Diagnostics - The New Malden Diagnostic Centre

At New Malden Diagnostic Centre we can scan both adults and most children without the need for sedation or general anaesthetic.

MRI scans provide detailed images of all soft tissue, nerve tracts, and vertebral discs. It is the Gold Standard for imaging the brain and the spinal cord.

 Due to the excellent imaging clarity on MRI between muscles, ligaments, cartilage and bone marrow, MRI is also the Gold Standard for musculo-skeletal imaging.

 MRI also effectively images the pelvis, abdomen and chest producing images of the highest quality and diagnostic value.

Breast MRI is a very effective diagnostic tool and patients are referred by Breast Consultants for this procedure.

 Cardiac MRI visualises the heart and the large blood vessels, making it possible to detect heart defects, as well as damage caused by a heart attack, coronary heart disease, heart valve problems, heart failure and pericarditis.

Fibroadenomas are one the most common benign breast diseases in the UK. Currently the majority of these are removed surgically resulting in a hospital stay. Here at the New Malden Diagnostic Centre we can accurately remove an entire fibroadenoma on an out-patient visit using our Vacuum Assisted Biopsy System. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes with minimal disruption to a patient’s personal schedule. 

The Vacuum Assisted Biopsy System is also used to biopsy areas of clinical suspicion within the breast such as micro-calcifications. It can be used with Ultrasound or Stereotactic Guidance enabling more accurate tissue samples in comparison to the conventional methods which are currently practiced widely. 

X-Rays at The New Malden Diagnostic Centre are undertaken using a totally digital system which ensures that the images are available immediately and can be manipulated and measurements made of any area of the body. The X-Ray system we have has the unique ability to examine the whole spine in one image or whole leg(s) in one image as well. This is invaluable to looking at the curvature of the spine or of the actual length of legs, which can only be done with the patient standing up.

All plain radiography is available at New Malden including specialist views prior to orthopaedic surgery.

The entire Centre is networked to HCA centrally via a PACS (Picture Archive Communication System) which has the added advantage of remote Consultant Radiologists within London being available to provide an instant report in cases where the Senior Radiographer has detected an abnormality that needs urgent follow-up. This ensures the report instantly gets back to the GP.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to visualize muscles, tendons, and many internal organs, to capture their size, structure and any pathological lesions with real time tomographic images. Ultrasound has been used by radiologists and to image the human body for at least 50 years and has become one of the most widely used diagnostic tools in modern medicine.

We offer a wide range of ultrasound examinations including:

• Gynaecology
• Musculoskeletal
• DVT detection
• Paediatric
• Echocardiograms (including children)
• Renal, abdominal and pelvic
• Thyroid

 In addition:

•  Ultrasound Guided Biopsies in conjunction with our Breast Clinic
• Ultrasound Guided Injections as part of our musculo-skeletal services.

 We have a selection of some of the best Consultant Radiologists to ensure high quality reports support these specialties. Diagnostic imaging results are available on the same day.

We provide a comprehensive range of outpatient diagnostic testing. Particular expertise exists for assessing patients with chest pain, heart failure and suspected disturbances of heart rhythm, as well as screening for cardiovascular disease.

The Centre provides a calm efficient environment in which to assess, diagnose and determine treatment of a number of cardiac conditions. Using the latest diagnostic equipment in purpose built welcoming surroundings we offer:

Cardiac MRI

Our 1.5T MRI provides clear and precise cardiac imaging, producing still and moving images of the heart and blood vessels. Supervised and reported by leading Consultant Cardiologists we can diagnose and evaluate:

• Coronary heart disease,
• Damage caused by a heart attack
• Heart failure
• Heart valve problems
• Congenital heart defects
• Pericarditis
• Cardiac tumours

ECG 

In addition to a resting ECG we can also offer a 24 hour, 48 hour or 7 day event recorder which helps to diagnose symptoms, such as palpitations, which only happen now and again. Sometimes it can show up an abnormality that might need treatment.

Exercise ECG testing can be used in the following circumstances:

• Evaluation of exercise tolerance and cardiac function
• Assessment of cardiopulmonary function in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy or heart failure
• Assessment of treatment for arrhythmia
• Assessment of angina
• Assessment of asymptomatic people in high risk occupations like airline pilots

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Echocardiography is an ultrasound scan that is used to diagnose cardiovascular abnormalities. It provides detailed information, including the size and shape of the heart, and its pumping strength. It can identify:

• Pericarditis
• Pericardial effusion.
• Coronary artery disease
• Myocardial ischemia
• Valve disease
• Heart failure and heart muscle disease