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MRI Scan | CT Scan | Ultrasound | Pelvic Ultrasound | Mammography
What is an MRI scan? (top)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet, radio waves, an antenna and a computer to produce clear pictures of human anatomy without using X-rays.
There are millions of atoms in the human body. When placed in a strong magnetic field, many of these atoms line up with the field much like a compass points toward the North Pole. When a radio wave is introduced, the atoms in the body temporarily tip away from the magnetic field. As the atoms line up with the field, they give off energy in the form of a radio signal that is picked up by an antenna. These signals are sent to a computer that performs complex computations which result in a clear image of the patient’s anatomy. Doctors use these pictures to help make a diagnosis of a patient’s condition.
Studies have shown that there are no harmful side effects from the use of MRI.
Vanguard Imaging Partners, LLC offers physicians and patients the latest in MRI technology. Whether you or your physician chooses Open MRI or traditional MRI, you can expect state of the art equipment as well as specially trained physicians and staff to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
What is an Open MRI scan?
Vanguard Imaging Partners, LLC provides patients with an alternative to cramped, noisy and uncomfortable "closed" MRI procedures. Our Open MRI scanners make it possible for you to experience a more comfortable and stress-free environment without the fear of being placed in a small, confining tube.
Open MRI is ideal for claustrophobic, anxious, or obese patients, as well as athletes with wide shoulders who are uncomfortable or unable to have a "closed" MRI.
Let Vanguard Imaging make your Open MRI experience as comfortable as possible. We use a wide open design offering panoramic views out of all four sides to create a relaxing and open environment. The open design allows a friend, loved one or our specially trained MRI technologist to be seated at your side to hold your hand or make eye contact to make your procedure as pleasant as possible.
What should I expect during an MRI scan?
An MRI scan is perhaps one of the most comfortable exams that a person may have.
The technologist will ask you to lie down on a cushioned table. After you are comfortable, the table will move into the magnet. If you are claustrophobic, please call your doctor to get medication that will help you through the test (if you are given medication, please have someone drive you to and from the Center). The technologist will leave the room, but will remain in contact with you by an intercom system.
After the scanning begins, you will periodically hear a thumping sound. This is the transmission of radio waves which are necessary to produce the image. It is very important that you are very still during the scan. You should relax or even take a nap during this simple test.
How long will the scan last?
Because it is important to gather several images of the area being examined, most scans take 45 to 60 minutes to complete.
Who will do my MRI scan?
A staff of doctors, specially trained in diagnosing MRI images, and a registered radiographic technologist (ARRT) will perform and supervise your MRI exam.
When will I know the results?
A final report containing the results of your exam will be sent to your doctor. The interpretation by the radiologist is normally mailed to your doctor within 24 hours.
Preparation
It is important you know that many metallic objects are magnetic sensitive and should not be brought into the MRI room. Certain metallic objects can interfere with the quality of the exam.
The following items are not to be brought into the MRI room:
• jewelry
• tie clips
• keys
• coins
• watches
• pocket knives
• money clips
• hearing aids
• credit cards (the magnet may erase the magnetic code on the card)
For your safety, please tell the technologist if you:
• have a pacemaker
• have been wounded in a war
• have had any metallic implants (metal plates, hip prosthesis, etc.)
• have cerebral aneurysm clips
• have an IUD
• are pregnant
If you have any questions on preparing for your MRI scan, please call the Center and ask for an MRI technologist.
To assure the most accurate results from your radiologic procedure and to minimize your waiting time, it is extremely important that you observe the following preparations/procedures:
1. Please follow instruction give to you by your doctor.
2. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled exam time so that our staff may get the necessary information for medical and business records.
3. Please bring all health insurance and identification cards.
What is a CT scan? (top)
CT stands for computed tomography. The CT scanner uses a computer to read X-rays as they pass through a section of your body. Detectors located opposite the X-ray beam transmit the data obtained to a computer, which reconstructs images on a television screen. These images are then recorded permanently on film or CD. Because the computer can be programmed to emphasize small differences in tissue density, the images provide far more information than can be obtained from conventional X-rays.
