Modalities
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan:
What is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan?
An MRI scan uses a powerful magnet to take pictures of the inside of your body. This is an excellent test because it allows your doctor to see your body in narrow slices, each about one quarter of an inch thick. For example, imagine that you are slicing a loaf of bread and taking a picture of each slice. It can view slices from the bottom (axial) front (coronal), or sides (sagittal), depending on what your doctor needs to see.
MRI can also be used to view veins and arteries, called Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA). Standard MRI can’t see fluid that is moving, such as blood in an artery, and this creates “flow voids” that appear as black holes on the image. The MRA uses a contrast dye (gadolinium) injected into the patient’s vein to help the computer “see” the arteries and veins. The contrast is also used to view tumors and Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM’s).
How does it work?
The scan works by using a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images. Your body is made up of hydrogen atoms (the human body is 80% water), which are magnetic. When your body is placed in the magnetic field, these atoms line up with the field, much like a compass points to the North Pole. A radio wave “knocks down” the atoms and disrupts their polarity. The time it takes for the atoms to return to their original alignment is picked up by the sensor. This information in essence measures the water content (or fluid characteristics) of different tissues and is processed by the computer to create a black and white image. The image is highly detailed and can show even the smallest abnormality.
What does an MRI show?
MRI gives very detailed pictures of the brain and spine. Air and hard bone do not give an MRI signal so these areas appear black. Bone marrow, spinal fluid, blood and soft tissues like brain vary in intensity from black to white, depending on the amount of fat and water present in each tissue and the machine settings used for the scan. The radiologist compares the size and distributions of these bright and dark ares to determine whether a tissue is healthy.
Nearly every part of the body may be studied with MRI. Organs within the chest and abdomen, such as the heart, liver, bladder and kidneys can easily be seen. MRI is also very sensitive to changes in cartilage and bone structure resulting from injury, disease or aging. Clear pictures often provide information not available through other medical testing and may actually eliminate the need for exploratory surgery.
Compared to the standard MRI, we offer the latest in technology, the Short Bore MRI. This machine is similar to the standard, but is about half the length. If you are having pictures taken of your head, then your legs will be clear from the tube. If your back is being images, then your head will be outside the machine. You may find this option more tolerable if tight spaces make you uncomfortable.
Our center offers sedation for Patients with discomfort in the MRI. With consent from your treating physician, and a driver to assist your ability to leave our center, we may offer this before you are scanned. Our staff will ensure that this sedation is safe for you based on current medical history.
Who performs the test?
A radiology technologist will perform the test in the MRI suite of the Radiology department of our outpatient imaging center. The radiologist will review the images and report their findings.
How should I prepare for the test?
You should avoid caffeinated beverages. Wear loose clothing and remove all objects that would get in the way of the scan, such as hairpins, jewelry, etc. You may need to change into a gown provided in our center, depending on what part of your body is being imaged.
What happens during the test?
You will lie on a movable bed with your head cradled on a headrest and your arms at your sides. An antenna device called a “coil” will be placed over and under the area being scanned. It is specialized to produce the clearest picture of the area in which it is placed. When you are comfortably positioned, the table will move into the magnetic field. The technologist will stay in constant contact with you. You can listen to music on a stereo system during your testing. As the exam proceeds, you will hear a muffled “thumping” sound for several minutes at a time. This is the sound of the pictures being taken. There will be no pain or discomfort associated with the sound or exam.
The exam usually takes 20 to 50 minutes. It is important that you relax and lie as still as possible. Any movement during this time will blur the picture. You may be given and injection of gadolinium, which is a contrast agent used to enhance the image.
What are the risks?
MRI is very safe. There are no known health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used by the machine. Sometimes a substance called a contrast agent is injected into your body to enhance the image. All contrast agents are FDA approved and safe, though some people are especially sensitive to it.
Some special circumstances limit the use of a magnetic field, so it is important for you to tell our staff if any of the following apply to you:
cardiac pacemaker or artificial heart valve.
metal plate, pin or other metallic implant.
interurine device, such as copper-7 IUD.
insulin pump or other infusion pump.
aneurysm clips.
previous gunshot wound.
inner ear implant.
been a metal worker (exposed to metal in eyes).
permanent (tattoo) make-up.
