Diagnostic Imaging Blog

In medical news, there has been a lot of controversy and changing opinions surrounding breast cancer screenings (mammograms). But the truth remains that these screenings do save lives, as early detection can help give you an accurate diagnosis that allows the doctor to give you the correct form of treatment, if necessary. There should be no controversy, as women should be encouraged to be screened every year starting at the age of 40. Even in the case of a false positive, where mammograms show potential cancer when there is no actual cancer, a second opinion or further testing can help figure things out. What would be worse would be no testing, and letting cancer develop to a deadlier sta

Medical radiology all started when a man by the name of Wilhelm Röntgen discovered what is called the X-ray in 1895. At the time, Röntgen was exploring how electrical rays can pass from an induction coil through a glass tube. In a completely dark room, the tube was covered in black paper, and he noticed that a screen that was covered in florescent material became illuminated by the rays created from the glass tube.

So you’ve been told by your doctor you need a DEXA bone scan. What is it? Is it uncomfortable? How should you prepare? Read on for the answers to these and more questions on DEXA bone scans.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are readily utilized by medical professionals to diagnose a variety of problems. The procedure, which is safe and painless, involves laying on a table which slides into the MRI machine. As with any medical procedure, an MRI scan can cause anxiety or stress in a patient. That’s why we created this helpful list of things you can do to relieve your stress during an MRI.

There you are, minding your own business, proceeding safely through the intersection…and BAM! The next thing you know, you just got slammed by some driver blowing through a red light at a speed that some NASCAR drivers would envy. You are shaken up, and not sure if you or your passengers are hurt. The first thing you do is check to see if everyone is all right. The only problem is, many auto accident injuries such as whiplash, back injuries, and even closed head injuries caused by the sudden deceleration (slamming your brain into your skull), do not always show up right away. How do you know if you are injured? Which diagnostic scans should you get after a car accident?

Using extremely strong magnetic fields and radio waves, an MRI generates detailed imaging of organs and structures within the human body in real time. While we may take it for granted today, the technology was simply not available for the vast bulk of human history. The very first MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) actually took five years to build, and the very first full body scan took over five hours to complete in 1977. New advances in MRI technology have come a long way since the 1980’s, when the MRI became part of the medical landscape.

Being nervous, or even afraid, is a perfectly normal stress response when faced with the unknown. If, for instance, you have ever been out on a dark night, armed with nothing but a flashlight and a you hear a cat knocking over a trash can, the noise is probably going to make you feel jumpy - even though you are really perfectly okay. Nuclear imaging is a lot like that. It may feel scary, but you really shouldn’t be afraid, because nuclear imaging procedures are quite safe, effective, and closely monitored for your protection. Things that are unknown can be quite scary, so being adequately informed is often the best fight against such fears.

Patients are, quite often, understandably anxious to know (and understand) the results of a completed diagnostic imaging scan. Diagnostic imaging results from a CT scan (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), ultrasounds or other tests, are powerful tools that can help your doctor diagnose and treat your medical condition. Once a scan has been completed, the radiologist writes a report summarizing their impressions of the results, that is then shared with your doctor. Because the report is geared towards medical professionals and uses highly technical medical jargon, it can be difficult for patients to understand their own diagnostic imaging report. Here is a short breakdown of the usual sections to help you get a clearer picture of your results.

At one time, standard X-rays were considered state-of-the-art imaging. Discovered over a century ago, doctors marveled as they were suddenly able to peer into living bodies without cutting them open to see inside. Now, there are X-Rays that can literally build a 360-degree, 3D model of your entire body. From digital mammograms to computed tomography (CT) scans, to angiograms and MRI’s, and advanced fluoroscopy technology, the human body is being mapped in ever more detailed and precise ways with less risk than ever.

Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive test that can help doctors diagnose and treat your child more effectively. Children are often more comfortable in an Open MRI, which features a wider opening and feels much less confining than more traditional versions. Open MRI’s also allows the technician to speak to your child and maintain eye contact for a more reassuring, and overall calmer experience.