Medical imaging, explained
Know your scan before you have it.
Plain-language answers to the questions patients actually ask about X-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound: what each shows, what the dose really means, and how to prepare.
0 mSv
MRI and ultrasound
No ionising radiation at all
0.1 mSv
One chest X-ray
About 10 days of natural background
3 mSv
Ordinary life, every year
Natural background radiation
Four exams, demystified
X-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound answer different questions. Learn which does what, in plain language.
Radiation, in context
Published exam doses placed next to everyday background radiation, so numbers reassure instead of frighten.
Arrive prepared
Metal, implants, fasting, full bladder: interactive prep checklists that prevent repeat scans and cancellations.
Ask better questions
Understand what the radiologist looks for, so you can take part in decisions about your own imaging.
The viewing room
Tools that open the black box
The premise
What is Radiology Mauritius?
Radiology Mauritius is an educational resource about medical imaging, explaining how X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound examinations work and how they help doctors reach accurate diagnoses, written in plain language for patients in Mauritius. Radiology is the medical specialty that uses imaging to see inside the body, and it sits behind a remarkable share of modern medicine: confirming a fracture, finding the cause of pain, guiding a biopsy, monitoring treatment, and catching disease before symptoms appear. Yet for many patients a scan is a black box, and questions about radiation, contrast injections, or claustrophobia go unasked. This site opens that box. Articles explain what each type of scan shows and why a doctor might order one rather than another, how to prepare, what happens during the examination, how radiation safety is managed with modern equipment, and how radiologists read and report the images that guide your care. Everything is grounded in current evidence and written to reassure through understanding rather than persuasion. Radiology Mauritius does not perform scans or provide diagnoses; its purpose is to help readers walk into any imaging examination informed, calm, and ready to ask good questions.
Frequently asked questions
What is radiology?
Radiology is the medical specialty that uses imaging technology, such as X-ray, CT, MRI, and ultrasound, to look inside the body, diagnose disease, and guide treatment. Radiologists are doctors trained to interpret these images and to advise other doctors on which examination will best answer a clinical question. Radiographers are the trained professionals who operate the equipment and care for patients during the scan.
What is the difference between an X-ray, a CT scan, an MRI, and an ultrasound?
A plain X-ray uses a small dose of radiation to produce a quick two-dimensional image, and is excellent for bones and the chest. CT combines many X-ray images into detailed cross-sections of the body. MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves rather than radiation, and shows soft tissues such as the brain, spine, and joints in fine detail. Ultrasound uses sound waves, involves no radiation, and is often used for the abdomen, blood vessels, and pregnancy.
Is medical imaging safe?
Modern imaging is considered very safe when used appropriately. X-ray and CT use ionising radiation, so doctors weigh the benefit of the information against the small dose involved, and current digital equipment is designed to keep that dose as low as reasonably achievable. MRI and ultrasound do not use ionising radiation at all. Always tell the imaging team if you are or might be pregnant, or if you have implants or devices in your body.
How should I prepare for an imaging examination?
Preparation depends on the examination: some scans need no preparation at all, while others ask you to fast for a few hours, arrive with a full bladder, or remove metal objects. Follow the specific instructions given when your appointment is booked, and bring any previous imaging reports if you have them. Telling the team about allergies, kidney problems, pregnancy, or implanted devices before the scan helps them keep you safe.
Is the information on Radiology Mauritius medical advice?
No. Radiology Mauritius publishes general education about medical imaging and does not order scans, interpret personal results, or replace consultation with a qualified doctor. Decisions about whether you need an examination, and what your results mean, belong with your own doctor and the radiology team caring for you. The content here is meant to help you understand and take part in those decisions.
Clear imaging is the first step to an accurate diagnosis.
Radiology Mauritius is part of the Medtech ecosystem, which equips hospitals and clinics across Mauritius, including the imaging platforms behind modern CT, MRI, ultrasound and interventional suites from partners such as GE HealthCare.
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