The results in radiology depend both on ‘man and machine’.Though its a daunting task for a common consumer to determine the competence and efficiency of radiologist,a fair attempt can be made to know about the equipments the radiologist works with.I encourage consumers to ask following set of questions with their radiology service providers to gauge the equipments they have at their disposal.

1.Ultrasound and Doppler scan-do you have 3D functionality in it?This 3D application may not be necessary in arriving at a right diagnosis,but availability in the equipment makes one feel more confident of the capabilities of the device.

(ultrasound scan of heart is called echocardiogram.)

2X-ray(radiogram)-Do you have digital(true digital/ CR-Computed Radiography)?
3.CT(CAT)scan:Do you have 64 slice scanner?.Any scanner with 64 slice or more (128,256 etc)capability is what a radiologist prefers.

These numbers refer to speed of image acquisition by the device.

4MRI scan:Do you have 1.5 T scanner?.Any scanner of field strength of 1.5T or more(3T,7T)fits in current standards of practice." T(Tesla)-a unit of strength of magnetic field.

! Among these diagnostic tools ,x ray and CT have hazard of radiation exposure.Generally ultrasound and MRI are safe and free of adverse effects.