Radiology & Imaging
MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-ray in Lucknow

Need an MRI, CT scan, ultrasound or X-ray? The radiology department at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, performs scans for outpatients, inpatients and emergencies, with reports by radiologists and image-guided procedures when needed.

Book a scan Call 0522-666-4444
NABH-accredited hospital MRI · CT · USG · X-ray PET-CT & gamma camera 24×7 emergency imaging

Book a scan

Share your details — our coordinator will call you back to schedule a visit.

Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

24×7 hospital & emergency0522-666-4444
Our approach

Imaging that helps your doctor decide

Scans help doctors see inside the body to diagnose illness, plan treatment and check progress. The right scan depends on the question your doctor is asking. Our radiologists report each scan and discuss findings with your treating doctor when needed.

  • A full range of imaging on one campus
  • Scans for emergencies at any time
  • Reports by qualified radiologists
  • Safety checks before MRI and contrast scans
  • Image-guided biopsies and procedures

MRI

Detailed images of the brain, spine, joints and soft tissues.

CT & DEXA

Fast CT scans, plus DEXA scans for bone density.

Ultrasound & Doppler

Abdomen, pregnancy, thyroid and blood flow scans.

Nuclear medicine

PET-CT and gamma camera scans.

300Bed multispeciality hospital
NABHAccredited for quality and patient safety
24×7Emergency & critical care
27+Specialities under one roof
Which scan

Common reasons for a scan

Your doctor will advise which scan you need.

Headache, stroke or seizures

CT or MRI brain.

Back or joint pain, weak bones

X-ray, MRI or DEXA bone density scan.

Abdominal pain

Ultrasound or CT.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy ultrasound.

Cough or breathlessness

Chest X-ray or CT.

Injury

X-ray or CT.

Leg swelling

Doppler ultrasound.

Cancer staging

CT, MRI or PET-CT.

For emergencies such as stroke, head injury or severe abdominal pain, come straight to the 24×7 emergency department, where scans are arranged urgently. Call 0522-666-4444.

Scans A–Z

Find information about a scan

Tap a scan to read what it involves and how to prepare.

X-ray

Quick images of bones and chest

Used for

Fractures, chest problems and joints.

Preparation

Usually none; remove metal items.

Safety

A very small radiation dose. Tell us if you may be pregnant.

CT scan

Detailed cross-sectional X-ray images

Used for

Head injury, stroke, chest, abdomen, stones and cancer.

Preparation

Fasting and a kidney test may be needed for contrast scans.

Safety

Uses X-rays; tell us about pregnancy, allergies and kidney disease.

CT angiography

Imaging of blood vessels

Used for

Heart, brain and limb arteries.

Preparation

Fasting and a kidney test; medicines to slow the heart for some cardiac scans.

Safety

Contrast dye is used.

Cardiac sciences

DEXA bone density scan

Checks bone strength

Used for

Osteoporosis screening, especially after menopause, and monitoring treatment.

Preparation

Avoid calcium tablets on the day of the scan; wear clothes without metal.

What to expect

You lie still for about 10–20 minutes. The radiation dose is very low.

Orthopaedics

MRI scan

Detailed images using a magnet

Used for

Brain, spine, joints, soft tissues and pelvis.

Preparation

Remove all metal. Tell us about pacemakers, implants or metal fragments.

What to expect

The scanner is noisy; earplugs are given. Scans usually take 20–45 minutes.

Neurosciences

MRI of joints and spine

For pain, injuries and discs

Used for

Slipped disc, ligament tears and joint problems.

Preparation

As for MRI.

What to expect

Lie still for the scan.

Orthopaedics

Ultrasound (USG)

Images using sound waves

Used for

Abdomen, pelvis, thyroid, breast and other organs.

Preparation

Fasting for abdomen; a full bladder for pelvis, as advised.

Safety

No radiation.

