Radiology & Imaging Services

Bone Density Testing (DEXA) is the best diagnostic tool to support the early detection and treatment of osteoporosis.

• All women over age 65
• Any postmenopausal women under 65 years with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis (e.g., being thin, being a smoker, having a family history of fractures, using corticosteroids for longer than three months, or any serious high-risk condition, such as hyperthyroidism or malabsorption)
• Any older man or woman who suffers a fracture

Please check with your insurance company regarding coverage.

• You will be asked a series of questions related to your health and habits
• Weight and height will be taken
• You will then be asked to lie on your back on the table
• The technologist will input your health history into the computer
• The technologist will position you and then the scan arm of the machine will pass over your body acquiring the images needed to assess your bone health
• A report is then sent to your referring physician

Patient care and diagnosis have significantly improved with the growing use of computed tomography (CT). CT scanning blends the traditional technology of X-rays with the latest computer innovations. Using a series of X-ray beams, the CT scanner creates cross-sectional images. A computer reconstructs these “slices” to produce the 3-D image. The result is a picture with greater detail than traditional X-rays.

Speak with your doctor or the radiology department about preparing for the CT exam.

Your doctor is interested in seeing specific body areas. Therefore, in some CT exams, a contrast media is used to make these areas appear more visible.

You may feel a slight warming sensation when the contrast medium is administered with a small IV. Consult with your physician prior to your CT exam if you have an allergic reaction to iodine which is used in the contrast medium.

A CT exam is a quick, painless procedure. The scanner will acquire the images in just a few seconds while you are comfortably lying on the patient table. Exam times will vary.

• You may be asked to wear a gown for image clarity.
• You may be asked to remove jewelry and other metallic items for image clarity.
• Your exam table will slowly move into a scanning position within the CT scanner’s doughnut-shaped opening.
• During the few seconds, the scanner captures the image, you will be asked to remain still and hold your breath.

After the exam, all normal activities may be resumed, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The radiologist will then interpret your films and report the findings to your physician. Your doctor will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health. All normal activities may be resumed. If you are taking metformin, please check with your doctor.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and computer-generated radio waves to create detailed images of the bones, organs and tissues in your body.

Most MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets that are open on both ends. When you lie inside an MRI machine, the magnetic field temporarily realigns water molecules in your body. Radio waves cause these aligned atoms to produce faint signals, which are used to create cross-sectional MRI images — like slices in a loaf of bread. The MRI machine can also produce 3D images that can be viewed from different angles.

Because of the strong magnetic field used during the exam, certain conditions may prevent you from having a MRI procedure. When scheduling your appointment and prior to your exam, please alert our staff and technologist to the following conditions that may apply to you. The Radiology staff will then let you know whether you can have the MRI exam and whether the exam needs to be modified for your particular condition.

• Pacemaker
• Pregnancy
• Claustrophobia
• History of kidney problems
• Neurostimulators (TENS-unit)
• Implanted drug infusion device (i.e., insulin pump)
• Injury of metal fragments to your eye
• Artificial heart valves
• Aneurysm clips
• Cochlear implants
• Metallic implants and prosthesis
• Vascular stent or stent graft
• Shrapnel or bullet wounds
• Dorsal column stimulators
• Allergy to iodine, or gadolinium
• Other conditions you believe to be relevant

Other Tips

• Please leave your valuables at home if possible. A locker with a key will be provided for you to lock your belongings up prior to the exam.
• If you experience anxiety related to claustrophobia, your doctor may prescribe an oral medication for you to take with you for your MRI appointment. If you do take an oral medication, you will be required to have a driver with you at your appointment.

There is little preparation for an MRI exam. Take your daily medications as you normally would, unless instructed otherwise. There are few dietary restrictions for an MRI. For those exams, you will be notified of the requirements by the clinic staff.

• Please arrive 15- 30 minutes prior to your exam and check in with the business desk and radiology receptionist. You will need to complete the MRI screening form.
• To eliminate possible MR safety issues, you will be asked to change into a scrub top and bottom that will be provided. A locker will be supplied to secure your belongings.
• A technologist will verify your identification and the requested exam. Your screening form will be reviewed by the technologist in consultation with the radiologist if indicated. If MRI contrast is indicated for the exam, an IV catheter will be inserted in your arm by a technologist.

The MRI machine looks like a long tube that is open on both ends. You lie down on a movable table that slides into the opening of the tube. A technologist monitors you from another room. You can talk with the person by microphone and have an alarm button to squeeze if you need anything immediately.

The MRI machine creates a strong magnetic field around you, and radio waves are directed at your body. The procedure is virtually painless. You don't feel the magnetic field or radio waves, and there are no moving parts around you.

During the MRI scan, the internal part of the magnet produces repetitive tapping, thumping and other noises. You will be given earplugs and/or have music playing to help block the noise during your exam.

In some cases, a contrast material, typically gadolinium, will be injected through an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm. The contrast material enhances certain details. Gadolinium rarely causes allergic reactions.

An MRI can last anywhere from 15 minutes to more than an hour for your exam. You must hold still because movement can blur the resulting images.

Ultrasound scanning uses high-frequency sound waves to capture images of structures inside the body. Ultrasound is also used to look at blood flow within the vessels. Depending on which type of ultrasound you have, different preparation is required.