Imaging Center

Computed tomography (CT) is a sophisticated imaging technique that reveals the anatomy at different levels. It is performed to screen for and diagnose many conditions, including kidney stones and issues that may cause bleeding, as well as diseases involving the bladder, lymph nodes, kidneys and other intra-abdominal organs.

During CT imaging, the patient lies on a table that passes inside the scanner while an x-ray tube rotates around. With each rotation, the x-ray produces a single cross-sectional “slice,” allowing the physician to see different planes of the body.

The procedure:

A CT scan can take about 10 to 30 minutes. The patient should not eat or drink for four hours before the appointment. The patient may be asked to drink an oral contrast, or the tech may place an IV to inject a contrast dye, to better see the blood vessels and organs in the abdomen/pelvis area. The physician may also require blood work to check the function of the kidneys prior to IV contrast.

For the exam, a CT technologist will have the patient lay on the table. The table will be guided into the scanning unit – a machine with a large circular opening in the center. The opening of a CT scanner is relatively large when compared with that of an MRI, and the patient’s head, arms and legs extend outside of the machine, so the patient is less likely to feel claustrophobic.

After the procedure:

After the CT scan is complete, the patient can resume a normal diet. If given a contrast dye, the patient should drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids. Diabetic patients will be given further instructions about when to resume certain medications.

Most common exams include chest x-rays and those of the abdomen/pelvis or KUB (kidney, ureter, bladder).

An ultrasound can help diagnose a wide range of diseases and conditions including cancer, kidney blockage, cysts and urinary tract infections (by identifying kidney and/or bladder issues).

The procedure:

An ultrasound is a relatively fast procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture internal images. Most ultrasounds (or sonograms) are completed within 20 to 30 minutes. Generally, no preparation is necessary, with the following exceptions:

• Kidney ultrasound: The patient should not empty his or her bladder one hour prior to the exam, to improve visualization.
• Upper abdomen (i.e. gallbladder, pancreas, liver) ultrasound: The patient should not eat or drink for eight hours before the procedure.
• Pelvic exam ultrasound: The bladder must be full prior to the procedure, so the patient should drink 32 ounces of liquid (avoiding milk and juices with pulp), finishing one hour prior to the scheduled exam time.

A DXA x-ray measures bone mineral density (BMD). Though more commonly performed on women, it may be recommended for men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer, because the medicine may cause osteoporosis. The test enables the physician to determine the bone mineral density and risk of fractures to the bones.

The test is painless and takes about 15 minutes. The patient lays on the table while the technologist positions them to scan the spine and hips. Once a diagnosis has been made, the physician may prescribe medication or a variety of treatments that include dietary supplements and exercise.