We use medical imaging – such as w-rays, MRI, and CT scans, to look inside the body in a safe and non-invasive way. These scans help identify what is going on and play an important role in guiding care and treatment.
Most people will need a scan at some point, and the type used depends on what information is needed.
Imaging types
Most types of medical imaging use radiation to produce images. Radiation is simply a way of moving energy from one place to another. Radiation is all around us every day and we use radiation for radios and microwaves. There is even radiation (ultraviolet and visible light) in sunlight.
The type of medical imaging used for treatment is selected based on the information needed. We can group imaging by the effect of the radiation on the body.
- Dental x-rays
- X-rays
- Fluoroscopy
- Cardiac catheterisation
- Dual-energy x-ray Absorptiometry (DXA)
- CT
- Nuclear medicine
- Interventional radiology
- MRI
- Ultrasound
Paediatric imaging services are provided at the Leicester Royal Infirmary.
Post-mortem imaging
Our post-mortem (PM) imaging department provides advanced imaging services for both adult and paediatric cases. They work closely with forensic and coronial teams, using plain film X-rays, CT, and MRI scans to support investigations. As a non-invasive alternative to traditional autopsy, we offer post-mortem CT (PMCT) scans in cases of non-suspicious or traumatic deaths, helping to deliver answers with dignity and precision.
Imaging services also manage imaging for mass fatality incidents and is internationally recognised for pioneering the NHS’s first post-mortem CT (PMCT) service to replace autopsy in non-suspicious death investigations. To learn more about a post-mortem CT (PMCT) scan, watch our video on YouTube produced by us and the University of Leicester.