PATIENT INFORMATION
Radiology imaging studies are, in most cases, performed by a trained x-ray technologist, a highly skilled individual who has been trained and licensed to perform the examination in a manner that ensures the best diagnostic results possible. The more specialized imaging modalites (CT, MRI, PET/CT Scan Bone Densitomery, Ultrasonography) are performed by technologists who have additional specialized training in these procedures. The radiologist, a specially trained physician, reviews and interprets the radiographic images and reports the findings to your referring physician. In most cases, your physician will have the results of your study within 24 hours and often on the same day.

To help you better understand the imaging study for which you have been referred for, a brief description is listed below:

BONE DENSITOMETRY
Bone densitometry measures your bone mineral density in the evaluation of bone loss in order to prevent and treat osteoporosis. It will compare your measurements to a reference population based on your age, weight, and sex. This information will be used in making a diagnosis about your bone status.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (also referred to as CT or CAT scan)
This is a special x-ray examination that produces a detailed cross-sectional image of soft tissues and internal organs. CT is commonly used to evaluate the brain, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, and musculoskeletal system.

MAMMOGRAPHY
Mammography is a special x-ray procedure of the breast. There are two types of mammograms, screening and diagnostic. In addition, procedures including ultrasound and needle guided biopsy/aspiration are used in the evaluation of breast tissue. Mammograms are used to detect many breast cancers before you can feel them. There They also provide your physician with information about a breast lump that was found upon either self-examination of during your physician's examination. A baseline mammogram is sometimes requested by your physician in order that it may be compared with any subsequent mammograms you may have.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)
This modality produces images similar to a CT scan without the use of x-ray. MR uses a magnet and radio waves rather than radiation to produce detailed images in cross-sectional slices. MR is commonly used to evaluate brain, spine, heart, bones and joints, soft tissues and blood vessels. It is now also being used to examine breast tissue.

POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY (PET/CT Scan)
This is a very recent state-of-the art procedure that examines the heart, brain, and other organs. PET/CT Scan images show the chemical functioning of an organ or tissue. It is unlike x-ray, CT, or MRI which show body structure. It is used to evaluate coronary artery disease, tumors, and diseases of the brain.

ULTRASOUND
Ultrasound examinations are performed with the use sonar (sound waves) transmitted through the body to visualize blood vessels, the male and female pelvis, abdominal system, and breast tissue. It is also used to safely and effectively exam a developing fetus, placenta and fluid surrounding the fetus.

PLAIN FILM RADIOGRAPHY
Also known as x-ray, this modality uses small amounts of radiation that are passed through the selected part of the body to generate an image on film. Radiography is most commonly used for studies of the chest, musculoskeletal system, and often when used with a contrast agent, the gastroinstestinal system.

NUCLEAR MEDICINE
This modality provides information about the function of organs by imaging the concentration of radiocative compounds within certain body parts. When these compounds are given to the patient in small amounts by a trained technologist, the radiologist is able to evaluate abnormalities in bone, liver, lungs, heart, brain, kidneys and the endocrine system.

FLUOROSCOPY
The four common fluoroscopy procedures are upper GI, barium swallow, small bowel follow-through, and barium enema. During fluoroscopy, the radiologist watches barium in different parts of the digestive tract and takes a series of still pictures during the test.

INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
Interventional radiologists treat diseases non-operatively using image-guided, minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment techniques that are often an alternative to surgery. Using state-of-the-art x-ray and other imaging devices, interventional radiologists guide tiny catheters through the body to treat disease without surgery.