Diagnostic Imaging Services :: Radiology

Imaging Services at Fairchild Medical Center combines the latest techniques for non-invasive imaging studies with compassionate patient care.

Our staff is devoted to making our patients' radiology experience as comfortable as possible. We do our best to ensure that our patients are never rushed in and out of our facility, and that all of their questions and needs are always given staff members' full attention. We work hard to keep to our schedule and minimize patient waiting time.

CT Scan (Computed Tomography) - -
Also known as CAT scan or Computed Axial Tomography

Unlike a conventional x-ray, computed tomography, commonly called CT scanning, captures a series of images called slices that show a slim cross-section of the area of interest. A study is made up of many slices of a body area, such as the head or abdomen. Because the images produced are cross-sections, they reveal information about the insides of organs and tissues, something a conventional x-ray cannot do.

If you are scheduled to receive a CT scan, you should not eat solid food for four hours prior to your appointment. You may, however, have clear liquids in moderate amounts. You may also be asked to remove jewelry or other metal objects and change into a hospital gown. Depending on the area of interest, you may be asked to ingest or receive an injection of a contrast agent. This agent will help particular structures, such as the intestines or blood vessels, show up more clearly on the images.

The technologist will position you on a table attached to the doughnut-shaped CT machine. Once you are in position, the technologist will leave the room and monitor the exam from an adjacent control room. You can maintain contact with the technologist via an intercom. The table will slide into position so that the "doughnut" surrounds you. While the images are being taken, you will be asked to hold your breath. The table will move slightly as the inner ring of the machine spins around you. You will not be able to see or feel the x-rays as they pass through your body, but it is normal to hear the "spinning" noises produced by the machine as it moves.

The length of time required for a CT examination-including the administration of contrast, positioning, and imaging-varies according to the type of study requested by your physician. After the exam, you can resume your normal activities without restriction. A radiologist will review and interpret the images, and the report will be sent to the referring physician.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging creates a remarkably clear picture of both bone and soft tissue using a strong magnetic field. Like CT scanning, MRI provides a series of cross-sectional images of the anatomy. MRI, however, accomplishes this task without radiation and is capable of producing highly detailed images of soft tissues, such as the muscles, blood vessels, brain, and other organs.

To prepare for the examination, you should take off all jewelry, as well as hairpins, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and removable dental appliances. In the examination room, the technologist will position you on the table attached to the doughnut-shaped MRI machine. Depending on the type of examination, the technologist may insert an intravenous catheter for the administration of contrast material during the course of the exam. This material helps certain organs and tissues show up more clearly.

Once you are in position, the technologist will leave the room and monitor the exam from an adjacent control room. You will remain in voice contact with the technologist through the intercom. The table will slide into position so that the "doughnut" surrounds you. While the images are being taken, you will be asked to remain still. The table will move slightly as the inner ring of the machine spins around you. It is not abnormal to feel a warm sensation in the area being examined, or to feel a cool sensation at the catheter site when contrast material is injected. The machine does produce loud tapping noises during some phases of imaging; you may wish to use earplugs, which the technologist can provide.

The length of time required for a MRI examination-including the administration of contrast, positioning, and imaging-varies according to the type of study requested by your physician, but the average is about 45 minutes. After the exam, you can resume your normal activities without restriction. A radiologist will review and interpret the images, and the report will be sent to the referring physician.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine imaging provides your physician with images of your body that illustrate how your organs and tissues are working. These images can be used to diagnose and monitor diseases that affect almost every major system of the body. Each specific type of examination is different, but there are a few common characteristics. In each type of study, a material called a radiotracer is injected in a vein or ingested.

Different tracers are used for different studies, but each is formulated to be attracted to particular cells and organ systems. The radiotracer is absorbed by the target cells, which can then be imaged with a gamma or positron camera. Nuclear medicine physicians can interpret the images and determine whether or not the cells are behaving normally based on the concentration of the radiotracer. In some studies, images are taken at multiple time points, enabling the evaluation of organ function over time.

The most significant benefit of nuclear medicine is that these non-invasive studies provide information that might only otherwise be obtained through surgery. Nuclear medicine imaging is safer and more cost-effective than surgery, and requires no recovery; you can resume normal activities as soon as the study is complete. For many studies, no special preparation is required. For some, however, you may be asked to avoid eating solid foods for several hours before the examination. Your doctor will discuss such details with you.

Diagnostic X-rays

Radiography is the oldest form of medical imaging, and it is still the most frequently used. This technique produces an image of the shadows cast by your organs and tissues. Tissues that are denser, such as bones or blood vessels infused with contrast agents, are more clearly visible than other tissues.

There is no special preparation for a standard x-ray, though you will be asked to remove any jewelry or other metal in the area of interest, and may need to change into a hospital gown. The technologist will help you get into the correct position for your exam and will talk you through the procedure. As each image is taken, you will be asked to remain very still-even hold your breath-for a few seconds. You cannot see or feel the x-rays passing through your body; it is a painless procedure. A standard x-ray examination lasts 10-15 minutes per area of interest, during which time several images are taken.

