What to Expect

Bone Density Screening, also known as DXA or DEXA, is a non-invasive measure to evaluate the health and strength of your bones and to evaluate for osteoporosis. The exam is quick, painless, and requires only a very small dose of radiation.

Computed Tomography, also known as CT or CAT scan, is a non-invasive X-ray based form of imaging that can be performed to evaluate nearly any body part. Scans may be performed with or without iodine-based intravenous contrast (IV dye). Depending on your exam, you may need an IV placed on the day of your exam, and you may be asked to drink a contrast (dye) prior to your exam. These exams take only a few minutes to perform, are low risk, and can be performed on nearly any person. Please check with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, believe that you may be pregnant, or are allergic to iodine-based intravenous contrast (IV dye).

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, also known as MR or MRI, is a non-invasive form of imaging using high powered magnets and radio waves. No X-rays are used to perform an MRI. Scans may be performed with or without gadolinium-based intravenous contrast (IV dye). Depending on your exam, you may need an IV placed on the day of your exam, and you may be asked to drink a contrast (dye) prior to your exam. These exams take approximately 30 minutes to an hour to perform, are low risk, and can be performed on most people. Please check with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, believe that you may be pregnant, or are allergic to gadolinium-based intravenous contrast (IV dye). Additionally, you may not be able to receive an MRI if you have certain implanted metal devices, such as cardiac pacers and defibrillators or other indwelling metal foreign bodies.

Mammograms are specialized X-rays of the breast that allow for screening, diagnosis, and surveillance/follow-up of breast cancer and other breast-related conditions. Mammograms require a very small dose of radiation, are very safe, and can be performed on most patients. Please refrain from wearing deodorants or powders on the day of your exam, and if possible, choose a blouse that would allow you to partially undress form the waist-up. If you have had prior mammograms performed at other facilities, please bring records or copies of these prior exams with you for comparison.

In addition to mammograms, we offer a full range of diagnostic and therapeutic breast services including breast ultrasound, breast biopsies (including ultrasound and stereotactic guidance), and needle localization in preparation for surgery.

We are proud to be offering 3D breast tomosynthesis with Hologic Selenia® Dimensions® 3D. The addition of tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, allows for a more accurate detection of early breast cancers, especially in women with dense breasts.

Nuclear Medicine scanning is a unique way of imaging the human body from an "inside-out" approach. Radiopharmaceuticals, also known as radioactive tracers, are specially designed formulas used to target various organs and disease processes. These radiopharmaceuticals are injected into an IV where they travel through the body to specific organs. Specialized scans are then performed to yield information about sites and extent of disease, as well as specific organ functions. Examples include nuclear cardiac scans (which provide information about the heart's function), renal scans (which give information about the kidneys' function), and bone scans (which shows us detailed information about diseases which may be present in the bones).

If your doctor has ordered a nuclear medicine scan for you, detailed instructions on how to prepare for your study will be given to you at the time of scheduling your exam with us.

Ultrasound is a non-invasive form of imaging that uses high frequency sound waves. No X-rays or radiation is used, and there are generally little to no risks. Your doctor may order an ultrasound to evaluate a wide variety of organs such as your liver, kidneys, or thyroid. Because of its widely accepted safety profile, ultrasound is also routinely used in monitoring and surveillance of pregnancies. Contrast agents (IV dyes) are not typically used for ultrasound.

If your doctor has ordered an ultrasound for you, detailed instructions on how to prepare for your study will be given to you at the time of scheduling your exam with us.

X-rays, also known as radiographs, are pictures taken of various parts of the body using X-rays. They typically produce very small doses of radiation and are considered very low risk. No contrast agents (IV dyes) are used. There are typically no special instructions or preparations needed prior to obtaining an X-ray.