Procedures

In general, "radiology" refers to medical imaging techniques, employing advanced computers and other complex equipment that allow doctors to see inside a patient's body. Although the word "radiology" implies radiation, not all of the techniques involve radiation. Ultrasound is as example.

Most of the actual imaging is carried out by licensed technologists. The images of the inside of your body that the technologist generates might be pieces of film, such as x-rays, or they might be digital images that are viewed on a computer monitor. The pictures are then analyzed by specially trained doctors called "radiologists."

Interventional Radiology

In interventional radiology, radiologists use of fluoroscopes, ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in order to guide a needle, catheter, guide wire, or other instrument for therapeutic procedures. The procedures are typically safer, less traumatic, less painful, less invasive and usually as effective as comparable surgical procedures.

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is an alternative way of getting pictures of various parts of your body without the use of x-rays.

An MRI scanner has a very strong magnet in which the patient lies. A radio wave antenna is used to send signals to the body and then receives the signals back. These returning signals are converted into pictures by a computer attached to the scanner. Pictures can be obtained from any angle of almost any part of your body.

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MRI preparation instructions

Computed Tomography (CT)

CT is an advanced x-ray and computer system that makes detailed pictures of horizontal cross sections of the body.

CT scans may show more detail than a regular x-ray. Unlike a conventional x-ray it can make pictures of areas protected or surrounded by bone. It can show ducts, blood vessels, tumors or any of the body organs.

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CT (abdomen/pelvis) preparation instructions
CT (IV contrast) preparation instructions

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images from inside the body on a television monitor. The principle is very similar to the sonar by which dolphins, bats, and submarines navigate. No radiation is involved.

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Ultrasound (OB) preparation instructions
Ultrasound (abdomen/gallbladder/kidney/aorta) preparation instructions

X-rays (Diagnostic Radiology)

X-rays represent the original field from which radiology developed and are probably still the most commonly employed form of radiology. X-rays are frequently used to complement other kinds of radiology.

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Mammography

Mammography is the most accurate x-ray method available for evaluating breast abnormalities. It can also screen for abnormal changes in your breasts even before lump is large enough to be felt.

Mammography uses safe, low doses of x-ray for the early detection of breast disease.

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Mammography preparation instructions

Bone Densitometry

The bone densitometer uses small amounts of x-ray to produce images of the spine, hip, or even the whole body. The x-ray is composed of two energy levels which are absorbed differently by the bones in the body. The technical term for the method is "dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry", or DEXA. A computer is able to determine from these differences how much bone mineral is present. The spine and hip are measured because that is where osteoporotic fractures occur most.

Our new PRODIGY BONE DENSITOMETER measures changes in bone density precisely, providing invaluable information in the assessment of metabolic bone disease.

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Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is a continuous x-ray for real-time imaging that allows a physician study the movements of internal organs and the passage of contrast materials through those organs.

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Barium enema instructions

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine uses radioactive substances to image specific parts of the body and treat disease. Nuclear materials are ingested or injected into the bloodstream to create radioactive tracers. Then, imaging techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET), single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), cardiovascular imaging, or bone scanning are used to diagnose disease.

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