Any metallic substance on your body can affect the quality of the images. It can also cause discomfort or injury to you while placed in magnetic field, and may exclude you from the exm.
Also, be sure to tell the staff if you’re pregnant. The American College of Radiology recommends that MRI scanning not be done in the first trimester of pregnancy. After the first trimester, there is no definitive research indicating that MRI is contraindicated in pregnancy. However, you will need to obtain a written order from your gynecologist for the test to be performed.
How do I get results?
The radiologist will promptly review your images and communicate directly with your referring doctor, who in turn will discuss the results with you. The estimated turn-around time for reports to be distributed to your physician, is 24 hours. This is typical timing unless your doctor has requested a Stat exam, in which the Radiologist will rush your dictation to the treating physician.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan:
How does a CT scanner work?
A CT scanner works much like an x-ray. The body casts a “shadow” on film when it is exposed to the x-ray, much like when you hold a flashlight up to your hand and cast a shadow on a wall. All of the tissue that the x-ray passes through overlap on the image, making it hard to isolate different elements. A CT scan works around this limitation of capturing only one very narrow “slice” of your body at a time. These “slices” can be viewed two-dimensionally or added back together to create a three-dimensional image of an organ or body structure.
The CT scanner moves around the patient on a circular gantry passing x-ray beams and taking thousands of pictures as it rotates.
CT can also be used to view arteries and veins, called Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). The CTA uses a contrast dye (iodine) injected into the patient’s artery to help the computer “highlight” the arteries and veins.
What does a CT scan show?
CT scans are very good at showing bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels. While an MRI takes excellent pictures of soft tissue or blood vessels, a CT scan shows bone with higher definition, so it’s often used to image the spine or skull. It’s also used to view the inner ear and sinuses because these areas are made up of soft tissue and very fine bones.
Other detailed cross-sections can be taken of the brain, vessels of the brain, neck, shoulders, spine, discs, spinal cord, and vessels of the spine.
A CT scan can help your doctor diagnose many conditions including:
brain damage in people who’ve had a head injury.
brain tumors.
ruptured or leaking aneurysms.
hydrocephalus, or enlarged brain cavities.
spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal.
erniated discs.
blood clots or bleeding associated with stroke.
Why is contrast agent used?
A contrast agent is an iodine liquid that makes certain organs and tissues stand out on the CT image. If you are receiving a contrast agent, it will be given through an injection or IV line before or during the exam. The contrast agent is a substance that x-rays cannot pass through. It circulates through your blood stream and can be x-rayed as it passes through the neck, brain or spine.
Who performs the test?
A radiology technologist will perform the test in the CT suite of the Radiology department of our outpatient imaging center. The radiologist will review the images and report their findings.
How should I prepare for the test?
You should wear loose clothing and remove all objects that would get in the way of the scan, such as hairpins, jewelry, etc. You may need to change into a gown provided in our center, depending on what part of your body is being Imaged. Be sure to tell your doctor if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to iodine contrast or to any shell-fish.
What happens during the test?
You will be asked to lie on your back on a moveable table. If your head is being imaged, the technologist may position your head in a special holder that keeps it from moving. When you are comfortably positioned, the table will move into the CT machine that looks like a large donut with a round hole in the middle. You’ll be able to keep in contact with the technologist over an intercom. While each picture is being taken, you may be asked to hold your breath and stay perfectly still for a few seconds. The technologist will move your table with a remote control after each picture is taken.
What are the risks?
A CT Scan is a very safe study, though there is a slight risk from X-Ray radiation exposure, and some people are sensitive to the contrast agent. The most common side effects from the iodine contrast are a brief metallic taste in your mouth and a feeling of warmth throughout your body.
An extremely rare reaction occurs when you experience severe hives and have difficulty breathing. Medications such as antihistamines can reverse this reaction. If you have diabetes or kidney problems, it is very important that you make our staff aware of these concerns. Our staff is highly trained in the procedures to ensure your safety.
