Diagnostic Imaging, Ultrasound & CT

The Right Scan Starts With the Right Clinical Question

Imaging can provide important information, but its value depends on choosing the appropriate test and understanding the findings in the context of your health.

At FAYY Health, diagnostic imaging supports care across our medical and surgical specialties. Ultrasound and CT can be arranged according to clinical need, with results reviewed alongside your symptoms, examination and wider treatment plan.

The aim is simple: obtain the information your doctor needs without turning imaging into an isolated step.

What Is Diagnostic Imaging?

Diagnostic imaging allows doctors to examine structures inside the body without surgery.

Different imaging methods provide different types of information.

At FAYY Health, the diagnostic pathway includes:

Ultrasound
CT imaging
Image-guided assessment where clinically appropriate
Coordination of MRI through an external imaging partner when required
Review of relevant previous scans and reports

Your doctor will recommend the imaging method that best answers the clinical question.

Not every symptom needs a scan, and more imaging does not necessarily mean better care.

Diagnostic Imaging Services

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of structures inside the body.

It does not use ionising radiation.

Ultrasound may be used to assess areas such as:

Abdomen
Liver and gallbladder
Kidneys and urinary system
Thyroid
Pelvis
Uterus and ovaries
Pregnancy
Breast tissue where clinically appropriate
Soft tissues
Muscles and tendons
Superficial lumps
Selected blood vessels

The exact examination depends on the referral and symptoms being investigated.

Abdominal Ultrasound

An abdominal ultrasound may be requested for symptoms or findings involving:

Abdominal pain
Gallstones
Liver concerns
Abnormal liver blood tests
Kidney concerns
Urinary symptoms
Abdominal swelling
Follow-up of known findings

Depending on the area being examined, fasting or other preparation may be required.

Pelvic Ultrasound

Pelvic ultrasound may help assess the uterus, ovaries and surrounding structures.

It may be used when investigating:

Pelvic pain
Heavy or irregular periods
Fibroids
Ovarian cysts
Abnormal bleeding
Fertility-related concerns
Selected pregnancy-related questions

Your doctor will explain whether an abdominal or internal ultrasound approach is appropriate and obtain consent before the examination.

Pregnancy Ultrasound

Ultrasound may be used at different stages of pregnancy to assess relevant aspects of maternal and fetal health.

The type and timing of ultrasound depend on:

Stage of pregnancy
Symptoms
Previous pregnancy history
Clinical indication
Obstetric care plan

Pregnancy imaging should remain coordinated with your obstetrician.

Thyroid Ultrasound

A thyroid ultrasound may be recommended when:

A thyroid lump or swelling is detected
A nodule has been identified
Previous imaging requires follow-up
The thyroid feels enlarged
Further assessment is needed alongside thyroid blood tests

Ultrasound can describe the structure of a thyroid nodule, but imaging findings need to be interpreted within the wider clinical picture.

Soft-Tissue Ultrasound

Ultrasound may help assess selected:

Lumps
Swellings
Cysts
Soft-tissue abnormalities
Tendon or muscle concerns
Superficial lesions

Further imaging, biopsy or specialist assessment may occasionally be recommended depending on the findings.

CT Imaging

What Is a CT Scan?

Computed tomography, or CT, uses X-rays and computer processing to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body.

CT may provide more detailed information than a standard X-ray for certain conditions and can examine several structures quickly.

A CT scan in Dubai may be recommended when your doctor needs to assess:

Head or facial structures
Chest
Abdomen
Pelvis
Bones
Sinuses
Selected spinal conditions
Internal organs
Trauma
Certain masses or abnormalities

The decision to request CT takes account of the clinical benefit and radiation exposure.

Head & Brain CT

CT imaging of the head may be used in selected situations involving:

Head injury
Acute neurological symptoms
Suspected bleeding
Certain severe headaches
Skull abnormalities
Follow-up of selected neurological findings

Some acute neurological symptoms require emergency hospital imaging rather than a routine outpatient appointment.

Facial & Sinus CT

CT can provide detailed images of facial bones, sinus anatomy and related structures.

It may support assessment of:

Chronic sinus concerns
Facial trauma
Nasal or facial surgical planning
Structural abnormalities
Selected ENT concerns

Imaging may be coordinated with the FAYY Health ENT or facial plastic surgery team.

Chest CT

A chest CT may be requested to examine:

Lungs
Airways
Chest structures
Selected infections
Abnormal findings from other tests
Certain nodules or lesions
Follow-up of a known condition

The reason for imaging determines whether contrast is required.

Abdominal & Pelvic CT

CT may be recommended to investigate certain:

Abdominal pain
Kidney or urinary conditions
Bowel-related concerns
Liver or pancreatic findings
Pelvic conditions
Masses or abnormal findings
Postoperative concerns

Your doctor will decide whether ultrasound, CT or another investigation is the more appropriate starting point.

CT for Spine & Bone Assessment

CT can provide detailed information about bone anatomy.

It may be used for:

Selected spinal conditions
Fractures
Surgical planning
Bone abnormalities
Complex anatomy
Assessment following previous surgery

For discs, nerves and the spinal cord, MRI may provide different and often more useful information.

Your specialist will choose the imaging modality according to the clinical question.

