Specialties of imaging examinations

Radiological examinations are widely used to diagnose various diseases and to monitor the effects of treatment. 

Common radiological examinations include X-ray imaging (i.e. lungs, bones, breasts, and teeth), ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and various interventional procedures. 

Radiological imaging methods are divided into those that utilize X-rays and those that use other techniques. 

The use of X-rays in radiology is based on the ability of radiation to penetrate different body tissues in varying ways and, on the other hand, on the fact that radiation attenuates differently in various tissues depending, among other things, on tissue density. In certain examinations, the distinction of organs and pathological conditions in images can be improved by using contrast agents. 

Radiology increasingly includes therapeutic procedures, such as local treatment of cancerous tumors, opening of vascular obstructions or stopping internal bleeding. 

A physician’s referral is always required for radiological examinations and procedures. 

Clinical physiology is used to examine human vital functions, their regulation, and disorders. These examinations are used in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment evaluation of common diseases such as asthma and coronary artery disease. 

Clinical physiology is also used in diagnosing rarer diseases, assessing surgical and procedural risks, and evaluating work ability.  Possible disorders are identified by measuring mechanical, electrical, and metabolic events in the body at rest, during exertion, or under other exposure. Long-term monitorings are also performed.  

Clinical physiology examinations include: 

• cardiac examinations 

• exercise examinations 

• peripheral circulation examinations 

• respiratory physiology examinations 

• gastrointestinal examinations 

A physician’s referral is always required for clinical physiology examinations. 

Clinical neurophysiology examinations are used to determine disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems and muscles. Sleep and alertness examinations as well as sensory organ function examinations are also performed. 

Clinical neurophysiology monitors nervous system function during surgeries and intensive care. 

ENMG (electroneuromyography), that is, a muscle and nerve examination, is used to detect damage and diseases of muscles and nerves.  

EEG (electroencephalography), in other words, an electroencephalogram, can be used to examine conditions such as epilepsy and other seizure-related symptoms. Sleep-related breathing disorders can be assessed with a sleep polygraphy examination. 

Clinical neurophysiology methods help prevent nerve injuries during surgery and assist in diagnosing disorders of vision, hearing, and sensory function. 

In addition to diagnostics and long-term monitoring, some clinical neurophysiology units provide non-invasive neuromodulation therapies. These treatments may include repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), where brain activity is either stimulated or inhibited using magnetic field pulses. This approach can be used to treat conditions such as chronic pain or depression that do not respond to conventional therapies. 

A physician’s referral is always required for clinical neurophysiology examinations. 

Nuclear medicine identifies tumor tissues and examines the function and metabolism of various body parts, organs, or tissues using radioactive pharmaceuticals. 

Many diseases can be detected through nuclear medicine before structural changes become visible in other imaging methods. 

In nuclear medicine examinations, a small amount of radioactive pharmaceutical is administered intravenously, orally, or via inhalation. 

The distribution of the radioactive pharmaceutical in the body is imaged using a gamma camera or PET scanner. These devices can detect very small amounts of radiation. 

A typical nuclear medicine examination is a bone scintigraphy, used for example to assess cancer metastasis. 

Radioactive pharmaceuticals can also be utilized in the treatment of different diseases. Isotope therapy is applied, for instance, in the management of cancers. 

A physician’s referral is always required for nuclear medicine examinations.