Diagnostic radiology provides a specialized type of radiography called fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy uses x-rays to produce a real-time, moving image. A contrast agent is used so that specific structures (such as the intestines or blood vessels) will show up clearly during the exam. Depending on the exam, your doctor should discuss with you any special preparations you will need to follow. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. The technologist will get you into position and provide instructions throughout the procedure. As he or she observes the moving images, still frames can be captured to illustrate regions and functions of interest.

Regardless of which site you visit, a radiologist will review and interpret the images, and the report will be sent to the referring physician.

Ultrasound (also called sonography or ultrasonography)

Ultrasound is a type of imaging study based on the energy of sound waves. High-frequency sound waves-far above the audible range-are directed toward the area of interest. Different tissues reflect, absorb, and refract the waves differently, and the echoes are transformed into a real-time image.

Preparations for an ultrasound examination depend on the type of exam scheduled. Your doctor should discuss the preparations with you. You may or may not be asked to change into a hospital gown, depending on the type of exam. For most studies, the technologist will apply a gel to the skin over the area of interest. He or she will then press the transducer-the handheld piece of equipment that produces and receives high frequency sound waves-firmly against the skin (this may cause slight discomfort) and an image will appear on the monitor. A series of still images will be captured on film. In some cases, a much smaller transducer-called a probe-will be inserted into a body cavity in order to obtain the required images. The use of sound waves for imaging is completely painless and without side effects.

After the exam, you can resume your normal activities without restriction. A radiologist will review and interpret the images, and the report will be sent to the referring physician. You can expect to receive your results from your physician within approximately 48 hours.

Breast Imaging and Diagnosis (including Mammography)

Mammography is a specialized form of x-ray that is used to detect and monitor changes in the breast tissue. On the day that your exam in scheduled, you should avoid using lotions, creams, powders, perfumes, and anti-perspirant/deodorant products near your breasts (including the underarms), or plan to wash them off prior to the exam. These items may contain ingredients that could interfere with the exam. No other special preparation is necessary. When you arrive for your appointment, you will be given a hospital gown and asked to remove all clothing form the waist up. You will also be asked to remove any jewelry or metal that could interfere with the exam.

A registered technologist with special training in mammography will position you for each image. In a typical exam, two images are taken of each breast. The breast will be positioned between two plates. Just before each image is taken, the plates will compress the breast slightly. Although this is often uncomfortable, it should not be painful. Compression is necessary to get a clear image of the breast tissue.

The actual imaging takes just a few seconds, but the whole procedure lasts 5-10 minutes. You will be asked to wait while the radiologist studies your images. As the board-certified radiologist reviews your films, he or she may request that additional images be taken or that a sonogram be performed in order to fully evaluate your results. After the examination, the radiologist will meet with you to discuss your results and will give you a written report. Your results will also be sent to your physician.

Our mammographers are all board certified in radiology and are certified by the American College of Radiology in Mammography

Do I need to do anything to prepare for my test?

Procedures other than computed tomography usually require no special preparation. For some procedures, it may be better to abstain from using talc or underarm deodorant prior to your test, or to abstain from eating or drinking. Your physician or a member of the radiology department staff will tell you about any necessary preparations before the day of your test.

How do I get the results of my test?

Your physician will receive a formal report from the radiologist who performs your procedure. In most cases, the radiologist reviews the scan as soon as the procedure is completed. If you have an appointment with your physician later in the day, your doctor will usually have spoken with the radiologist about your results by the time he or she meets with you. Patients having mammograms will receive a written report on their procedure at the time of their visit. If you do not have an appointment with your physician shortly after your test, ask your physician how the results of your test will be given to you.

What is mammography?

Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system and high-contrast, high-resolution film for examination of the breasts. Successful treatment of breast cancer depends on early diagnosis. Mammography can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that mammography can detect 85 to 90 percent of breast cancers in women over 50. Current guidelines from the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend that beginning at age 40, women get annual mammograms.

What is a CT scan?

A computed tomography (CT) scan is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that enables a physician to scan a patient's chest, abdomen, and pelvis for abnormalities such as masses. CT is often accompanied by dyes or other image enhancers called "contrast media." You may take the contrast media orally (drinking it), be given via injection, or both. The contrast media is absorbed differently by different tissues in your body, and helps each type of tissue show up more clearly when scanned. After a few hours, the contrast media dissolves and is passed out of your body when you urinate. The CT scanner includes an x-ray machine that picks up signals from the contrast media absorbed by your body, and a computer that turns signals from the scanner into a three-dimensional image. This image gives the radiologist a finely-detailed picture of the area scanned.

What is ultrasound?

Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method of creating an image of the internal organs through the use of high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No radiation is used in ultrasound imaging. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs, and enable physicians to see blood flow and other functions.

What are x-rays?

X-rays are pictures produced by sending a stream of electrically charged, slightly radioactive particles through the body. Different types of tissues (bones versus organs, for instance) absorb these particles differently. By placing a sheet of x-ray film on the opposite side of a person from the source of the particles, a picture of bones and tissues can be created