General Radiology is the use of painless electromagentic waves to create images – commonly referred to as x-rays. General radiology can be used to detect bone or joint problems, check the lungs, heart, abdomen and pelvis. A minimal and safe amount of radiation is used in the area being imaged. Beyond this, we offer fluoroscopy, which captures continuous images to create a video, allowing for better evaluation of moving parts of the body. Ordering physicians can expect to receive the report within a couple hours of the procedure.

Not much preparation is needed prior to a general radiology session. We recommend wearing comfortable, athletic-style clothes, free of metal or other objects (zippers, buttons, etc) that may interfere with the imaging. If this is not possible, you may be asked to change into scrubs. The procedure itself may take only 10-30 minutes, depending on the area being examined. After the procedure, you may resume your normal activities. The results will be reported directly back to your doctor.

A Computed Tomography (CT) scan – or CAT scan – is a non-invasive, fast, painless exam that produces cross sectional images that can be reformatted in multiple planes and used to generate 3D images. CT scans of organs, bone, soft tissues and blood vessels are highly detailed, providing radiologists and physicians with images that conventional radiology can’t capture. Under certain circumstances, a contrast agent may be administered either orally and/or intravenously to enhance the image.

Some preparation may be required prior to a CT scan. There may be dietary rules corresponding with your specific CT, of which you’ll be notified ahead of time. We recommend wearing comfortable, athletic-style clothes, free of metal or other objects (zippers, buttons, etc) that may interfere with the imaging. If this is not possible, you may be asked to change into scrubs. You’ll be asked to lie down onto a table, which will pass through a donut-shaped ring, as the CT images are taken. The average time for the actual CT exam is 5 to 10 minutes, however the exam could take longer depending on associated protocols. After the procedure, you may resume your normal activities. The results will be reported directly back to your doctor.

An MRI produces images through the use of magnetic fields and radio frequency pulses. It does not use ionizing radiation. MRI is more sensitive in evaluating soft tissue compared to other imaging techniques, and produces detailed images of the brain, internal organs, bones, joints and other structures. The high level of accuracy and low risk of the procedure makes MRI a valuable tool. Under certain circumstances, a contrast agent may be administered orally and/or intravenously to enhance the image.

As MRI uses magnetic fields, some metals will interfere with the study, and may not be performed if you have a pacemaker, metal clip implants, or cochlear implants. We’ll ask you about past surgeries and injuries to ensure the MRI may be safely administered. Please let our staff know of any metal you have on or in your body, if you are or think you may be pregnant, or if you have an implant. Most MRI exams do not require special dietary considerations, but if there are any, you will be notified prior. We request you wear comfortable, athletic-style clothes, free of metal or other objects (zippers, buttons, etc), and remove any personal items containing metal. An MRI takes about an hour, and it’s important to stay as still as possible. You may be asked to hold your breath at times.

Ultrasounds, also known as sonography, creates images through the use of high-frequency sound waves. Some parts of the body absorb sound waves while others are reflected, allowing the capturing of images. Although best known for use during pregnancy, Tristate IMG utilizes ultrasound imaging for diagnostic purposes, including locating infections, tumors, sources of pain or vascular blockages. Ultrasounds do not use radiation, and are captured in real-time, showing the movement of internal organs and blood flow.

Depending on the nature of the ultrasound to be performed, you may be asked to adhere to particular dietary requirements, of which you will be informed prior. We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. You may be asked to remove all clothing and jewelry in the area to be examined, or you may be asked to change into scrubs. Typically, you are asked to lie down on a table and a certified sonographer will apply a warm water-based gel to the area to be imaged. A transducer – a small hand held device – is placed on the body and gently moved back and forth to capture the desired images. The procedure typically involves little to no discomfort.

Nuclear Medicine involves the detection of a radiotracer (a radioactive pharmaceutical) that is administered prior to the exam, allowing for imaging at the cellular level. This level of detail allows for the identification of many diseases not detectable through conventional methods. Additionally, due to the use of a tracer, nuclear medicine can go beyond capturing anatomic structure to record organ function. This allows for better diagnosis, as many diseases reveal themselves through function.

You’ll receive an injection of a radiotracer – or radiopharmaceutical. Once the radiotracer is applied, there is a specified wait time to allow the tracer to travel to organs to be tested. You will then be asked to remain still, to create the clearest possible images. Typically, the scan takes between 20 and 45 minutes. Any trace amounts of radiation in your body after the exam is will expelled through urine and stool.

Mammography is a form of low-dose x-ray imaging used to examine the breasts. Mammography is effective in identifying breast cancer early, before symptoms arise. In conventional mammography, an x-ray captures an image from the side and above the breast. In 3D Mammography, images are taken rapidly at multiple angles to create a highly detailed 3D image of the breast.

Describe any changes or problems related to your breasts and any related medical history with the technologist. Please inform her if you are breastfeeding or think you might be pregnant. Do not schedule a mammogram when your breasts might be tender. You’ll need to undress above the waist and will be provided with a gown to wear. The technologist will position your breast on the machine’s plate and an upper plate will be lowered to compress your breast for a few seconds. Although the procedure takes around 20 minutes, the compression is only a few seconds. You might feel some discomfort. Inform the technologist if pain occurs as compression is increased. If discomfort is significant, less compression can be used. For 3D mammography, no additional compression is needed and each view takes only a few seconds more.

Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography, or PET/CT, uses a small amount of contrast material (radiotracers/radioactive material) and a special camera to evaluate structure and function of organs and tissues. PET/CT may detect diseases in early stages through its ability to identify body changes at a cellular level.

Tell your technologist if you are diabetic, other medical conditions, recent illnesses, medications, and allergies. You’ll be asked not to eat anything and to drink only water several hours before the scan. Remove any jewelry and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown. You’ll receive an intravenous injection of radioactive glucose and be asked to rest quietly for about an hour while it’s distributed throughout your body. You’ll then lie down onto a table, which will pass through a donut-shaped ring, while the images are taken. After the procedure, you may resume your normal activities. The results will be reported directly to your doctor.

Bone density scanning, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) or bone densitometry, is a technique used to measure bone mineral density. DEXA uses a very small dose of radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body - usually the lower spine and hips. It is used to diagnose osteoporosis and assess the risk of developing fractures. DEXA scans are painless and noninvasive.

DEXA is a simple, quick exam that requires little or no special preparation. Tell your technologist if you recently had a barium exam or had an injection of contrast material for another exam. Do not take calcium supplements the morning of your exam. Wear comfortable clothing with no metal zippers, and remove any jewelry, eyeglasses or other metal objects.