Clinical services
Diagnostics at SIMS
CT, digital X-ray, ultrasound, colour Doppler, echocardiography, treadmill testing, ECG and a full pathology laboratory on one campus — with same-day reporting for most routine investigations.
Why diagnostics on the same campus matters
A diagnosis is rarely made by a single test. It is made by a doctor who examines the patient, forms a question, and gets an answer quickly enough to act on it. When imaging is in one building, the laboratory in another and the consultant in a third, that loop takes days and the patient makes three journeys.
SIMS runs its imaging and laboratory services inside the hospital, staffed round the clock, so that an emergency patient can be scanned and tested within minutes of arrival, an inpatient can be reviewed with fresh results on the morning round, and an outpatient can usually walk out with a report the same day.
The other reason is interpretation. Reports written by radiologists and pathologists who can see the case notes, speak to the treating consultant and compare with the previous scan are more useful than reports produced in isolation from a request slip.
What is available
Imaging, cardiac testing and laboratory services under one roof.
CT scan
Head, chest, abdomen, spine and contrast studies, available round the clock for stroke, head injury, trauma and acute abdominal pain.
OpenDigital X-ray
Chest, bone and abdominal radiography with digital acquisition, lower radiation dose than film systems and immediate images, including portable X-ray at the bedside for intensive care patients.
OpenUltrasound and obstetric scanning
Abdomen, pelvis, kidney, thyroid, breast and soft tissue scanning, plus antenatal scans through pregnancy and ultrasound-guided aspiration and biopsy.
OpenColour Doppler
Arterial and venous studies of the legs and neck, used for suspected deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, poor circulation in diabetes and carotid assessment after stroke.
OpenEchocardiography, TMT and ECG
2D echocardiography with colour Doppler for heart structure and pumping function, treadmill stress testing for exertional chest pain, and ECG available immediately in the emergency department.
OpenPathology laboratory
Biochemistry, haematology, microbiology, serology, cytology and histopathology, operating 24 hours with rapid turnaround for critical results.
OpenTypical reporting timelines
Indicative only — urgent and inpatient work is prioritised, and complex studies take longer. Confirm the expected time for your specific test at the diagnostics counter when you register.
| Investigation | Usual reporting | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ECG | Immediate | Traced and reviewed on the spot in emergency and cardiology |
| Digital X-ray | Same day | Images available immediately; radiologist report follows |
| Routine blood tests | Same day | Most biochemistry and haematology panels |
| Ultrasound and colour Doppler | Same day | Reported by the radiologist after the scan |
| CT scan | Same day | Emergency scans reported urgently; contrast studies need preparation time |
| Echocardiography and TMT | Same day | Performed and reported by the cardiology team |
| Culture and sensitivity | 48–72 hours | Growth takes time; preliminary results are communicated earlier |
| Histopathology and biopsy | Several days | Depends on tissue processing and whether special stains are needed |
Preparing for your tests
Poor preparation is the commonest reason a scan or blood test has to be repeated, which means a second journey and a second cost. A few minutes of planning prevents it.
- Ask when you book whether fasting is required, and for how many hours — fasting rules differ between a lipid profile, a sugar test and an abdominal ultrasound
- For an abdominal ultrasound, fast for six to eight hours; for a pelvic ultrasound, come with a comfortably full bladder
- Bring all previous scans, films and reports so the radiologist can compare rather than guess
- Bring the doctor's prescription or request slip, which tells the technologist what clinical question is being asked
- Tell the staff before any scan if you are pregnant, might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- Tell the staff about diabetes, kidney disease, asthma, thyroid treatment or any previous reaction to contrast dye
- Continue regular medicines unless your doctor has specifically told you to stop one — never stop blood pressure or heart medication for a test on your own
- Wear loose clothing without metal fasteners, and leave jewellery at home where possible
Reports are issued digitally and can be collected as printed copies from the diagnostics counter. Keep your films and reports — they are your record, and a comparison with an older scan is often more informative than a new scan alone. If you would like a specialist opinion on results obtained elsewhere, you can send them through the free second opinion service.
Common questions
Can I get a test done without a doctor's prescription?
Some routine blood tests and health check packages can be booked directly. Imaging, contrast studies and specialised investigations require a doctor's request, because the choice of scan and the protocol used depend on the clinical question. If you are not sure which test you need, book a consultation first — it usually saves money rather than costing it.
Are diagnostics available at night and on Sundays?
Emergency imaging and the laboratory operate round the clock, every day, because emergency patients arrive at all hours. Routine outpatient scanning, treadmill testing and specialised investigations run to scheduled hours — check the current timings at the diagnostics counter or when booking.
Will my insurance cover diagnostic tests?
Investigations performed during a covered admission are generally part of the claim. Outpatient tests and preventive health checks are frequently excluded unless your policy has a specific outpatient benefit. The insurance desk can tell you what applies before you pay.
Not sure which department you need?
Share your symptoms and the appointment desk will route you to the right consultant. For anything sudden or severe, do not wait for a callback — come to the emergency department.