Diagnostics
Services
Now that you
have read about our history and have met our radiologists, we would
like to give you a brief overview as to why we are an excellent
imaging center. Both of our centers offer Positron Emission Tomography,
digital mammography, bone density
testing and ultrasound. We believe that what sets us apart
from other imaging centers is our ability to offer same day appointments,
a radiologist is always available to go over your test results with
you and we can provide your physician with your results within 24
hours. We maintain a very high standard of excellence at both of
our centers because Dr. Angel Williamson believes that her patients
deserve the very best care possible.
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| Positron
Emission Tomography is the molecular imaging of the future. |
PET/CT
Test Description
A PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan allow physicians to measure the body's abnormal molecular cell activity to detect cancer (such as breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, lymphoma, and other cancers). A simple sugar, glucose, is labeled with radioactive signal-emitting tracer and injected intravenously. While you rest on a bed that moves through the scanner ring, the PET/CT scanner records signals from these tracers as they journey through your body. A computer then assembles the signals into actual images. PET scans are simple, painless, and quick, offering patients and their families life-saving information more accurate answers to better diagnose illness, guide treatment options, and give patients ultimate control over their critical health care decisions.
CT (computed tomography) is an X-ray examination that utilizes computers to show cross sections of body tissues and organs. The result is a detailed multidimensional view of the body's interior; however CT alone is unable to detect abnormal molecular activity seen with PET.
PET/CT combines PET and CT into a single quick and comfortable test lasting about 20 minutes.
Preparation
We will send a packet of information to the patient as well as contact the patient prior to the study to go over instructions.
Scheduling
A doctor referral is necessary.
CT
Test Description
A CT scan uses a combination of X-rays and computers to give the radiologist a non-invasive way to see inside your body. One advantage of CT is its ability to rapidly acquire two-dimensional pictures of your anatomy. Using a computer these 2-D images can be presented in 3-D for in-depth clinical evaluation.
Preparation
We will contact the patient the day prior to the exam to go over instructions.
Scheduling
Upon scheduling, we will let you know how long you will need to spend with us.
Cardiac Scoring
Test Description
Coronary artery disease (CAD) or artherosclerosis is the #1 cause of death of both men and women in the U.S, claiming over 500,000 lives each year Typically, patients are diagnosed with CAD after they have already developed symptoms or suffered irreversible heart damage. This means that the opportunity for prevention is lost. Other patients are less fortunate, and over 400 people under the age of 65 die in the U.S. each day from CAD without any prior warning symptoms.
Cardiac scoring uses computerized x-rays to detect calcium in the plaques of coronary artery disease early, before symptoms occur. It is a painless, non-invasive and inexpensive procedure requiring less than 15 minutes to perform. A state of the art multi-slice GE LightSpeed CT scanner takes images of your coronary arteries without any needle injections or removal of your clothing. The amount of calcium or plaque detected in your coronary arteries is used to establish your cardiac score.
Preparation
Wear two-piece clothing that is comfortable. Avoid any caffeine intake for 24 hours.
Scheduling
A doctor referral is not necessary.
CT Lung Screening
Test Description
Lung cancer is one of the most common potentially fatal cancers in both men and women. There are over 170,000 cases of new lung cancer in the U.S. each year. The cure rate for all lung cancer is only about 12%.
In contrast, the cure rate for lung cancer detected very early (Stage IA) is over 85%; however, routine chest x-ray and physical exam are not sensitive enough to reliably detect lung cancer in its earliest stages. As a result, the chance for cure is frequently lost.
Computed Tomography (CT ) can detect small lung cancers earlier by using low-dose x-rays and computers to generate detailed pictures of the body's organs and tissues. CT lung screening is specifically designed to detect lung tumors before they can be diagnosed on routine chest x-ray or by physical exam. By detecting malignant tumors in an early stage with CT lung screening, intervention can occur at a time when cancer is still curable and localized to the lungs.
Preparation
Wear two-piece clothing that is comfortable.
Scheduling
A doctor referral is not necessary.
Digital Mammography
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| Annual
mammograms are recommended for women over 40. |
Test Description
Digital mammography combines an
x-ray of the breast with advanced image enhancement techniques to
improve diagnostic accuracy. Both full field and small field
digital mammography can be performed on our new digital mammography
systems.
Digital
mammography can find more and smaller breast cancers than film
screen mammography. It is especially helpful in patients with dense
breasts, who are at increased risk for developing breast cancer.
When breast ultrasound is used in combination with digital
mammography, early breast cancer detection is improved even more.
Preparation
You will be asked not to wear any perfumes, powders, lotions, or
deodorants. Wear a two-piece outfit for your convenience.
Scheduling
A doctor referral is not necessary.
