Diagnostic tests are some important processes through which medical professionals identify certain diseases and conditions. There are numerous diagnostic tests in medical science, but today, ILS Hospitals would like to highlight a few of them. Let’s know about certain diagnostic tests in brief.

CT (Computed Tomography) Scan

Computed tomography scan or well-known as CT scan is a diagnostic imaging test done by the medical professionals to view the inside of the body. CT scan takes X-ray images from different angles and a computer to generate cross-sectional (tomographic) images of bones, blood vessels, organs and other soft tissues. CT scans are used by the doctor to diagnose-

• Bone fractures

• Infections

• Bone tumours

• Internal injuries

• Internal bleeding

• Blood clots

• Cancer

• Cardiovascular diseases

• To determine the method of treatment for operations, biopsies and radiation therapy

• To observe the efficacy of treatment, like radiation therapy etc.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Scan

MRI is a diagnostic imaging tool which uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce comprehensive images of the organs in the body. An MRI scan helps in diagnosing conditions, like tumours, injuries in the brain due to trauma, cysts, abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord, heart conditions, stroke and many more.

As MRI scan uses strong magnetic fields, it is not suitable for pregnant women and people with pacemakers, cochlear implants, artificial joint, metal plates, dental fillings, intrauterine device (IUD) and some others.

Electromyography (EMG)

Electromyography helps in diagnosing the health of your muscle and nerve disorders, like muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). You’ll be prescribed EMG if you suffer from muscle cramps, numbness, tingling etc. In EMG, the technician will insert electrodes at various parts of the body as per your symptoms. The electrodes will release electrical current at certain times to check for the muscle’s activity, so it can cause a little discomfort to the patient.

Endoscopy

Endoscopy is another diagnostic test in which an endoscope, a long and thin flexible tube attached with a light and camera is inserted through the mouth to get detailed images of the digestive system. The gastroenterologist recommends endoscopy to determine certain health-conditions as follows:

• Polyps

• Ulcers

• Chronic constipation

• Chronic diarrhoea

• Gastritis.

Liver function test/s (LFT/s)

Liver function tests are also called hepatic panel and are a collection of blood tests recommended by the doctor to determine the person’s liver health and performance by measuring the proteins, enzymes and bilirubin in the blood as discharged by the liver. This diagnostic test is required to check for inflammation (hepatitis), infection and other diseases in the liver. You are most likely to be recommended LFT by the medical supervisor if you have serious medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, anaemia etc.

Echocardiography

Echocardiography is used to monitor the heart’s functioning and defects. In an Echocardiography, sound waves are produced by the machine to create live images (echocardiogram) of the heart. During the test, the Echo technician will attach soft sticky patches (electrodes) on your chest and put gel on a transducer to be pressed on your chest for the examination.

At ILS Hospitals in Kolkata and Agartala, we provide the above diagnostic tests and many other medical services to our patients. For more details, get in touch with us.