X-ray

X-ray imaging (radiography) is still the most commonly used technique in radiology. To make a radiograph, a part of the body is exposed to a very small quantity of X-rays. The X-rays pass through the tissues, striking a film to create an image. X-rays are safe when properly used by radiologists and technicians specially trained to minimize exposure. No radiation remains after the radiograph is obtained.

X-rays are used to image every part of the body and are used most commonly to look for fractures. They are also commonly used to examine the chest, abdomen, and superficial soft tissues. X-rays can identify many different conditions within the body, and they are often a fast and easy method for your doctor to make a diagnosis.

What Should I Expect?

X-rays are fast, easy, and painless. The part of your body to be examined will be properly positioned, and several different views of that part may be obtained. The technician will instruct you to hold still and in some cases hold your breath while the X-ray is being taken to eliminate blurring. X-ray exams generally take around 20 minutes, after which you will be able to return to normal activities.

Should you have any questions regarding your X-Ray exam, we will be happy to discuss them with you.

CT Scan

Computed Tomography scans (also known as CT or CAT scans) use special X-ray equipment to obtain information from different angles around the body. Computers are then used to process the information and create cross-sectional images that appear as "slices" of the body and organs.

What Should I Expect?

During the exam you will lie on a table that will move you into the doughnut-shaped scanner. Your technician will watch you through an observation window and will be able to communicate with you at all times. You may hear humming, buzzing, or clicking sounds as the CT machine moves to reposition you for additional images. CT scans are painless, but some exams require injection of a contrast agent. Remaining still is very important in order to obtain clear images.

When scanning is complete, the technician will return to help you from the table. You may eat normal meals unless other tests are scheduled. To help eliminate contrast agents from the body, it is best to drink plenty of fluids following the exam. Your exam will take about 30 minutes, after which you will be able to return to your normal activities.

What if I Need a Contrast Injection?

CT contrast is an organically bound iodine material that is used to make some abnormalities easier to see. Radiology Ltd. uses only non-ionic contrast (the safest kind), but with all contrast agents there is some potential for allergic reaction. Be sure to tell your technician if you've had a reaction to contrast in the past or if you are particularly sensitive to medications. If you take Glucophage, Glucovance, or any other type of metformin medication to regulate your diabetes, you will need to stop taking it for 48 hours after your exam.

 

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced imaging method that produces images of the body without surgery or X-rays. MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce these images.

What Should I Expect?

The MRI exam can be one of the easiest and most comfortable exams you experience. The technician will ask you to lie on a cushioned table that will move into the tube-shaped scanner after you have been comfortably positioned. Your technician will watch you through an observation window and will be able to communicate with you at all times. The scanner makes tapping noises that change with the various imaging sequences. Remaining still during these noises is very important in order to obtain clear images.

When scanning is complete, the technician will return to help you from the table. You may eat normal meals unless other tests are scheduled. Your exam will take about 30 to 60 minutes, after which you will be able to return to your normal activities.

Please inform your doctor or the technician if you have any of the following that may prevent you from undergoing an MRI exam:

  • Pacemaker
  • History of working with metal
  • Brain aneurysm clips
  • History of injury during military service
  • Metallic plate, pin, or other implant

What if I Need a Contrast Injection?

MRI scans are painless, but some exams require an injection of a contrast agent to make some abnormalities easier to see. MRI contrast is an organically bound gadolinium material that is extremely safe and typically has no side effects. However, there is always the potential for allergic reaction. Be sure to tell your technician if you've had a reaction to MRI contrast or if you are particularly sensitive to medications.

 

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within the body. The high-frequency sound waves are concentrated into a thin beam and directed into the body with a transducer, which is a small hand-held wand that the technician uses to perform the examination. The sound waves reflect off internal structures, and the returning echoes are received by the transducer and then processed by a computer to produce real-time moving images. Ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate the abdominal and pelvic organs, breasts, thyroid gland, and testes, and well as blood flow in arteries and veins.

What Should I Expect?

You will be positioned on an exam table and a clear gel will be applied to your skin. The gel is used to eliminate air bubbles between the transducer and your body, since the sound waves travel very poorly through air. The transducer is pressed against the skin and moved back and forth to visualize the area of interest.

Ultrasound does not use radiation and is thus a very safe imaging technique. It is also painless, though you may experience some discomfort from the pressure applied to the transducer, especially if you are required to have a full bladder for your exam. The examination usually takes from 15 to 30 minutes, after which you will be able to return to your normal activities.

 

Vascular Ultrasound

Ultrasound (US) or sonography involves the sending of sound waves through the body. Those sound waves are reflected off the internal organs. The reflections are then interpreted by special instruments that subsequently create an image of anatomic parts. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging.

An ultrasound image is a useful way of evaluating the body's circulatory system. Ultrasound images are captured in real-time, so they can help radiologists monitor the blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body, as well as evaluate the placement and success of repair, such as after arterial bypass surgery. With ultrasound images, radiologists can locate and identify blockages (stenosis) and abnormalities like blood clots, plaque, or emboli, and help plan for their effective treatment.

What are some common uses of the procedure?

Ultrasound imaging of the body's veins and arteries can help the radiologist to see and evaluate blockages to blood flow, such as clots in veins and plaque in arteries. With knowledge about the arterial blood flow gained from an ultrasound image, the radiologist can often determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure such as angioplasty. Ultrasound images may also be used to plan or review the success of procedures that graft or bypass blood vessels-such as renal (relating to the kidney) artery bypass. Ultrasound of the veins may reveal blood clots that require treatment such as anticoagulant therapy (blood thinner) or filters to prevent clots from traveling to the lungs (embolism).

Ultrasound of the vascular system also provides a fast, noninvasive means of identifying blockages of blood flow in the neck arteries to the brain that might produce a stroke or mini-stroke.

 

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound that uses a device, called a transducer, to send high-pitched sound waves through the body. Echoes are picked up by the transducer as they bounce off the different parts of your heart.

Doctors use the images produced by an echocardiogram test to monitor how your heart and its valves are functioning. An echocardiogram is key in determining the health of the heart muscle.

These images can help spot blood clots in the heart, fluid in the sac around the heart and problems with the aorta, which is the main artery connected to the heart.

What should I expect?

Expect to remove your clothing from the waist up. Women will be given a gown to wear. You'll lie on your back on an exam table. Electrodes (soft, sticky patches) will be attached to your chest to help detect and conduct the electrical currents of your heart.

The technician will apply a special gel to your chest that will help the transducer send sound waves through your body. The transducer is moved back and forth over your chest creating images of your heart on a monitor.

 

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