Be sure to tell our staff if you are pregnant or have a history of allergies, diabetes, asthma, a heart condition, kidney problems, sleep apnea, or thyroid conditions.
How do I get results?
The radiologist will promptly review your images and communicate directly with your referring doctor, who in turn will discuss the results with you. The estimated turn-around time for reports to be distributed to your physician, is 24 hours. This is typical timing unless your doctor has requested a Stat exam, in which the Radiologist will rush your dictation to the treating physician.
How does a CT scanner work?
A CT scanner works much like an x-ray. The body casts a “shadow” on film when it is exposed to the x-ray, much like when you hold a flashlight up to your hand and cast a shadow on a wall. All of the tissue that the x-ray passes through overlap on the image, making it hard to isolate different elements. A CT scan works around this limitation of capturing only one very narrow “slice” of your body at a time. These “slices” can be viewed two-dimensionally or added back together to create a three-dimensional image of an organ or body structure.
The CT scanner moves around the patient on a circular gantry passing x-ray beams and taking thousands of pictures as it rotates.
CT can also be used to view arteries and veins, called Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA). The CTA uses a contrast dye (iodine) injected into the patient’s artery to help the computer “highlight” the arteries and veins.
What does a CT scan show?
CT scans are very good at showing bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels. While an MRI takes excellent pictures of soft tissue or blood vessels, a CT scan shows bone with higher definition, so it’s often used to image the spine or skull. It’s also used to view the inner ear and sinuses because these areas are made up of soft tissue and very fine bones.
Other detailed cross-sections can be taken of the brain, vessels of the brain, neck, shoulders, spine, discs, spinal cord, and vessels of the spine.
A CT scan can help your doctor diagnose many conditions including:
brain damage in people who’ve had a head injury.
brain tumors.
ruptured or leaking aneurysms.
hydrocephalus, or enlarged brain cavities.
spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal.
erniated discs.
blood clots or bleeding associated with stroke.
Why is contrast agent used?
A contrast agent is an iodine liquid that makes certain organs and tissues stand out on the CT image. If you are receiving a contrast agent, it will be given through an injection or IV line before or during the exam. The contrast agent is a substance that x-rays cannot pass through. It circulates through your blood stream and can be x-rayed as it passes through the neck, brain or spine.
Who performs the test?
A radiology technologist will perform the test in the CT suite of the Radiology department of our outpatient imaging center. The radiologist will review the images and report their findings.
How should I prepare for the test?
You should wear loose clothing and remove all objects that would get in the way of the scan, such as hairpins, jewelry, etc. You may need to change into a gown provided in our center, depending on what part of your body is being Imaged. Be sure to tell your doctor if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to iodine contrast or to any shell-fish.
What happens during the test?
You will be asked to lie on your back on a moveable table. If your head is being imaged, the technologist may position your head in a special holder that keeps it from moving. When you are comfortably positioned, the table will move into the CT machine that looks like a large donut with a round hole in the middle. You’ll be able to keep in contact with the technologist over an intercom. While each picture is being taken, you may be asked to hold your breath and stay perfectly still for a few seconds. The technologist will move your table with a remote control after each picture is taken.
What are the risks?
A CT Scan is a very safe study, though there is a slight risk from X-Ray radiation exposure, and some people are sensitive to the contrast agent. The most common side effects from the iodine contrast are a brief metallic taste in your mouth and a feeling of warmth throughout your body.
An extremely rare reaction occurs when you experience severe hives and have difficulty breathing. Medications such as antihistamines can reverse this reaction. If you have diabetes or kidney problems, it is very important that you make our staff aware of these concerns. Our staff is highly trained in the procedures to ensure your safety.
Be sure to tell our staff if you are pregnant or have a history of allergies, diabetes, asthma, a heart condition, kidney problems, sleep apnea, or thyroid conditions.
How do I get results?
The radiologist will promptly review your images and communicate directly with your referring doctor, who in turn will discuss the results with you. The estimated turn-around time for reports to be distributed to your physician, is 24 hours. This is typical timing unless your doctor has requested a Stat exam, in which the Radiologist will rush your dictation to the treating physician.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan:
How does a PET scan work?