Pregnancy ultrasound

Scans during pregnancy

Used for

Dating, NT, anomaly and growth scans.

Preparation

As advised by your obstetrician.

Note

Sex determination is not done — it is prohibited by law.

Obstetrics

Doppler ultrasound

Blood flow in arteries and veins

Used for

Leg clots, varicose veins and artery blockages.

Preparation

Usually none.

Safety

No radiation.

Vascular surgery

PET-CT scan

Combined metabolic and CT imaging

Used for

Cancer staging and response to treatment.

Preparation

Fasting for 4–6 hours; sugar is checked.

What to expect

An injection, then rest for about an hour before the scan.

About PET-CT

Gamma camera scans

Nuclear medicine scans

Used for

Bone, kidney, thyroid and other scans.

Preparation

As advised for each scan.

What to expect

A small tracer injection and imaging.

About gamma camera

No match found. Please call us on 0522-666-4444 — we will guide you.

Preparation

Preparing for your scan

Simple preparation makes scans quicker and safer.

Bring the request

The doctor’s prescription and previous scans.

Fasting if needed

For abdominal ultrasound, contrast CT and PET-CT.

Kidney test

Creatinine before contrast scans, if advised.

Safety questions

Pregnancy, allergies, implants and metal.

Report

Collect your report or ask your doctor.

Which scan, and why?

Tap a scan type to see what it is suited for.

Procedures

Image-guided procedures

Some procedures are done in radiology using imaging guidance.

Image-guided biopsy

A needle guided by ultrasound or CT takes a tissue sample for diagnosis.

Ultrasound-guided biopsyCT-guided biopsyFNAC

What to expect

  • Local anaesthesia
  • Usually a day procedure
  • Results in a few days

After

  • Rest as advised
  • Report bleeding or fever
  • Collect the report
Our doctors

Meet our radiology team

Interventional radiology PET-CT Gamma camera Diagnostics
Practical help

Preparing for your scan, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us make the most of your appointment.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • The doctor’s request or prescription
  • All previous scans (films or CDs) and reports
  • A recent creatinine report for contrast scans, if asked
  • A list of allergies and current medicines
  • Comfortable clothing without metal
  • Fast as advised for your scan

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need. Ask our team for a written estimate before planned tests, procedures or admission.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an appointment for a scan?

X-rays and many ultrasounds can be done on the same day. MRI, CT with contrast and PET-CT are usually booked. Call to check.

Do I need to fast?

For abdominal ultrasound, contrast CT and PET-CT, yes. Our team will advise.

Is MRI safe?

MRI does not use X-rays. It is not suitable for some people with pacemakers or certain implants — tell us before the scan.

Is CT radiation harmful?

CT uses a higher dose than X-ray, so it is used only when the benefit outweighs the risk.

When will I get my report?

X-ray reports are usually ready in 1–2 hours and CT reports in 4–6 hours; some complex scans take longer.

Can I get a scan in an emergency at night?

Yes, emergency imaging is available round the clock.

Is sex determination done in pregnancy scans?

No. It is prohibited by law.

How do I book?

Call 0522-666-4444 or use the form on this page.

Glossary

Words you may hear

ContrastA dye that makes some tissues show up better on scans.
CTComputed tomography.
MRIMagnetic resonance imaging.
USGUltrasonography.
DopplerUltrasound of blood flow.
PET-CTPositron emission tomography with CT.
Gamma cameraA camera for nuclear medicine scans.
RadiologistA doctor who reports scans.
FNACA fine needle sample of a lump.
HRCTHigh-resolution CT of the lungs.
DEXAA low-dose X-ray scan that measures bone density.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Interventional radiology PET-CT Gamma camera Diagnostics Laboratory Neurosciences Orthopaedics Oncology DEXA scan Health library

Need a scan?

Book with our radiology team. For emergencies, come straight to the 24×7 emergency department.

0522-666-4444 Request a call back

Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Radiology, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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