Report turnaround times at Charak Radiology: X-Ray — within 1–2 hours. Ultrasound — within 2 hours. CT Scan — within 4–6 hours. MRI — within 12–24 hours. Emergency reports — within 30–60 minutes. All reports are digitally issued and shared directly with your treating doctor. You can also collect a printed copy from the reports counter.

We use ultra-low-dose CT protocols that reduce radiation to the minimum level required for a diagnostic-quality image. The dose from a chest X-ray is equivalent to approximately one day of natural background radiation. Our radiologists follow the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle for every scan. MRI and Ultrasound use no radiation at all. We will always discuss alternatives if radiation is a concern for you.

Interventional Radiology (IR) uses live imaging (X-ray, CT, or ultrasound) to guide instruments through a tiny nick in the skin — typically a 2–3 mm puncture — to treat conditions deep inside the body without open surgery. Examples include opening a blocked artery (angioplasty), shrinking a fibroid (UAE), ablating a liver tumour (RFA), or draining an abscess. Most IR procedures are done under local anaesthesia with a short hospital stay, and patients go home significantly sooner than with open surgery.

Yes. We offer wide-bore MRI options that are considerably more spacious than standard MRI tubes. For patients with severe claustrophobia, our team can discuss mild oral sedation to help you relax during the scan. Please let us know at the time of booking — we will plan accordingly and make sure your experience is as comfortable as possible.

Yes. Diagnostic ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves, not radiation. It has an exceptional safety record across decades of obstetric use and is the preferred imaging modality for monitoring foetal development, anatomy, and placental position throughout pregnancy. Our obstetric sonologists are trained in foetal anomaly scanning and nuchal translucency assessment.

Charak Hospital offers a comprehensive range of imaging services, including X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasounds, and mammograms. We also provide specialized imaging like PET scans and interventional radiology procedures. Our department utilizes state-of-the-art technology to ensure accurate and detailed imaging results.

Preparation for an imaging procedure can vary depending on the type of scan you are having. For instance, for an abdominal ultrasound, you may need to fast for several hours. For a CT scan that requires contrast, you may be asked to drink a specific solution before the scan. Always follow the detailed instructions provided by our radiology staff to ensure the best possible results for your scan.

The safety of imaging procedures is a top priority at Charak Hospital. Our radiologists and technologists are trained to minimize the radiation dose to the lowest possible level without compromising the quality of the images. If multiple imaging procedures are necessary, we carefully consider the cumulative exposure and make decisions that prioritize your health and safety.

The results of most imaging scans are not available immediately. Once the scan is completed, the images are sent to a radiologist who will interpret them. This process can take some time, depending on the complexity of the images and the radiologist's schedule. Typically, you will receive a detailed report within a few days, which will be discussed with you by your referring physician.

Yes, typically you will need a referral from a healthcare provider to access the services of the Department of Radiology. This referral ensures that the imaging is medically necessary and part of a coordinated healthcare plan. However, in emergency situations, immediate imaging services can be provided without a prior referral.