A PET scan integrates two technologies to view your body: Computed Tomography (CT) and a radioactive material (tracer). The tracer is what allows doctors to see how your body tissues absorb and use different chemicals in real time.
Before the PET scan, a tracer is injected into your blood stream (similar to a contrast agent in CT/MRI scans). The tracer is radio-labeled, meaning it emits gamma rays that can be detected by the PET scanner.
Once the tracer is absorbed in your body, a ring-shaped scanner is positioned over the body area. The computer collects the information emitted by the tracer and translates it into two-dimensional cross sections.
What does a PET scan show?
PET scanning allows doctors to measure a range of activity including blood flow, blood volume, oxygen usage, tissue PH (acidity), glucose (sugar) metabolism and drug activity. PET is very useful in watching the activity of cancerous tumors. Because malignant cells grow at such a fast rate, they metabolize more sugar than normal cells and can give your doctor a glimpse into how aggressive a tumor is or how its growth is slowed by treatment therapies.
Another common use for PET is for pre-surgical evaluation of medically uncontrolled seizures. By detecting metabolic changes in the brain, the surgeon can pinpoint the nonfunctioning area of the brain causing seizures.
How does the tracer work?
The radioisotopes used in PET to label tracers are 11C, 13N, 150 and 18F (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and 18F used as a substitute for hydrogen). These radioactive forms of natural elements will pass safely through your body and be detected by the scanner. Various drugs and other chemicals can be labeled with these isotopes without changing their properties.
The type of tracer used depends on what your doctor wants to measure. For example, if your doctor is looking at a tumor, he might use radio-labeled glucose (FDG) and watch how it is metabolized by the tumor.
Who performs the test?
A specially trained nuclear medicine technologist will perform the test in the Nuclear Medicine department of our outpatient imaging center. The radiologist review the images and report the findings.
How should I prepare for the test?
Do not eat or drink any substance other than water 8 hours before scan.
Wear comfortable, pin-less clothing.
Avoid carbohydrates, nicotine, caffeine and strenuous activity the day before scanning.
(See “Patient Forms” tab for full diet instructions)
Be prepared to stay for 2 hours.
What happens during the test?
First you will receive an injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer. You will be asked to rest for about 30-45 minutes until the tracer reaches your brain (2 hours to be absorbed by bone). Next, you will lie comfortably on a table that moves slowly through the PET scanner. Be sure to remain as still as possible so that the machine can get accurate pictures. Depending on the information your doctor needs, you may be asked to perform certain tasks like read or speak to activate specific areas of your brain.
Once the scan is complete, you can leave. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to flush out any tracer left in your body.
What are the risks?
The radio-labeled tracer is radioactive, which means your body is exposed to about the same amount of radiation as in two chest x-rays. The radioactive chemicals have very short half-lives and they won’t remain in your system long. There is no need to avoid interacting with people. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not undergo a PET scan.
How do I get results?
The radiologist will promptly review your images and communicate directly with your referring doctor, who in turn will discuss the results with you. The estimated turn-around time for reports to be distributed to your physician, is 24-48 hours. This is typical timing unless your doctor has requested a Stat exam, in which the Radiologist will rush your dictation to the treating physician.
Since PET measures the chemical activity of tissues, some diseases such as diabetes or other metabolic disorders may give false results.
How does a PET scan work?
A PET scan integrates two technologies to view your body: Computed Tomography (CT) and a radioactive material (tracer). The tracer is what allows doctors to see how your body tissues absorb and use different chemicals in real time.
Before the PET scan, a tracer is injected into your blood stream (similar to a contrast agent in CT/MRI scans). The tracer is radio-labeled, meaning it emits gamma rays that can be detected by the PET scanner.
Once the tracer is absorbed in your body, a ring-shaped scanner is positioned over the body area. The computer collects the information emitted by the tracer and translates it into two-dimensional cross sections.
What does a PET scan show?
PET scanning allows doctors to measure a range of activity including blood flow, blood volume, oxygen usage, tissue PH (acidity), glucose (sugar) metabolism and drug activity. PET is very useful in watching the activity of cancerous tumors. Because malignant cells grow at such a fast rate, they metabolize more sugar than normal cells and can give your doctor a glimpse into how aggressive a tumor is or how its growth is slowed by treatment therapies.
