Imaging services

Our hospitals provide access to a wide range of advanced imaging services to ensure patients receive an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

To ensure the heart health of our patients, we offer a variety of cardiovascular imaging services to support our structural heart and cardiovascular care programs. Some of the techniques we use here include:

• Coronary calcium scans
• Electrocardiogram
• Stress tests
• Tilt table tests

A CT scan—sometimes referred to as a CAT scan—combines special X-ray equipment with computers to produce multiple images of the inside of the body. A CT scan is used to diagnose and treat medical conditions, such as:

• Certain cancers
• Cardiovascular disease
• Infectious disease
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Trauma

CT scans can provide more detail than images obtained from a regular X-ray exam.

64-slice CT scan

Some of our hospitals also offer access to 64-slice CT scans. This advanced imaging technology offers a faster procedure that decreases patient exposure to radiation and provides high-quality digital images of any organ and blood vessels in a few seconds. It also provides improved resolution, detail and image quality in addition to better cross-sectional displays and 3D images.

A DEXA scan is a commonly used test for measuring bone density. It is one of the most accurate ways of measuring bone mineral density and diagnosing osteopenia and osteoporosis. This type of testing is more accurate than regular X-rays and requires less radiation exposure than CT scans.

Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique commonly used to obtain real-time moving images of a patient's internal structures through the use of a fluoroscope. During the procedure, an X-ray image intensifier and video camera allow the live images to be recorded and played on a display monitor.

This technique can be used in many situations including investigations of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, orthopedic surgery and urological surgery.

A mammogram is used to detect breast cancer early. The American Cancer Society recommends that women 40 years old and older have yearly mammograms for as long as they are in good health. If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about when you should start having mammograms.

Mammogram screenings use low-dose X-ray imaging technology to examine breast tissue. During a mammogram, an imaging technician will position your breasts onto the imaging equipment. To ensure a high-quality picture, the breast must be somewhat compressed. The mammogram compresses the breast for a few seconds while an image is taken.

Digital mammography

Many of our hospitals also offer digital mammography as an advanced breast imaging option. A digital mammogram provides your physician with a significantly clearer picture and viewing options. This form of mammography uses digital receptors instead of X-ray film to capture images of breast tissue that are examined by a radiologist.

A conventional 2D mammogram can be limiting due to overlapping layers of tissue in the breast. This creates the need for call backs, or additional mammogram images, to evaluate the overlapping layers of tissue. For many women, this means heightened anxiety about their annual breast exam. A 3D mammogram allows your doctor to view the breast layer by layer. This creates better detailed images, increasing early breast cancer detection and decreasing the amount of call backs.

MRI is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI provides different information about structures in the body than can be seen with a CT scan, ultrasound or X-ray. Some of our hospitals provide access to 1.5 tesla MRIs that provide a magnetic field strength anywhere from two to five times greater than a traditional MRI. This means increased detail and image quality for patients.

Nuclear medicine imaging uses small amounts of a radioactive substance, called a tracer, to look for problems in the body. Nuclear medicine tests can diagnose numerous cancers, diseases and conditions in the intestines, heart, brain, tissues, endocrine system and other parts of the body. These procedures can pinpoint molecular activity within the body and, therefore, they offer the potential to identify diseases in their earliest stages.

Commonly called sonography or ultrasonography, an ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to display moving, 3D images of the inside of the body on a monitor. Ultrasounds are often used during pregnancy to check the health of the baby. However, ultrasounds are also used for visualizing other parts of the body, like tendons, muscles, joints, vessels and internal organs to look for possible disease or abnormality. No radiation is involved with ultrasound imaging procedures.

Automated breast ultrasound system

We also provide access to automated breast ultrasound systems. This is used as an as an additional screening tool for women with dense breasts. The advanced technology helps our clinicians more accurately diagnose breast cancer when it is smaller and more treatable.

During an X-ray, electromagnetic waves are used to obtain images of the bones, chest and abdominal area to detect disease or injury. X-rays are used also for fluoroscopic procedures.

We offer access to advanced surgical imaging technology that helps doctors complete procedures with increased accuracy. The digital imaging processor assists surgeons with patient images. Additionally, the dual monitor allows the physician to see the image in two different projections during surgery.

These general guidelines will help you prepare for and stay comfortable during your imaging procedure:

• Please bring any previous imaging studies from other facilities.
• Some tests require that you go without eating or drinking for a specified time beforehand. Be sure to ask your doctor about this at least 24 hours before your procedure.
• Tell your technologist if you are breastfeeding or if there is any chance you are pregnant or if you are allergic to shellfish or iodine.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes, and don't wear items containing metal. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. In some cases, you may be asked to remove jewelry, watches, hairpins, eyeglasses or dentures.