less costly when compared to the other imaging modalities like MRI or CT Scan. However, the amount of information obtained is specific to above mentioned capabilities, and does not provide as much information as other imaging modalities.

Disadvantages:

•	Exposure to ionizing radiation that is harmful to the human body in excess.
•	Relatively low information when compared to other imaging methods.