X-Ray/Imaging

A bone density test determines if you have osteoporosis — a disease that causes bones to become more fragile and more likely to break. A bone density test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a bone. Your doctor may recommend a bone density test if you’ve gotten shorter, fractured a bone, are taking certain drugs, received a transplant or experience lower hormone levels. Bone density tests are easy, fast and painless. During the test, you lie down while a mechanical arm passes over you. The test usually takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Fluoroscopy is a type of medical imaging that shows a continuous X-ray image on a monitor, much like an X-ray movie. It is used to diagnose or treat patients by displaying the movement of a body part, instrument or contrast agent through the body. During the procedure, an X-ray beam is passed through the body and the image is transmitted to a monitor so the body part and its motion can be seen in detail. Fluoroscopy may be used during barium studies, catheter insertion, blood flow studies and orthopedic surgery.

A CT scan combines the power of X-ray and computers to provide physicians the ability to view cross-sections of the internal anatomy. Physicians are able to look at each cross-section separately or view 3-D images. A CT scan is often used during trauma cases and other emergencies. It can also be used to guide biopsies and is common in the detection of cancer, kidney stones, heart disease, lung disease, brain damage and other internal injuries. A technologist will be watching you during your procedure.

A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breast used to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms play a key role in early breast cancer detection. During a mammogram, your breasts are compressed between two firm surfaces in order to spread out the breast tissue. A mammogram can be used either for screening in women who have no unusual signs or symptoms or for diagnostic purposes for women who have suspicious breast changes. All women should get a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40. After age 40, mammograms should be repeated annually. Pre-menopausal women with a strong family history of breast cancer, meaning a first-degree relative, should get screened 10 years before their loved one’s age of diagnosis. A radiologist will interpret your images and send a report of the findings to your doctor.

Click here for a Mammography Screening form

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to create a detailed image of the inside of your body. MRI is used to examine soft tissues (like organs, muscle, cartilage, ligaments and tendons) in areas like the brain, spine, breast, abdomen, pelvis and joints. During the scan, which typically lasts less than an hour, you lie on a table while a technologist watches and communicates with you from an adjoining room. Sometimes certain conditions can be difficult to see on an MRI, so your physician may request that you receive an injection of a contrast agent to provide a more vivid picture. During the scan, you must hold very still because movement can blur the resulting images. Once your scan is complete, a radiologist will review your results and send a report to your physician.