Another common use for PET is for pre-surgical evaluation of medically uncontrolled seizures. By detecting metabolic changes in the brain, the surgeon can pinpoint the nonfunctioning area of the brain causing seizures.
How does the tracer work?
The radioisotopes used in PET to label tracers are 11C, 13N, 150 and 18F (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and 18F used as a substitute for hydrogen). These radioactive forms of natural elements will pass safely through your body and be detected by the scanner. Various drugs and other chemicals can be labeled with these isotopes without changing their properties.
The type of tracer used depends on what your doctor wants to measure. For example, if your doctor is looking at a tumor, he might use radio-labeled glucose (FDG) and watch how it is metabolized by the tumor.
Who performs the test?
A specially trained nuclear medicine technologist will perform the test in the Nuclear Medicine department of our outpatient imaging center. The radiologist review the images and report the findings.
How should I prepare for the test?
Do not eat or drink any substance other than water 8 hours before scan.
Wear comfortable, pin-less clothing.
Avoid carbohydrates, nicotine, caffeine and strenuous activity the day before scanning.
(See “Patient Forms” tab for full diet instructions)
Be prepared to stay for 2 hours.
What happens during the test?
First you will receive an injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer. You will be asked to rest for about 30-45 minutes until the tracer reaches your brain (2 hours to be absorbed by bone). Next, you will lie comfortably on a table that moves slowly through the PET scanner. Be sure to remain as still as possible so that the machine can get accurate pictures. Depending on the information your doctor needs, you may be asked to perform certain tasks like read or speak to activate specific areas of your brain.
Once the scan is complete, you can leave. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to flush out any tracer left in your body.
What are the risks?
The radio-labeled tracer is radioactive, which means your body is exposed to about the same amount of radiation as in two chest x-rays. The radioactive chemicals have very short half-lives and they won’t remain in your system long. There is no need to avoid interacting with people. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not undergo a PET scan.
How do I get results?
The radiologist will promptly review your images and communicate directly with your referring doctor, who in turn will discuss the results with you. The estimated turn-around time for reports to be distributed to your physician, is 24-48 hours. This is typical timing unless your doctor has requested a Stat exam, in which the Radiologist will rush your dictation to the treating physician.
Since PET measures the chemical activity of tissues, some diseases such as diabetes or other metabolic disorders may give false results.
What is a mammogram?
It is a radiological procedure available to detect small cancers long before they can be felt by you or your doctor. It is a way of picturing breast tissue using a very low dose x-ray. The breast casts a “shadow” on the image receptor when it is exposed to the x-ray, much like when you hold a flashlight up to your hand and cast a shadow on a wall. The tissue that the x-ray passes through creates an image of the inside of the breast.
What is the difference between a Standard 2D mammogram and 3D (Tomosynthesis) Mammogram?
The standard 2D mammogram has minimal slices of the breast, however, the 3D mammogram take multiple sliced images, allowing the radiologist to see more layers of the breast in a 3D image. The 3D mammogram reduces false positives by up 41% and can detect cancer in the breast up to a size of a grain of sand.
How do I prepare for the test?
If you have had a mammogram at a facility other than Rockledge MRI & PET Imaging Center, please bring these films with you to your appointment. The radiologist will want to compare those films with the new set of digital images. Also, please don’t use any deodorant, powder, cream, or perfume on the day of your exam. These sometimes show up as “micro-calcifications” and may lead to a false positive exam.
If you find that your breasts are tender at a particular time of the month, please do not schedule your mammogram during that time. If you think you may be pregnant, you should let the technologist know this before any images are taken.
Who performs the test?
A radiological technologist will perform the test in the mammogram suite of our facility. The radiologist will promptly review your images and dictate a report which will be sent to your referring doctor. It is your referring Dr. who will discuss these results with you. The estimated turn-around time for reports to be distributed to your physician, is 24-48 hours.
What happens during the test?
