Services

Links to outside sources of information:

Barium Studies/Fluoroscopy

MRI

MRA

P.E.T. Imaging

Ultrasound

X-Ray

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed pictures of the inside of your body without the use of x-rays radiation or invasive techniques.

How the Test Is Performed: The test is performed in a strong magnet with radio waves directed at the area of interest. MRI measures the energy frequencies released by the bodyís cells as they react to radio waves within the magnetic field.

Patient Education: You may eat or drink before all MRI exams; except MRCO. Bring all films with you relating to your scheduled exam.

MRA

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA): Is an MRI study of the blood vessels.

How the Test Is Performed: The procedure is painless. Magnetic Resonance Angiography utilizes MR technology to detect, diagnose and aid the treatment of heart disorders, stroke and blood vessels.

Patient Education: You may eat or drink before all MRI exams; except MRCO. Bring all films with you relating to your scheduled exam.

Prep Instructions: On occasions thereís nothing by mouth six (6) hours before.

CT

Computer Axial Tomography (CAT): Is also known as CT scan. Provides detailed information of internal organs and is particularly superior for imaging the chest, abdomen and pelvis. CT scan provides cross- sectional images of the body which are called slices.

How the Test Is Performed: CT scan uses an ultra thin, low dose x-ray beam which minimizes radiation exposure.

Prep Instructions: No solid foods minimum of six (6) hours prior to exam. The patient may have clear liquids up until exam time. Some exams require a prep kit to be picked up two (2) days prior to exam.

Prep Kit: Contains two (2) bottles of oral contrast (refrigeration recommended), and instruction sheet. There will be a third bottle of oral contrast given to you at your appointment.

Labs: Creatinine labs must be drawn within 30 days prior to exam. The results must be faxed to the CT department 24 hours prior to the test. If results are not made available; the patient will not be able to have the procedure performed.

CTA

Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA): Is an examination that uses x-rays to visualize blood flow in arterial vessels throughout the body, from arteries serving the brain to those providing blood to the lungs, kidneys, arms, and legs. CT combines the use of x-rays with computerized analysis of the images. Beams of x-rays are passed from a spinning device through the area of interest in the patientís body from several different angles so as to create cross sectional images, which then are reconstructed by the technician with a computer into a three dimensional the area being studied.

Prep Instructions: No solid foods minimum of six (6) hours prior to exam. The patient may have clear liquids up until exam time. Some exams require a prep kit to be picked up two (2) days prior to exam.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound (Sonography): Is a procedure that utilizes high frequency sound to view internal organs. No radiation involved with this exam.

Prep Instructions: Nothing by mouth after midnight. Except for pelvic, pelvic with transvaginal, and OB require you to have a full bladder.

Ultrasound Biopsy Instructions: Bring any previous outside films/images that might pertain to the procedure. Do not take any blood thinners, such as aspirin, coumadin, or any over the counter preparations containing any of these, up to three (3) days prior to your procedure as directed by your physician.

Patients who have been on blood thinners should have the following labs: PT, PTT, and INR and platelets prior to the procedure or the day before.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine: Is a branch of radiology that studies more about organ function and less about anatomy. Nuclear medicine uses very small amounts of radiopharmaceuticals
(Radioactive material) to diagnose and treat diseases.

P.E.T. Imaging

Positron Emission Tomography (PET): Is an imaging technology that can be used to assess tissue biochemistry. Compared with normal tissues tumors generally exhibit accelerated metabolism, including increased glucose metabolism. The preferred energy substrate for most cancers is glucose; therefore metabolism can effectively be visualized utilizing Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). P.E.T. is the only clinical image modality available that provides this type of information.

Prep Instructions: Patient may only have clear liquids up to six (60 hours prior to the scan. No food, chewing gum, sodas, juice, cough drops, or anything that contains sugar. No caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol for at least 12 hours prior to the scan.

Patient may take their usual medications before this scan. However, if the patient has been advised not to take their medications on an empty stomach, they may eat a few soda crackers with their medication as long as it is done at least six (6) hours prior to this scan.

If the patient is insulin dependent diabetic, the patient should take their medication for diabetes two (2) hours before the exam. The patient should drink eight (8) ounces or less of juice (OJ preferred) and if desired plain crackers after the medication.

A blood sugar value will be obtained on the patient prior to the scan.

Mammography

Mammography: A low energy x-ray of the breast taken to detect breast disease. A mammogram can detect breast cancer up to two years before it can be felt. Early detection of cancer increases effective treatment options and the possibility of a cure. Mammography has been proven to detect cancer earlier than physical exam alone.

Prep Instructions: Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the x-ray film as calcium spots. If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.

How Does The Procedure Work: The breast is exposed to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of internal breast tissue. The images produced as a result of some of the x-rays being absorbed (attenuation) while others pass through the breast to expose the film. The exposed film is placed in a developing machine-producing images much like the negatives from a 35mm camera.

Stereotactic Biopsy

Prep Instructions: Wash well and do not wear lotion, powder, perfume or deodorant. A two piece outfit is most convenient for this exam, if you have had a previous mammogram elsewhere; outside films must be reviewed greater than 48 hours prior to this exam.

Stop blood thinners (coumadin or heparin) five days before this appointment. Patients that have been on blood thinners should have a PT and PTT prior to this procedure. Please stop aspirin one (1) week prior to this procedure. Patients on aspirin do not need labs before this procedure