Outpatient Information

Medical Examinations & Testing

MRI Examination

MRI is superior to X-rays or CT scans in depicting soft tissue, making it highly effective for examining the brain, joints, and spine. It is also used for early diagnosis of cerebral infarction (stroke), where blood clots block brain vessels and cause tissue death, playing a crucial role in determining eligibility for thrombolytic therapy.

The principle of MRI involves imaging hydrogen atoms found in water (H2O), which makes up 60% to 70% of the human body. In the MRI room, a magnetic field is kept constant. When a patient enters, their hydrogen atoms align in a specific direction. By applying energy from an angle (the source of the “tapping” sound), the atoms tilt, and when the energy is cut off, they release energy as they return to their original position. This signal is captured by receiving coils to create an image. Since different tissues have different recovery rates, the device can visualize internal structures clearly.

Because of this, specialized equipment is placed around the examination site. Our facility is designed with low-noise technology for patient comfort. While conventional MRI rooms often feel claustrophobic due to narrow windows needed for magnetic precision, our examination room features large windows facing a garden and the control room, creating a bright and open atmosphere. Additionally, unlike X-ray imaging, MRI can often visualize blood vessels without the use of contrast agents.

CT Examination

During a CT scan, the patient lies on a table while an X-ray generator rotates around the body. The X-rays that pass through the body are captured by detectors and processed by a computer to create cross-sectional images (tomograms).

In addition to imaging internal organs, CT is excellent for visualizing bones. We use it to create 3D images and multi-directional cross-sections to plan surgeries for fractures and explain procedures to patients. By injecting contrast agents, we can perform quality evaluations of lesions and visualize blood vessels in various parts of the body.

While X-ray exams are traditionally difficult for moving parts of the body, our CT scanner can complete one rotation in as little as 0.35 seconds. This allows us to perform cardiac (coronary artery) imaging—previously only possible via catheterization—synchronized with an electrocardiogram. As a result, what used to require an overnight stay for catheterization can now be performed in approximately 40 minutes as an outpatient procedure.

Endoscopy

We offer gastroscopy through both oral (mouth) and transnasal (nose) routes. Transnasal endoscopy has become the mainstream choice because it minimizes the “gag reflex” and is generally more comfortable for the patient. Another advantage of the nasal route is that it allows the patient to converse with the doctor during the procedure.

Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)

This test is used to determine if symptoms like numbness or weakness in the limbs are caused by nerve damage.

Motor Nerve Conduction Velocity (MCV): Peripheral nerves are electrically stimulated at two points on the skin, and the response in the corresponding muscles is recorded. The conduction velocity is calculated by dividing the distance between the two points by the difference in time (latency) it takes for the signal to appear.

Sensory Nerve Conduction Velocity (SCV): The nerves are stimulated, and the action potential is recorded at a distant location to determine the conduction speed.

These tests allow us to assess the degree of nerve damage caused by injuries, demyelinating diseases, or diabetes based on changes in conduction speed. Patients may feel a tingling sensation during the electrical stimulation; a lack of sensation can be an indicator of advanced nerve damage.

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG)

An ECG is performed when symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath occur to determine if they are related to heart disease. Electrodes are attached to the wrists, ankles, and chest to record the heart’s electrical activity while the patient is resting in a supine position. This helps in diagnosing arrhythmias, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial ischemia, and myocardial damage.

Pulmonary Function Test

This test measures how much air you can exhale in one second (Forced Expiratory Volume or FEV1) to determine your “lung age” compared to standard values. Using a device called a spirometer, we can assess the severity of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), a lifestyle-related disease primarily caused by smoking. Symptoms include chronic coughing, phlegm, and shortness of breath.

Abdominal Ultrasound (Echo)

Used for patients with symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, weight loss, or detectable masses. With jelly applied to the abdomen, a probe is used to observe the organs in real-time. Patients may be asked to hold their breath or change positions. Please arrive on an empty stomach (fasting) on the day of the exam. This test can detect hepatitis, fatty liver, tumors, gallstones, and polyps.

Carotid Ultrasound (Echo)

The carotid arteries are prone to arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), which can lead to strokes. This test evaluates the thickness and nature of plaque in the blood vessels. By using color Doppler imaging, we can also observe blood flow and velocity. Large or “unstable” plaques are particularly dangerous as they can break off and block blood vessels in the brain, causing a stroke.

Bone Mineral Density (BMD) Measurement

We have introduced the latest bone densitometry equipment. Unlike older devices that only measured the forearm, our system can measure the lumbar spine and femur—areas highly susceptible to compression fractures and hip fractures in the elderly.

Bone strength depends on both density and “bone quality.” Even if density is high, poor quality can lead to a diagnosis of osteoporosis. Our latest device can evaluate bone quality (previously only possible through blood or urine tests) in a single scan, allowing for a more accurate diagnosis and the proposal of the most appropriate treatment plan.