Winchester Radiologists, P.C. strives to maintain a patient focused environment of care. To help you prepare for your exam with us you may use the following information to gain a better understanding of your specific exam. You can also go to www.radiologyinfo.com.
If you still have questions regarding your exam or our facility please feel free to contact us and we will be glad to help you.
EXAMS:
CT:
What is CT?
Computed Tomography (“CT” or “CAT” scan) can look inside your body by creating multiple cross-sectional images. Imagine a loaf of bread and examining each “slice” separately. The images are created using special x-ray equipment that applies computer processing to synthesize the images into a cross-sectional view of body tissues and organs.
Common Uses of CT
CT can be used for cancer detection, and can even determine the size and shape of a tumor, where it’s located in the body, and whether the tumor is solid or hollow. Additionally, CT exams can be used to guide biopsy needle insertion and for radiation treatment and planning. In addition to cancer detection, CT is commonly used for evaluation of post-traumatic injuries as well as for assessment of patients with suspected aneurysm or stroke.
How Does CT Work?
You will be asked to lie down on the CT scanner’s movable table. The table is passed through a large donut-shaped ring, as the scanner begins to take pictures of your body. These are the images that will be reconstructed by the computer into a cross-sectional view. In some cases, the use of a contrast material may be needed to enhance the image. The contrast material may be orally or intravenously administered, depending on the particular type of CT study being performed.
MRI:
What is an MRI?
MRI is a method of obtaining detailed pictures of internal body structures with the use of magnetic field and radio frequency pulses.
MRI detects abnormalities with accuracy, especially those involving the soft tissue. In fact, MRI may reduce the need for biopsies, exploratory surgeries and other high risk procedures. MRI is commonly used as a primary diagnostic tool with no associated risk to the patient, while providing high quality clinical evaluations of:
- Brain Disorders
- Traumatic Injuries
- Spinal Diseases
- Bone Infection/Osteomyelitis
- Tumor Detection & Staging
- Tumor Treatment Response
- Liver & Organ Diseases
- Knee & Shoulder Injuries
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Blood Flow & Vessel Disorders
- Foot & Ankle Disorders
- Eye Abnormalities
About Open MRI
Open MRI is designed to alleviate anxiety and claustrophobia that is sometimes associated with the High Field MRI.
The Open MRI has an open gantry on three sides and delivers premium image quality while providing the highest level of patient comfort. It is often the optimum choice for children, seniors, large persons and claustrophobic patients.
High Field MRI
The High Field MRI may provide a more accurate diagnosis for some specific indications, such as small joint imaging, due to its high level of resolution. An additional benefit of the High Field MRI is the shorter exam time, due to the high field strength. Therefore, it is often the optimal choice for patients with no history of claustrophobia.
US:
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging (also called “sonography”) uses high-frequency sound waves to create visual images of the internal body structures. As the sound waves pass through the body, some of the waves are absorbed by the body’s tissues, while others are reflected back. The reflected sound waves are measured and displayed by a computer, which then creates a real-time image on a monitor. The sonographer will electronically store the images which will be studied and evaluated by the radiologist.
Common Uses of Ultrasound
Many patients are familiar with the use of ultrasound during pregnancy. However, it also offers several other diagnostic applications. Ultrasound can detect the source of pain or inflammation inside the body and can reveal infection or tumors. It is often used for patients with suspected gallstones. Ultrasound can also evaluate the arteries and veins for narrowing, blockages, or clots.
Your Ultrasound Exam
You will be asked to lie down on an examination table. The sonographer will apply a clear gel to the skin over the area that is being studied. The sonographer passes a small device, referred to as a transducer, over the skin. The sound waves that create the ultrasound images are sent through the transducer. You will be able to get dressed and leave immediately following the procedure. Most exams take less than 30 minutes.
Nuc Med:
What is Nuclear Medicine?
A nuclear medicine study is a procedure used to determine organ function and internal body activity. This differs from general x-ray which takes a picture of bone and other internal structures. These studies require an injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer into the patient’s vein. This tracer (also known as an isotope or contrast) may be ingested, depending upon the exam.
This tracer is followed and used as the diagnostic tool. A nuclear medicine camera is utilized to read activity coming from the body to create a diagnostic image. Patients may be given specific diet restrictions or instructions to alter certain activities. This is done to facilitate the success of the exam and provide the most accurate interpretation.
The radiation exposure is minimal, usually much less than a routine x-ray, which is one reason this study is often preferred for certain exams on children.
What to Expect During Your Exam
The patient will sit or lie while the camera accumulates information. In most cases, patients are not required to undress or wear a patient gown. However, metal and other objects can block the camera from acquiring information, so jewelry and clothing with metal fasteners may need to be removed for the exam.
Most nuclear medicine exams take 30 to 60 minutes. The time may vary according to the specific exam ordered, the information needed and/or characteristics of each patient.
Some exams may require follow-up x-ray films to supply additional information to the radiologist. Our radiologist will interpret the exam and a written report will be sent to your physician.
PET
What is a PET scan?
(PET) is a nuclear medicine imaging technique which produces a three-dimensional image or map of functional processes in the body. The test involves injecting a very small dose of a radioactive chemical, called a radiotracer, into the vein of your arm. The tracer travels through the body and is absorbed by the organs and tissues being studied. Frequently a PET scan is performed in conjunction with a CT scan. A physician can then look at cross-sectional images of the body organ from any angle in order to detect any functional and or structural problems.
How is a PET scan different from a CT or MRI scan?
One of the main differences between PET scans and other imaging tests like CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is that the PET scan reveals the cellular level metabolic changes occurring in an organ or tissue. This is important and unique because disease processes often begin with functional changes at the cellular level. A PET scan can often detect these very early changes whereas a CT or MRI detect changes a little later as the disease begins to cause changes in the structure of organs or tissues.
How should I prepare for a PET scan?
A PET scan is usually done on an outpatient basis. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your scan, including what you may or may not eat or drink before your exam. Before undergoing the scan, be sure to tell your doctor of any medications—prescription and over-the-counter—that you are taking as well as any herbal medications and vitamins. If you are taking certain medications or have certain diseases, such as diabetes, you will be given specific instructions regarding preparation for your scan. Generally, most patients are told not to eat anything for a minimum of 6 hours before the scan. Heart patients are also told to not take any product with caffeine for at least 24 hours. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes to your appointment. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown during the test. In those patients that need an assessment of the area near the bladder, a bladder catheter may need to be inserted.
It is essential to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant before undergoing a PET scan because of radiation exposure.
How long does the test take?
Once injected into a vein, it typically takes from 45 minutes to 1 hour for the radiotracer to travel throughout the body and be absorbed into the organs or tissues to be examined. The scan itself may take another 30 to 60 minutes. The heart and brain studies take less time for imaging. You will be asked to remain still for the entire length of the exam, since motion will reduce the quality of the images. Depending on which organ is being examined, there may be additional tests and additional dyes or chemicals used that may lengthen the total appointment time up to 3 to 4 hours. For example, patients being examined for heart disease may undergo a stress test in which PET scans are obtained while at rest followed by the administration of other drugs to examine blood flow to the heart under exercise conditions.
Does the PET scan pose any risks?
Although a radiotracer chemical is used in this test, the amount of radiation you are exposed to is low. The dose of tracer used is so small that it does not affect the normal processes of the body. However, the radiotracer may expose the fetus of patients who are pregnant or infants of women who breastfeed to the radiation. You and your doctor need to consider this risk compared with the need for and potential information to be gained from the PET scan.
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