Medical Tests & Examinations

Outpatient Guide

MRI Examination

MRI provides superior visualization of soft tissues compared to X-ray or CT, making it highly useful for evaluating the brain, joints, and spine. It is also effective for the early diagnosis of cerebral infarction, helping determine eligibility for thrombolytic therapy.

MRI uses hydrogen atoms contained in the body’s water (60–70%) to generate images. Inside the MRI room, a constant magnetic field aligns the hydrogen atoms. When energy is applied from an oblique direction (producing tapping sounds), the atoms shift direction. When the energy stops, the atoms return to their original alignment while releasing energy. This released energy is detected by receiver coils and converted into images. Because different tissues return to alignment at different speeds, the device can create detailed images.

Our MRI system is designed to reduce noise during scanning. Unlike traditional MRI rooms that feel enclosed due to narrow windows, ours features large windows facing the garden and control room, creating a bright and open environment. Unlike X-ray angiography, MRI can visualize blood vessels without contrast agents.

CT Examination

Patients lie on the examination table while an X-ray tube rotates around the body. Transmitted X-rays are detected and processed into cross-sectional images.

CT is excellent for imaging internal organs and bones, enabling 3D reconstruction and multi-directional views used for surgical planning and patient explanation. Contrast-enhanced CT allows visualization of blood vessels and evaluation of lesion characteristics.

Our CT scanner rotates in as fast as 0.35 seconds, enabling cardiac (coronary artery) imaging synchronized with ECG—previously only possible with catheterization. This reduces what used to require overnight hospitalization to about 40 minutes.

Endoscopy

We perform both oral and nasal endoscopy. Nasal endoscopy causes less gagging and is generally more comfortable, making it the mainstream method today. Unlike oral insertion, nasal endoscopy allows patients to speak during the procedure, which is an advantage.

Peripheral Nerve Conduction Study

This test determines whether symptoms such as numbness or weakness are caused by nerve disorders.

Motor Nerve Conduction (MCV)

Two points on the skin over a peripheral nerve are electrically stimulated, and the muscle response is recorded. Conduction velocity is calculated by dividing the distance between the two points by the difference in response times.

Sensory Nerve Conduction (SCV)

A peripheral nerve is electrically stimulated, and sensory nerve activity is recorded at a distant point to calculate conduction velocity.

Conduction delays help diagnose nerve injury, demyelinating diseases, or diabetic neuropathy. A tingling sensation occurs during stimulation; absence of pain may indicate advanced nerve damage.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

ECG is used to determine whether symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath are heart-related. Electrodes are placed on the wrists, ankles, and chest to record resting waveforms.

ECG helps detect arrhythmias, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial ischemia, and myocardial injury.

Pulmonary Function Test

This test measures the amount of air exhaled in one second (FEV1) to assess respiratory function compared to standard values (“lung age”). Using a spirometer, lung age is calculated from FEV1 and height.

Results help evaluate COPD severity. COPD is mainly caused by smoking and progresses slowly, causing cough, sputum, and shortness of breath.

Abdominal Ultrasound (Echo)

Abdominal ultrasound evaluates whether symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, or palpable masses are caused by abdominal diseases.

Patients lie supine with the abdomen exposed. Gel is applied, and real-time imaging is performed with a probe. Fasting is required on the morning of the exam.

Findings may include:

• Liver: hepatitis, fatty liver, tumors
• Gallbladder: cholecystitis, gallstones, polyps

Carotid Artery Ultrasound

The carotid arteries are prone to arteriosclerosis. This test evaluates the degree of arterial narrowing to prevent stroke.

Patients lie supine with the neck exposed. Gel is applied, and real-time imaging is performed with a probe. Plaque characteristics and thickness indicate stenosis. Color Doppler shows blood flow and velocity.

Soft, unstable plaques may detach and cause cerebral infarction.

Bone Density Measurement

We use the latest bone densitometry equipment capable of measuring not only the forearm but also the lumbar spine and femur.

This allows detailed evaluation of fracture-prone areas, especially important for elderly patients at risk of compression fractures or femoral neck fractures.

Bone strength depends on both bone density and bone quality. The latest device can measure bone quality—previously assessed only by blood or urine tests—allowing accurate diagnosis of osteoporosis and appropriate treatment planning.