When you have an annual “screening” mammogram the technologist will take 4 images of the breasts – two on each side. One image is taken from the top of the breast looking downward, and one is taken from the central to the outer portion of the breast. During the acquisition of these images, the breast is somewhat compressed between an image receptor and a plastic plate. Some women still experience a little discomfort, but often times the patient feels no discomfort at all thanks to the new digital imaging system.
The exam usually takes about 15 minutes. If an abnormality has been detected, you may have more images done so that the specific area in question can be seen from additional angles. This is called a “diagnostic” mammogram.
What does a mammogram show?
Mammograms can show cysts, cancers, or other abnormal growths in the breast. When small tumors are detected, effective treatment is possible.
What is the difference between a digital and a film based mammogram?
Our digital system allows the doctor to “see through” the breast tissue more clearly. A radiologist is now able to lighten, darken, or magnify the image on the computer monitor to better visualize the image. This could not be done with a traditional “film based” mammogram.
Digital mammograms are faster than film mammograms because there is no film to develop. The image can be sent immediately to the radiologist for viewing. Since the images can be seen right away, mammogram callbacks can be reduced.
The National Cancer Institute did a study comparing film and digital mammography, and concluded that digital mammography is more accurate than film at finding cancer in women less than 50 years old, and women who have dense (not fatty) breast tissue regardless of age. Digital mammography uses less radiation than traditional film mammography, reducing your lifetime exposure to x-rays.
How do I get the results?
If the mammogram shows an abnormality that needs to be followed immediately, your referring doctor will let you know about it usually within about 48 hours. If your mammogram is normal, you will receive a letter in the mail within about 2 weeks. Sometimes the mammogram shows an abnormality that should be followed with additional images after a period of 3-6 months in order to see if the area in question is changing in any way. Your doctor may contact you about this, and you will also get a letter in the mail reminding you of this.
It is a radiological procedure available to detect small cancers long before they can be felt by you or your doctor. It is a way of picturing breast tissue using a very low dose x-ray. The breast casts a “shadow” on the image receptor when it is exposed to the x-ray, much like when you hold a flashlight up to your hand and cast a shadow on a wall. The tissue that the x-ray passes through creates an image of the inside of the breast.
What is the difference between a Standard 2D mammogram and 3D (Tomosynthesis) Mammogram?
The standard 2D mammogram has minimal slices of the breast, however, the 3D mammogram take multiple sliced images, allowing the radiologist to see more layers of the breast in a 3D image. The 3D mammogram reduces false positives by up 41% and can detect cancer in the breast up to a size of a grain of sand.
How do I prepare for the test?
If you have had a mammogram at a facility other than Rockledge MRI & PET Imaging Center, please bring these films with you to your appointment. The radiologist will want to compare those films with the new set of digital images. Also, please don’t use any deodorant, powder, cream, or perfume on the day of your exam. These sometimes show up as “micro-calcifications” and may lead to a false positive exam.
If you find that your breasts are tender at a particular time of the month, please do not schedule your mammogram during that time. If you think you may be pregnant, you should let the technologist know this before any images are taken.
Who performs the test?
A radiological technologist will perform the test in the mammogram suite of our facility. The radiologist will promptly review your images and dictate a report which will be sent to your referring doctor. It is your referring Dr. who will discuss these results with you. The estimated turn-around time for reports to be distributed to your physician, is 24-48 hours.
What happens during the test?
When you have an annual “screening” mammogram the technologist will take 4 images of the breasts – two on each side. One image is taken from the top of the breast looking downward, and one is taken from the central to the outer portion of the breast. During the acquisition of these images, the breast is somewhat compressed between an image receptor and a plastic plate. Some women still experience a little discomfort, but often times the patient feels no discomfort at all thanks to the new digital imaging system.
The exam usually takes about 15 minutes. If an abnormality has been detected, you may have more images done so that the specific area in question can be seen from additional angles. This is called a “diagnostic” mammogram.
What does a mammogram show?
Mammograms can show cysts, cancers, or other abnormal growths in the breast. When small tumors are detected, effective treatment is possible.
What is the difference between a digital and a film based mammogram?