MRI Coordination

MRI uses magnetic fields rather than X-rays and can provide detailed imaging of the brain, spine, joints and soft tissues.

When MRI is the appropriate investigation, FAYY Health can coordinate imaging through its diagnostic pathway with an external imaging partner.

Your FAYY doctor can then review the report and images as part of your continuing care.

Who Is Diagnostic Imaging For?

Imaging may be appropriate if:

Your doctor has requested an ultrasound or CT
You need imaging as part of a specialist assessment
An earlier scan requires follow-up
You have symptoms that need further investigation
You need imaging before a planned procedure
You are being assessed for a women’s health concern
You need imaging related to thyroid, abdominal or urinary symptoms
Your surgeon requires additional anatomical information
You have previous scans that need comparison
You need coordinated imaging within your FAYY Health treatment plan

If you are unsure whether you need imaging, begin with the appropriate medical consultation.

What Happens During Diagnostic Imaging?

1. Review of the Referral

Before imaging, the team reviews:

The requested examination
The reason for the scan
Relevant symptoms
Medical history
Previous imaging where available
Pregnancy status where relevant
Allergies
Kidney function when contrast may be required
Previous reactions to contrast agents

This ensures the examination is appropriate and properly planned.

2. Preparation Instructions

Preparation depends on the type of imaging.

You may be asked to:

Fast for a certain period
Drink water and arrive with a full bladder
Continue usual medication
Remove metal objects
Bring previous scans
Complete a contrast-safety questionnaire
Have a kidney-function test before contrast CT

The booking team will give you specific instructions in advance.

What to Expect During an Ultrasound

Ultrasound is generally straightforward and does not involve radiation.

During the examination:

You will be positioned according to the area being examined.
A gel is applied to the skin.
A handheld ultrasound probe is moved over the area.
Images are obtained in real time.
You may be asked to change position or briefly hold your breath.
The gel is removed after the examination.

Some pelvic examinations may require a different approach. This will be explained beforehand and performed only with appropriate consent.

What to Expect During a CT Scan

Before the Scan

You may be asked to change into appropriate clothing and remove selected metal items.

If contrast is required, the team will explain:

Why it is being used
How it will be administered
What you may temporarily feel
Relevant risks
Any preparation required

During the Scan

You will lie on a table that moves through the CT scanner.

You may be asked to:

Keep still
Hold your breath briefly
Follow simple instructions from the imaging team

The scan itself is usually relatively quick, although preparation may take longer.

After the Scan

Most patients can return to normal activities immediately unless specific instructions are given.

If contrast was administered, additional guidance may be provided according to your medical situation.

Benefits of Diagnostic Imaging at FAYY Health

Imaging Connected to Your Medical Care

Your scan is linked to the clinical question your doctor is trying to answer.

Access to Ultrasound & CT

Different imaging options allow the investigation to be matched to the concern.

Less Fragmented Care

Relevant results can be reviewed by the FAYY specialist already managing your condition.

Support for Earlier Diagnosis

Imaging may help identify structural changes that cannot be determined through examination alone.

More Informed Treatment Planning

Surgeons and physicians can use imaging to guide treatment decisions, procedures and follow-up.

Comparison Over Time

Previous and current imaging may help doctors understand whether a finding has changed.

One Coordinated Care Pathway

Consultation, imaging and specialist follow-up can be arranged through the wider FAYY Health team.

Why Choose FAYY Health for Diagnostic Imaging?

Imaging With a Clinical Purpose

Scans are requested and interpreted within the context of your symptoms and medical assessment.

Integrated With 9 FAYY Specialties

Diagnostic imaging can support care across:

Plastic & reconstructive surgery
Dermatology & laser
Dentistry and oral facial care
Women’s health
Wellness
Internal medicine
Clinical genetics
Neurological surgery
Other relevant medical services

Ultrasound & CT Within the FAYY Care Pathway

Patients can access imaging without separating diagnostic testing from the wider treatment plan.

MRI Coordination When Needed

When MRI is more appropriate, the FAYY team can coordinate the next step through its partner imaging pathway.

Clear Preparation Guidance

You receive instructions before the appointment so you know how to prepare and what to expect.

Previous Imaging Can Be Reviewed

Bring earlier scans and reports where available so they can be considered alongside current findings.

Convenient Location in One Central

Diagnostic care is accessible within FAYY Health at One Central, DWTC, Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor’s referral for an ultrasound or CT scan?

This depends on the examination and clinical indication.
Some diagnostic imaging requires an appropriate medical referral. The FAYY Health team can confirm what is needed when you contact the clinic.

Which is better: ultrasound, CT or MRI?

They provide different types of information.
Ultrasound is useful for many abdominal, pelvic, thyroid and soft-tissue concerns. CT provides detailed cross-sectional images and is particularly useful in certain chest, abdominal, bone, trauma and acute conditions. MRI is especially valuable for many brain, spine, joint and soft-tissue concerns.
Your doctor will recommend the appropriate test.

Does ultrasound use radiation?

No. Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than ionising radiation.

Does a CT scan use radiation?

Yes.
CT uses X-rays. It is requested when the expected clinical information justifies the exposure.

Is CT safe?

CT is commonly used when medically appropriate.
The referring doctor and imaging team consider the expected benefit, radiation exposure and relevant individual factors.