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 Imaging and scan
The purpose of imaging is to look for any structural changes in the body. X-ray and ultrasound are two commonly used methods in imaging. Digital technology has improved the quality of the X-ray file tremendously in recent years, producing much clearer and better resolution images. Other advanced imaging techniques such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or PET (Positron Emission Tomography) are used in more specific diagnostics areas and not commonly used in health screening. 
MammogramMammogram is X-ray imaging of the breast which is used to screen for breast cancer. It is more accurate in detecting small tumours compared with palpations by doctors. It allows early detection of otherwise undetectable lesions in the breast. Ultrasound Scan
Ultrasound scan utilizes high frequency sound waves to examine internal body organs and breast. Through the scanner, many internal organs can be visualized, such as liver, gall bladder, kidney, bladder, uterus and ovary, in order to diagnose diseases in these organs which may include liver cancer, cirrhosis, gall stone, kidney stone and other internal cancers. Because ultrasound is using sound wave, there is no radiation, it is a safe, efficient, convenient and comfortable examination. DEXA Scan
DEXA scan is the abbreviation of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. It is a X-ray technique used to examine bony density and diagnosis of osteoporosis. Because osteoporosis has no symptom, it can easily be forgotten and discovered only when bone fracture occurs. In general, bone density can be measured using two methods, ultrasound and DEXA. However, DEXA scan provides more accurate results of bone density and it is a precise, efficient, painless and safe method in measuring bony density. CT ScanCT scan has been increasingly used as a screening tool to detect various cancers, such as lung and colon cancers especially in high risk individuals. CT scan provides more accurate and much better quality high resolution images compares to normal X-rays. Modern CT scan produces much lower level of radiation than older machines. It is able to detect much smaller lung cancers and in locations when normal unable to be detected by traditional chest X-ray. With the increasing number of colon cancer, CT scan can now provide 3-D images of the colon without the need for invasive colonoscopy. 
CT scan can also be used in the diagnosis of coronary heart disease with a technique call CT angiogram. The technique is relatively safer compares to conventional angiogram which carriers approximately 0.5-1% chance of major complications.  |
