Blood Imaging

Hemogram (Complete Blood Count)

What is a Hemogram? Hemogram is a basic screening test, popularly known as “blood count”, that gives the most information about your general health condition. It reveals infection, anemia or clotting problems in the body with a single tube of blood.

What Do the Abbreviations in the Report Mean?

WBC (White Blood Cells): The body’s defense soldiers. Elevated levels usually indicate an infection or inflammation.
HGB (Hemoglobin): A protein in the blood that carries oxygen. Low levels indicate anemia.
PLT (Platelets): Cells that help the blood clot. Low levels cause prolonged bleeding, while high levels increase the risk of clot formation.
HCT (Hematocrit): Shows the density of blood.

Is Starvation Necessary? If only the hemogram is to be checked, fasting is generally not mandatory. However, if blood sugar or cholesterol are to be measured together with other tests, 8-10 hours of fasting is recommended.

Biochemistry Analysis

What Does a Biochemistry Test Measure? Biochemistry tests are comprehensive analyzes that show how healthy organs (kidney, liver, heart) are working. Sugar, protein, enzymes and minerals in the liquid part of the blood are measured.

Most Frequently Viewed Values

Glucose (Sugar): It is the most basic test for the diagnosis of diabetes.
Creatinine and Urea: Indicate how well the kidneys are filtering blood. Elevated levels may suggest kidney failure.
ALT and AST: These are liver enzymes. It increases in cases of fatty liver, hepatitis or damage due to drug use.
Cholesterol (Lipid Panel): It is the measurement of HDL (Good), LDL (Bad) cholesterol and Triglyceride for cardiovascular health.
Iron and Ferritin: Shows the status of iron stores, is critical in the treatment of anemia.

When Should It Be Done? A general check-up at least once a year is vital for early diagnosis of hidden diseases.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance)

What is MRI (Emar)? MRI is a high-tech device that images the internal structure of the body in minute detail using powerful magnets and radio waves. It is unrivaled especially in imaging soft tissues (brain, muscle, ligaments, spinal cord).

Does it emit radiation? No, there is no radiation (X-ray) in the MRI device. In this way, it can be used safely in children and pregnant women when necessary.

In Which Situations Is It Taken?

Brain: In the investigation of headache, suspected tumor, stroke or MS disease.
Waist and Neck: To see the pressure of hernias on the nerves.
Joints: For meniscus tears, ligament ruptures, or muscle injuries.

Scanning Process MRI takes between 15 and 45 minutes, depending on the area examined. The device makes loud clicking noises when operating; This is completely normal and comfort is ensured by wearing headphones.

Tomography (CT)

What is Computed Tomography? Tomography is a very fast imaging method that creates cross-sectional (slice-by-slice) images of the body using X-rays. It can be thought of as “the 3D version of an x-ray”.

What is the difference with MRI?

Speed: While MRI takes half an hour, Tomography is taken in seconds. Therefore, in emergency situations (accident, trauma) the first choice is CT.
Radiation: While MRI does not contain radiation, Tomography contains X-ray (radiation).
Area of Use: Shows bone structures and lungs better than MRI.

When is it required?

For control of cerebral hemorrhage in head injuries.
For lung diseases (pneumonia, nodule, suspected cancer).
For detection of kidney stones.
For the diagnosis of appendicitis in abdominal pain.

Ultrasound

How Does Ultrasound Work? Ultrasound is a device that creates images of organs using high-frequency sound waves that the human ear cannot hear. It does not contain radiation, is painless and has no side effects.

Where to Look?

Abdominal Ultrasound: Fatty liver, gallbladder stones, kidney stones.
Pregnancy Follow-up: Baby’s development and heartbeat.
Thyroid: The structure of the nodules in the throat (Goiter).
Breast: Screening for masses or cysts.

Is Preparation Required? In abdominal ultrasounds, it may be necessary to fast to ensure that the gallbladder is full, and to urinate to ensure that the bladder is full. For other regions, no preliminary preparation is usually required.

Hormone Tests

Why is Hormone Testing Done? Hormones are the body’s messengers. Hormonal imbalance may underlie many problems such as weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, menstrual irregularity or irritability.

Common Hormones

TSH (Thyroid): Determines the metabolic rate. Its high level is a sign of “Hypothyroidism” (slow functioning), and its low level is a sign of “Hyperthyroidism” (fast functioning).
B12 and Folic Acid: Checked for forgetfulness and fatigue due to vitamin deficiencies.
Insulin: It indicates susceptibility to diabetes (Insulin resistance).
Prolactin: It is checked in cases of menstrual irregularity and milk discharge from the breast in women.
Cortisol: It is the stress hormone.

When Do Results Come Out? Hormone tests may take a little longer to run than biochemistry tests. It usually results the same day (afternoon) or the next day.