How is the scan performed?
On some body scans, patients are required to drink a contrast material before the exam. That material and an injection that may be given make the stomach and intestines visible during the scan.
On most head scans, patients are given an injection of contrast material through a vein in the arm. Some scans, however, require no contrast media.
You will be required to lie very still during the exam while the X-ray tube moves around you.
Is there any pain or discomfort!
The only pain experienced will be from the injection and this is minor. The contrast material will normally give you a hot sensation throughout your body for a few minutes. Occasionally there is some nausea.
Although extremely rare, severe allergic reactions to the solution are possible, as is the case when any foreign substance enters the body. Please inform the technologist if you have allergies to medications.
How long does the exam take?
The CT scan will take between 15 and 30 minutes. However, a CT of the abdomen or pelvis takes about two hours. For these studies you must drink contrast prior to the scan and wait for the contrast to reach the intestines. This process takes about 90 minutes (the contrast is given when you first arrive and again about one hour later).
Who will do my exam?
A staff of doctors, specially trained in diagnosing CT and a registered radiographic technologist will perform and supervise your CT scan.
Preparation
To assure the most accurate results from you radiologic procedure and to minimize your waiting time, it is extremely important that you observe the following preparations/procedures:
1. Please follow instructions given to you by your doctor. Call the Center and ask for a CT Tech if you have any questions.
2. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled exam time so that our staff may get the necessary information for medical and business record.
3. Please bring all health insurance and identification cards.
What is an ultrasound? (top)
Ultrasounds are diagnostic procedures that use high-frequency sound waves. Sound waves are transmitted through the body to the area being examined and the reflected image is then shown on a screen similar to that used in a television. No radiation is used in this exam.
Diagnostic ultrasound studies are used for the visualization of the pregnant and non-pregnant pelvis, blood vessels and for organs such as the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, prostate, pancreas and thyroid.
How is the exam performed?
The exam is performed by a registered sonographer. You will be asked questions regarding your past medical history and diagnosis. The ultrasound study will be reviewed by a radiologist before you leave. Occasionally, the radiologist may need additional information regarding your diagnosis and he/she may perform part of your ultrasound.
A small amount of gel will be applied to your skin to form a seal between the skin and the small device, called a transducer, which the technologist will hold in various positions on your body. The transducer sends and receives the ultrasound waves. The computer then transforms these signals into images.
If the pelvic area is being examined, it is necessary to have a full bladder. This aids visualization of the pelvic structures by pushing bowel gas out of the way.
If the upper abdomen is being examined, it is important to follow the specific instructions your doctor has given you. Otherwise it may not be possible to get a clear image of the internal organs.
How long will the exam take?
The test takes from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being studied.
Who will do my ultrasound exam?
A staff of doctors, specially trained in diagnosing ultrasound images and a registered sonographer (ARDMS) will perform and supervise your ultrasound exam.
Is it painful?
The ultrasound will not be the source of pain, but may be uncomfortable if a painful condition already exists.
Preparation
To assure the most accurate results from your procedure and to minimize your waiting time, it is extremely important that you observe these procedures:
1. Follow the specific instructions given to you by your doctor.
2. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled exam time so that our staff may get the necessary information for medical and business records.
3. Please bring all health insurance and identification cards.
What is an pelvic ultrasound?(top)
Ultrasounds are diagnostic procedures that use high-frequency sound waves. Sound waves are transmitted through the body to the area being examined and the reflected image is then shown on a screen similar to that used in a television. No radiation is used in this exam.
Your exam will be performed by a registered sonographer. You will be asked questions regarding your past medical history and diagnosis. The ultrasound study will be reviewed by a radiologist before you leave. Occasionally, the radiologist may need additional information regarding your diagnosis and he/she may perform part of your ultrasound.
How is the pelvic ultrasound performed?
The exam is performed by a sonographer who sends the sound waves through the lower abdomen (transabdominal) or through the vagina (transvaginal or endovaginal). The transabdominal exam is performed by placing a small device called a transducer on the surface of the abdomen. A small amount of gel is used helping the transducer glide easily over the skin, sending and receiving ultrasonic waves. The computer then transforms these signals into images.
