Services Offered
Diagnostic Xray / Radiology
| Arthrography Bone Densitometry Bone X-Rays Chest X-Rays |
Intravenous Pyelogram/IVP Lower GI Series Mammography Upper GI Series |
Diagnostic x-rays or radiography is the oldest and most frequently utilized form of medical imaging. Diagnostic x-rays are created by passing small controlled amounts of radiation through the body to capture shadows and reflections that are transmitted to film. Radiography is a simple, painless procedure that allows radiologists to analyze and diagnose bony and soft tissue.
Fluoroscopy is an enhanced x-ray that produces images on a monitor for diagnosis of abnormalities of the digestive tract, kidneys and gallbladder. Fluoroscopy is typically used for Upper and Lower GI studies.
Arthrography:
An arthrogram is the radiographic examination of a joint that has been injected with contrast material to depict soft tissue and joint structures in order to diagnose ligament damage or meniscus, rotator cuff or cartilage tears in the shoulder, wrist, hip, knee or ankle. Typically patients with persistent, unexplained joint pain or discomfort undergo arthrograms to identify problems with a joint's function or possibly indicate a need for joint replacement.
Bone Densitometry:
Osteoporosis is a disabling disease that causes bones to become brittle, particularly among elderly women. Bones weakened by mineral loss are prone to fractures particularly in the spine and hips. Symptoms include curvature of the spine, back pain and loss of height. Low bone density is most commonly measured by Dual X-ray Absorptometry or DEXA scan which detects bone mineral density or bone mass. The scan uses very low does radiation along with highly sophisticated computerized analysis to provide reference information. The test is simple and painless and is completed in ten minutes.
Bone X-rays:
X-ray imaging is the quickest and easiest imaging exam to view and assess broken bones, bone disease or infections, injured backbones or cracked skulls. X-rays are used by orthopedic surgeons for spinal repair, joint replacement and fracture reductions. X-ray images are also used to diagnose degenerative diseases such as arthritis and are used to monitor the progression of degenerative diseases.
Nearly half of all x-ray procedures performed in hospitals are chest x-rays which are used to evaluate the lungs, heart and surrounding anatomy. Pneumonia, heart failure, pleurisy and lung cancer are typically diagnosed by chest x-rays. Chest x-rays are typically taken with the patient standing or lying on a table with a photographic plate placed against the chest.
Intravenous Pyelogram or IVP:
An IVP is a radiographic examination of the kidneys, ureters and bladder in which contrast material is injected into the patient's system in order to record images to examine the functions of the kidney and urinary tract. IVPs are used to study disorders such as frequent urination, blood in the urine, pain in the side or lower back, detection of kidney stones, enlarge prostate, internal injuries from trauma, tumors in the kidney, ureters or bladder and other related abnormalities.
Lower GI Tract:
A lower GI examination is used to view the lower GI tract to detect ulcers, benign tumors or polyps, cancer and typically is ordered for patients with chronic diarrhea, blood in the stools, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, unexplained weight loss, change in bowel habits or suspected blood loss. X-rays of the bowel and colon are used to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis and disorders such as Crohn's disease. A mixture of Barium (contrast agent) and water is injected through a tube inserted in the rectum into the colon so that the colon lining is coated to provide clear images.
Mammography:
Mammography is a specific type of low-dose x-ray system utilizing high contrast, high-resolution film for imaging of the breasts. It is performed to detect changes or abnormal growths in the breast and will provide a baseline reference for future comparison. Mammograms are used for screening or routine purposes and for diagnostic purposes when a lump has been detected, there is a personal history of breast cancer of if suspicious symptoms are present. Mammograms, along with monthly breast self-exams (BSE) are tools to assist in detection of breast cancer.
Mammography plays a critical role in early detection of breast cancer and can depict changes in the breast up to two years prior to detect of lump by touch. Mammography improves a physician's ability to detect tumors. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicates that mammography can detect 85-90 percent of breast cancers in women over 50.Guidelines from the American Medical Associate (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend annual mammograms for women 40 and older. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends that women who are increased risk due to genetic history of breast cancer, or who have had breast cancer, may need mammograms at an early age. Be sure to contact your physician if you have a question regarding when you should schedule a mammogram.
Do not schedule a mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender and it is best to schedule an exam one week following your period. Inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
The mammography equipment is used exclusively for x-ray exams of the breast. Attached to the x-ray unit is a device that holds, compresses and positions the breast so that images can be obtained from different angles. There may be slight discomfort during the 3-5 second period of compression--compression is important in obtaining the clearest image possible with the least amount of radiation. Two to three views per breast are required for screening mammograms.
Mammogram interpretations can be difficult because a normal breast appears differently for each woman. Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or upper body on the day of the mammogram. These can distort images and appear on the x-ray film as calcium spots. It is important to obtain prior mammograms for comparison purposes. Make sure that the technologist performing the exam is aware of any symptoms or problems.
Upper GI Tract:
An upper GI series is an x-ray examination of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. The upper gastrointestinal tract is coated with a contrast material called barium which appears bright white in x-rays. The patient drinks the barium so that the digestive function can be radiographed to detect ulcer, tumors or inflammation of the esophagus, stomach and proximal small intestine. Typically this exam is used when patients experience difficulty swallowing, have symptoms of pain associated with reflux, unexplained vomiting, severe indigestion or blood in the stool.