Our digital system allows the doctor to “see through” the breast tissue more clearly. A radiologist is now able to lighten, darken, or magnify the image on the computer monitor to better visualize the image. This could not be done with a traditional “film based” mammogram.
Digital mammograms are faster than film mammograms because there is no film to develop. The image can be sent immediately to the radiologist for viewing. Since the images can be seen right away, mammogram callbacks can be reduced.
The National Cancer Institute did a study comparing film and digital mammography, and concluded that digital mammography is more accurate than film at finding cancer in women less than 50 years old, and women who have dense (not fatty) breast tissue regardless of age. Digital mammography uses less radiation than traditional film mammography, reducing your lifetime exposure to x-rays.
How do I get the results?
If the mammogram shows an abnormality that needs to be followed immediately, your referring doctor will let you know about it usually within about 48 hours. If your mammogram is normal, you will receive a letter in the mail within about 2 weeks. Sometimes the mammogram shows an abnormality that should be followed with additional images after a period of 3-6 months in order to see if the area in question is changing in any way. Your doctor may contact you about this, and you will also get a letter in the mail reminding you of this.
Ultrasound of spleen and left kidney—Patient lying on back head to left. A. Spleen B. Left KidneyWhat is Ultrasound Imaging of the Abdomen?
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound examinations do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.
Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
An abdominal ultrasound produces a picture of the organs and other structures in the upper abdomen.
A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of an abdominal ultrasound examination.
Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood flow through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
Power Doppler ultrasound of the kidney. This image shows the tiny blood vessels in the kidney like the branches of a tree. Next photo, ultrasound of liver. Abdominal ultrasound imaging is performed to evaluate the:
kidneys
liver
gallbladder
pancreas
spleen
abdominal aorta and other blood vessels of the abdomen
Ultrasound is used to help diagnose a variety of conditions, such as:
Gallbladder and common bile duct. A. Common bile duct B. Gallbladder abdominal pain or distention.
abnormal liver function.
enlarged abdominal organ.
stones in the gallbladder or kidney.
an aneurysm in the aorta.
Additionally, ultrasound may be used to provide guidance for biopsies.
Doppler ultrasound images can help the physician to see and evaluate:
blockages to blood flow (such as clots).
narrowing of vessels (which may be caused by plaque).
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound examinations do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.
Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.
An abdominal ultrasound produces a picture of the organs and other structures in the upper abdomen.
A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of an abdominal ultrasound examination.
Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood flow through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck.
What are some common uses of the procedure?
Power Doppler ultrasound of the kidney. This image shows the tiny blood vessels in the kidney like the branches of a tree. Next photo, ultrasound of liver. Abdominal ultrasound imaging is performed to evaluate the:
kidneys
liver
gallbladder
pancreas
spleen
abdominal aorta and other blood vessels of the abdomen
Ultrasound is used to help diagnose a variety of conditions, such as:
Gallbladder and common bile duct. A. Common bile duct B. Gallbladder abdominal pain or distention.
abnormal liver function.
enlarged abdominal organ.
stones in the gallbladder or kidney.
an aneurysm in the aorta.
Additionally, ultrasound may be used to provide guidance for biopsies.
Doppler ultrasound images can help the physician to see and evaluate:
blockages to blood flow (such as clots).
narrowing of vessels (which may be caused by plaque).
What is a DEXA scan?
A DEXA scan is an enhanced form of X-RAY technology that measures bone density and mineralization. It detects bone degeneration (bone loss), helps diagnose osteoporosis and osteopenia, and to determine if a patient is prone to fractures.
How do I prepare?
There is no special preparation needed for this scan. It is simple, quick, and a noninvasive procedure. We do encourage to leave jewelry at home, however we do provide lockers if needed.
A DEXA scan is an enhanced form of X-RAY technology that measures bone density and mineralization. It detects bone degeneration (bone loss), helps diagnose osteoporosis and osteopenia, and to determine if a patient is prone to fractures.
How do I prepare?
There is no special preparation needed for this scan. It is simple, quick, and a noninvasive procedure. We do encourage to leave jewelry at home, however we do provide lockers if needed.