Diagnostic imaging is a medical imaging technique that is used by physicians to look inside your body for diagnostic purposes and to determine proper treatment. It is a noninvasive or minimally invasive methodology to view your internal tissues and organs.
Radiologists are medical doctors who are specially trained to perform these scans to help your doctor diagnose your health condition. The type of scan depends on the type of health condition that is being analyzed or suspected.
A diagnostic imaging procedure is ordered by your doctor. Let your physician know about all of the medications and medicines you take, any implants you have or anything foreign that is inside your body, any pre-existing conditions you have, or any allergies you are aware of. Your doctor will take all things into consideration when determining the type of scan you will have to analyze your condition.
Common Diagnostic Medical Imaging Tests
Various types of diagnostic imaging tools allow doctors to look inside your body for more information about your health. Some of the most used diagnostic imaging tools include the following:
X-rays
This type of scan is performed using electromagnetic radiation. X-rays are often used to determine broken bones, pneumonia, and tumors. Mammography is a type of X-ray scan of the breast. An X-ray is one of the fastest types of medical scans that can be performed.
CT Scans
Also called CAT scans, computed tomography (CT) scans take X-rays and filter them through computerized technology to create a 3-D view of the patient’s organs.
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets and computerized equipment to take pictures inside of a patient’s body. It does not use radiation of any kind, which makes it preferable for many people.
What isn’t so preferable is that the patient may have to go headfirst into the MRI machine for the scan, and it can make patients feel claustrophobic. To prevent the feeling of claustrophobia, it is best to keep your eyes closed the entire time, including while you are going into the MRI scanner and while inside. Picture yourself sleeping in your bedroom.
For some MRI scans, the physician will request a gadolinium dye injection. This will help the physician in diagnosing any areas of concern, because it helps to provide contrast in the MRI scans.
Ultrasound
The ultrasound scanning technique uses high-frequency sound waves through the body to produce real-time video images of the organs and tissues. Still photos can be captured during the scan for future viewing by your doctor.
Although it is best known for its role in viewing a fetus during pregnancy, this diagnostic imaging technique is also used for viewing the:
- Thyroid
- Kidneys
- Breasts
- Testicles
- Gallbladder
- Blood vessels
- Pancreas
- Liver
- Prostate
- Ovaries
- Uterus
Imaging Center in Palm Beach County
Independent Imaging is a leading diagnostic imaging center here in South Florida. We have several convenient locations across Palm Beach County: Wellington, Lake Worth, Belle Glade, and Royal Palm Beach. We provide quick and accurate results for our clients, because the sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can receive treatment.
To schedule an imaging procedure with us, call our friendly team at (561) 795-5558 or request an appointment online now. We look forward to seeing you here.
