Diagnostic Imaging Center

Services Available

Diagnostic imaging technology services available at the Diagnostic Imaging Center include: MRI, CT, Digital X-ray, and Myelography.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. Because of its advanced technology, MRI images provide physicians with information that cannot be seen utilizing X-ray, ultrasound, or even computed tomography (CT) scan. The images that are produced by an MRI procedure are amazingly clear and allow for the most comprehensive diagnosis of medical abnormalities. An MRI may be prescribed for any number of diagnostic reasons, including scanning the brain and other body parts for tumors, viewing blockages of blood vessels, or scanning bones and related structures for signs of arthritis. Similar to a CT procedure, the patient is placed on a table and the MRI equipment surrounds the patient. Once completed, the images are read by a radiologist with findings relayed to your physician or specialist.

CT (Computed Tomography)
CT or computed tomography uses powerful X-ray technology, often utilizing an iodine dye (contrast material) to create the best 3-D image or the patient’s body. CT provides physicians with the highest level of contrast resolution to create the most vivid images of internal organs. CT procedures are commonly used to detect tumors, blockages in blood vessels, and review actual function of organs by taking a series of images or “slices” that can be viewed in succession, similar to a video. The patient is placed on a table, which is passed through a large ring-shaped device.

Digital X-ray
Traditional X-ray, which passes radiation through the body to project images onto special film, has been updated dramatically with digital X-ray imaging. The images generated through diginal X-ray can be viewed on high-definition monitors by radiologists and physicians to determine diagnosis and treatment options. Because these images are digital, they can be viewed from remote locations or even from around the world.

Myelography
A myelogram procedure utilizes a special dye injected into the spinal canal and X-rays taken to see how the dye fills the space in the spinal canal. This procedure is an excellent method to determine if a patient has disc herniations or pinched spinal nerves. A CT scan often follows after a myelogram to confirm the original diagnosis.