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| Bone
Density testing can be used to predict the future risk of
developing osteoporosis and fractures. |
Bone
Density Testing
Test Description:
A bone mineral density (BMD) or Dexa Scan will tell you and your
doctor whether you have low bone mass or osteoporosis.
The test uses small amounts of radiation to determine the thickness
and density of bones. Bone density tests are safe, painless, and
easy.
Preparation:
Wear two-piece clothing with no buttons or zippers.
Scheduling:
A doctor’s referral is required. The test takes about 30
minutes.
Ultrasound
 BREAST
ULTRASOUND
Test Description:
A breast sonogram exam will identify and characterize any palpable
or non-palpable abnormalities and further evaluate mammography
findings.
Preparation:
Wear two-piece clothing.
Scheduling:
A doctor’s referral may be required.
ABDOMINAL
ULTRASOUND
Test Description: 
Ultrasound examination is a proven and useful procedure for the
evaluation of many structures within the abdomen and retro peritoneum.
Depending on the clinical indications, an examination may include
the entirety of the abdomen and retro peritoneum, a single organ,
or several organs. A combination of structures may be imaged because
of related location (e.g., organs in right upper quadrant of abdomen)
or function ( e.g., biliary system including [liver, gallbladder,
and bile ducts], both kidneys). For some patients, more focused
examinations may be appropriate for evaluation of specific clinical
indications or to follow up a known abnormality.
Preparation:
Fasting for 8 hours prior to examination. Wear two-piece clothing.
Scheduling:
A doctor’s referral is required.
PELVIC ULTRASOUND
Test Description:
Ultrasound of the pelvis includes trans-abdominal imaging and
transvaginal imaging of the female organs. For a transvaginal
sonogram, the patient’s urinary bladder is usually empty.
Evaluation of the uterus, endometrium, myometrium, ovaries and
adnexal areas are documented.
Preparation:
Patient should drink 24-38 oz. of water 1 hour prior to appointment.
Wear two-piece clothing.
Scheduling:
A doctor’s referral is required.
OBSTETRICAL
ULTRASOUND
Test Description:
Obstetrical ultrasound is for first, second, and third trimester
pregnancy. A sonogram confirms the presence of an intrauterine
pregnancy, evaluates suspected entopic pregnancy, defines the
cause of vaginal bleeding of undetermined etiology, estimates
gestational age, confirms embryonic life, evaluates pelvic masses,
detects uterine abnormalities, evaluates the presence or absence
of cardiac activity, estimates fetal weight, determines fetal
presentation, evaluates the follow-up of suspected fetal anomalies,
evaluates suspected polyhydramnios, or oligohydramnios, evaluates
suspected abnormalities of the placenta, including placental abruption,
placenta previa, or placenta accreta, and evaluates the physical
well being of the fetus.
Preparation:
Patient should drink 24-38 oz. of water 1 hour prior to exam.
Wear two-piece clothing.
Scheduling:
A doctor’s referral is required.
THYROID
ULTRASOUND
Test Description:
Sonogram of the thyroid gland evaluates the following: The location
and characteristics of palpable neck masses, abnormalities detected
on other imaging examinations, gland presence, size, and location,
suspected regional nodal metastases in patients with a proven
thyroid carcinoma, high-risk patients for occult thyroid malignancy,
follow-up of thyroid nodules on medical suppression therapy, location
of the parathyroid glands in patients with suspected primary or
secondary hyperparathyroidism, and assessment of the number and
size of enlarged parathyroid glands in patients who have undergone
previous parathyroid surgery or ablative therapy with recurrent
symptoms of hyperparathyroidism.
Preparation:
None.
Scheduling:
A doctor’s referral is required.
TESTICULAR
ULTRASOUND
Test Description:
Sonogram of the scrotum evaluates asymmetry and the location and
characteristics of scrotal masses, evaluates scrotal pain of undetermined
etiology and complications of inflammatory disease, such as scrotal/testicular
abscess. Ultrasound can search for an occult primary tumor in
patients with known metastatic germ cell tumor, provide follow-up
of patients with prior primary testicular neoplasm’s, leukemia,
or lymphoma, and testicular microlithiasis. Ultrasound localizes
undescended testes and detects varicoceles in infertile men and
evaluates scrotal trauma, including the evaluation of acute scrotal
pain to distinguish torsion from epididymitis/epididymo-orchitis.
Preparation:
None.
Scheduling:
A doctor’s referral is required.
VENOUS
ULTRASOUND
Test Description:
Peripheral venous ultrasound exams evaluate the following: Possible
venous obstruction or thrombus in symptomatic or high-risk a symptomatic
individuals, venous insufficiency, dialysis access grafts, veins
prior to venous access, deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients
with suspected pulmonary embolism, and follow-up for patients
with known venous thrombosis.
Preparation:
Wear two-piece clothing.
Scheduling:
A doctor’s referral is required.
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