Transvaginal ultrasound is performed by placing the transducer in the vagina during the procedure. The sonographer will have you lie on your back with your buttocks elevated on a sponge. The sonographer will ask you to place the tip of the transducer in your vagina as you would a tampon. The transducer is smaller than a standard speculum used during a pelvic exam.
Will I have an abdominal ultrasound, vaginal ultrasound or both?
In some instances, only the transabdominal ultra-sound may be needed. Many times, however, this will be followed by the transvaginal ultrasound.
How long will the exam take?
The test takes from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of ultrasound being performed.
Who will do my ultrasound exam?
A staff of doctors, specially trained in diagnosing ultrasound images and a registered sonographer (ARDMS) will perform and supervise your ultrasound exam.
Is it painful?
The ultrasound will not be the source of pain, but may be uncomfortable if a painful condition already exists. Usually it is less uncomfortable than a routine pelvic exam. If at any time you wish to stop the exam, tell the sonographer.
Preparation
1. In order to see the pelvic organs, your bladder must be full prior to the start of the exam. This creates a “window” for the sound waves to pass through. You must drink 24 to 36 ounces of water one hour before your scheduled exam time and arrive with a full bladder.
2. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled exam time so that our staff may get the necessary information for medical and business records.
3. Please bring all health insurance or identification cards.
What is a mammography? (top)
Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. mammography is used to aid in the diagnosis of breast diseases in women.
What is a screening mammogram?
Screening mammography plays a central part in early detection of breast cancers because it can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient or physician can feel them. Current guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the American Cancer Society (ACS), the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR) recommend screening mammography every year for women, beginning at age 40. Research has shown that annual mammograms lead to early detection of breast cancers, when they are most curable and breast-conservation therapies are available.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) adds that women who have had breast cancer and those who are at increased risk due to a genetic history of breast cancer should seek expert medical advice about whether they should begin screening before age 40 and about the frequency of screening.
What is a diagnostic mammogram?
Diagnostic mammography is used to evaluate a patient with abnormal clinical findings—such as a breast lump or lumps—that have been found by the woman or her doctor. Diagnostic mammography may also be done after an abnormal screening mammography in order to determine the cause of the area of concern on the screening exam.
How is a mammogram performed?
A registered radiologic technologist specially trained in mammography will conduct the exam. A successful exam depends on your cooperation, so please follow her directions carefully.
Before your exam, the technologist will ask you to remove all clothing above the waist and to put on a gown so that it fastens in the front. You will then be asked to stand in various positions so that the technologist can get the most accurate pictures of your breasts. During a screening mammogram, both breasts will be X-rayed because it is important to compare images of each breast.
How long does it take?
Depending on the views required, a mammogram takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
Does it hurt?
You will feel pressure on your breast as it is squeezed by the compression device. Some women with sensitive breasts may experience discomfort. If this is the case, schedule the procedure when your breasts are least tender. Be sure to inform the technologist if pain occurs as compression is increased so your technologist can get the best possible pictures.
How much radiation will I receive?
Special care is taken during x-ray examinations to use the lowest radiation dose possible while producing the best images for evaluation. National and international radiology protection councils continually review and update the technique standards used by radiology professionals.
State-of-the-art x-ray systems have tightly controlled x-ray beams with significant filtration and dose control methods to minimize stray or scatter radiation. This ensures those parts of a patient's body not being imaged receive minimal radiation exposure.
When will I know results?
The results of a mammogram will be mailed to you and your doctor. You will also be notified of the results by the mammography facility. The radiologist's interpretation is usually mailed to your doctor within 24 hours of the exam.
Preparing for a mammogram
Before scheduling a mammogram, the American Cancer Society (ACS) and other specialty organizations recommend that you discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your doctor. In addition, inform your doctor of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.
Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time for a mammogram is one week following your period. Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.
The ACS also recommends you:
1. Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. Residue on the skin from these items can hide accurate results from the mammogram.
2. Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
3. If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.
4. Please bring all necessary insurance and identification cards.
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