What is X-Ray?

X-ray is the most commonly used and the oldest form of medical imaging that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. An X-ray picture or radiograph is produced when a part of the body is exposed to a small burst of ionizing beam.

How to prepare and what to expect for my examination.

Most x-rays don’t require any special preparation. You may be asked to remove some of your clothes, jewelry, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the x-ray images. You may be asked to wear a gown during the exam. Women should always inform their physician or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.  X-rays are painless, and the examination is usually completed within 5 to 10 minutes.

What is CT Scanning?

CT scanning—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a non-invasive, painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. CT imaging is sometimes compared to looking into a loaf of bread by cutting the loaf into thin slices. When the image slices are reassembled by computer software, the result is a very detailed multi-dimensional view of the body’s interior.

How should I prepare for the CT scan and what should I expect?

CT exams are painless, fast and easy. You will be asked to change into a gown. Metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins may affect the CT images and should be left at home or removed prior to your exam.

The technologist begins by positioning you on a comfortable CT examination table, usually lying on your back. Depending on body part being imaged you may be asked to drink a special dye before the procedure or dye may be injected through an intravenous line. Our equipment are especially quiet and you will hear only slight whirring sounds as the CT scanner revolves around you during the imaging process.The CT scanning is usually completed within a few seconds.

After a CT exam, you can return to your normal activities. If you received a contrast material, you may be given special instructions.

If you are receiving intravaneous contrast you should inform us of allergies, prior reaction to CT dye, history of asthma, diabetes or kidney disease.

What is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound imaging helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves using sound waves to produce images of the body. Ultrasound can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels (called Doppler Ultrasound).

How to prepare and what to expect

Examination is painless and is usually completed within 15 to 30 minutes.

• For a study of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and pancreas, you may be asked to fast for 6 hours prior to the test. You may take your medication as directed by your personal physician.
• For ultrasound of the urinary bladder, uterus and ovaries (female organ ), you will be asked to drink four to six glasses of liquid about an hour before the test to fill your bladder.
• You will need to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined and change into a gown during the procedure.
• For most ultrasound exams, you will be lying face-up on a comfortable examination table.

A clear gel is applied to the area of the body being studied and a transducer is placed against the skin over the area of interest, as images are taken. Once the exam is complete, the gel will be wiped off your skin. After an ultrasound exam, you should be able to resume your normal activities.

What is MRI?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful, non-invasive, painless tool that has revolutionized many fields of medicine. It has changed the way physician’s diagnose and treat various ailments of brain, spine, joints.

MRI has become an indispensable problem solving tool or the first examination of choice in evaluation of internal organs such as liver and pancreas or gynecological structures. MRI images are created using a powerful magnet along with radio waves and a computer. No ionizing radiation ( x- ray ) is used to produce the images

How to prepare for my exam and what to expect?

No special preparation is required for most MRI examination. For certain MRI examinations of the abdomen and pelvic area, you may be asked not to eat or drink 4 hours prior to the test.

Unless you are told otherwise, you may follow your regular daily routine and take medications as usual. Some MRI examinations may require an injection of contrast into the bloodstream.

You will be asked to remove metallic and electronic objects such as jewelry, watches, metallic hair pins and other accessories before entering the MRI room.

People with internal defibrillator and cochlear (ear) implants should not enter the MRI area. Also, inform us if you have medical or electronic devices such as clips used on brain aneurysm, artificial heart valves, implanted drug infusion ports, implanted nerve stimulators, cardiac pacemakers or artificial limbs.

If you are breastfeeding at the time of the exam and receiving contrast for your exam you may pump breast milk ahead of time and keep it on hand for use after contrast material has cleared from your body.

After an MRI exam, you should be able to resume your normal activities.