Get an X-Ray, Ultrasound, Echo or MRI Scan Arranged by a Doctor in Turkey
Understand which scan looks at what, from X-ray for bones to MRI for soft tissue, and ask us to arrange the right one for you.
X-Ray: A Clear View of Bone
An X-ray is usually the first scan for an injury. It shows bone tissue very well, so it is used to find fractures, bone infections, bone tumours and signs of arthritis, and to see whether arthritis is getting worse over time. Mayo Clinic notes that special X-ray tests can also measure bone density to check for osteoporosis.
An X-ray uses a small dose of radiation. Mayo Clinic says the benefits generally outweigh the risks, but children are more sensitive, and anyone who is or might be pregnant should tell the care team first, as another test such as ultrasound may be used.
Ultrasound (USG): Veins, Arteries and Superficial Tissue
Ultrasound uses sound waves instead of radiation, and Mayo Clinic describes it as a safe procedure with no known risks. For the arms and legs, three kinds of ultrasound are common:
- Venous ultrasound: looks at the veins to find blood clots. Cleveland Clinic explains that this exam is done to find out whether there is a clot in the legs or arms.
- Arterial ultrasound: looks at the arteries and the blood flow through them, to check for narrowing or blockage.
- Superficial ultrasound: looks at tissue just under the skin, such as lumps, swellings, tendons and muscle.
A swollen, painful calf after a long flight, for example, is a typical reason for a venous ultrasound of the leg. The scan is painless: a warm gel is applied and a probe is moved over the skin.
Ultrasound at Your Home or Hotel in Istanbul
In Istanbul, ultrasound can be arranged at your home or hotel, so you can be scanned without travelling across the city while unwell. Message us on WhatsApp with your address or hotel, and tell us what you need to have checked.
Echo: Looking at the Heart
An echocardiogram, or echo, is an ultrasound of the heart. It is used to assess the heart anatomically: the size of its chambers, the thickness of its walls, its shape and connections, and how well the valves open and close. Mayo Clinic adds that it shows how well the heart pumps, including the ejection fraction. It uses sound waves, and there is no X-ray exposure. An echo may be advised for breathlessness, chest symptoms, a heart murmur or palpitations.
MRI: Soft and Connective Tissue
MRI uses a strong magnet and radio waves rather than radiation. Cleveland Clinic calls it especially useful for viewing soft tissues, and it shows muscles, nerves and other tissues that do not show well on X-rays. Mayo Clinic notes that MRI can find torn cartilage or ligaments after injuries or repetitive stress. That makes it a common choice for knee, shoulder, spine and brain problems.
Metal can be a hazard in the magnet. Pacemakers, metal joint replacements and some other implants may prevent an MRI unless certified MRI safe, so you will fill in a safety questionnaire first.
Full Body MRI for Screening
A full body MRI scans many regions in one session and is sometimes chosen as a screening scan by people without symptoms. Whether screening healthy people brings a clear benefit is still debated, and scans can find harmless changes that lead to further tests. A Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine article raised the same question about whole-body CT screening, which is a different scan. Talk to a doctor first about whether it suits you.
CT: Detailed Slices
A CT scan combines many X-ray images into cross-sectional slices of bones, blood vessels and soft tissue. Mayo Clinic says it shows more detail than plain X-rays but uses more radiation, so doctors use the lowest dose needed.
How to Request a Scan
Imaging is arranged when your doctor advises a scan after examining you. Message us on WhatsApp to describe your symptoms, and ask about locations, timing and pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an X-ray show?
An X-ray mainly shows bones, so it is used to look for fractures, joint changes such as arthritis, and bone infections or tumours.
What is the difference between X-ray, CT and MRI?
X-ray and CT both use radiation; CT combines many X-ray images into detailed slices. MRI uses a magnet and radio waves instead, with no radiation, and shows soft tissues such as muscle, ligament and nerve in great detail.
Is ultrasound safe?
Diagnostic ultrasound uses sound waves, not radiation, and has no known risks. It is often chosen when a scan is needed in pregnancy.
Is a full body MRI right for me?
A full body MRI can be considered as a screening scan, but benefits for healthy people are still debated. A doctor can talk you through whether it makes sense for you.
Is home or hotel ultrasound available?
In Istanbul, ultrasound can be arranged at your home or hotel. Message us on WhatsApp with your location and the scan you need.
References
- Mayo Clinic. X-ray: Imaging test quickly helps find diagnosis
- Mayo Clinic. Ultrasound
- Mayo Clinic. Echocardiogram
- Mayo Clinic. MRI
- Mayo Clinic. CT scan
- Cleveland Clinic. Upper or lower venous extremity ultrasound
- Cleveland Clinic. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. Whole-body CT screening for cancer and coronary disease: Does it pass the test? (Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 2004)