Radiology & Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed, digital images of the body not possible with traditional imaging technology. During certain MRI scans a contrast agent, a special dye ingested either orally or by injection, may be needed to highlight and make blood flow or certain organs easier to see. MRI scans offer more advanced imaging than X-Rays, ultrasounds or CT scans giving physicians a better way to look at the body and diagnose disease or problems. 

A Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) scan uses a single imaging machine to combine a series of X-Ray views to produce 3-D images of the body from many different angles. A computer then processes these images to create cross-sectional images, similar to the look of single slices in a sliced loaf of bread. During certain CT scans, a contrast agent—a special dye ingested either orally or by injection—may be needed to highlight and make blood flow or certain organs easier to see on the CT image. CT scans of internal organs, blood vessels, bones and soft tissues offer physicians a larger amount of information than general X-Ray images. 

A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan is used to produce 3-D, cross-sectional images of the body’s organs and tissue from various angles to view how these structures are functioning. A PET scan can measure functions within the body such as blood flow and oxygen use, making it possible for physicians to identify any functional problems. PET scans involve the injection of a small dose of a radiotracer into your body- this tracer moves throughout your body and is absorbed by the organs or tissues being captured in the scan. PET scans, unlike CT or MRI scans, reveal cellular level metabolic changes occurring within your body. 

Digital mammograms are a low-dose X-Ray used to study the breast and help women maintain optimum breast health. Diagnostic digital mammograms are performed and ordered by a physician when there are indications of a breast problem, such as a suspicious lump. Screening mammograms are performed on a regular basis as an early detection tool to help prevent progressed breast issues. When breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and better odds of a full recovery—early detection saves lives. 

Nuclear medicine imaging utilizes radioactive isotopes to help physicians determine the staging of a disease. A special camera takes images of the low-level radioactive isotopes, which are ingested either orally or by injection, as they move through the body and into the organs. Nuclear medicine imagining is used most often when the function of the organ, not simply the organ’s shape or size, is important to diagnosis disease in early stages. In some instances, nuclear medicine is also used to treat illness. 

Ultrasound imaging exposes part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body, without the use of radiation. Ultrasound images are captured in real-time and can show the structure and movement of the body’s organs and blood flow. Conventional ultrasounds produce 2-D images but advancements in ultrasound technology include 3-D ultrasounds, format sound waves into 3-D images, and 4-D ultrasounds, 3-D ultrasounds in motion. 

Fluoroscopy imaging displays a continuous x-ray image on a monitor by showing the movement of a body part, an instrument or a contrast agent, such a dye, through the body. Fluoroscopy imaging is used in procedures such as enemas, swallow studies, catheter insertion, blood flow studies, orthopedic surgery and more.