Medical Imaging Northwest

Procedures

Imaging Examinations:

Here are some very brief descriptions of each type of imaging examination:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - MRI uses a combination of radio waves and magnetic fields to create images of internal organs and tissues. (MRI does not use radiation.) MRI is ordered for conditions where problems may be suspected in body organs (like the brain, liver or other organs), soft-tissues (like blood vessels and muscles) and/or bony tissues (like joints, bones, and spine).

Computed Tomography (CT) - CT or CAT scans use x-rays to view body tissues and organs from a series of different cross-sections and angles. CT is ordered to look for possible fractures, damage from bleeding/trauma, tumors, or to help guide needles for tissue biopsy.
Radiography & Fluoroscopy - Radiography uses x-rays to help diagnosis a variety of health conditions. X-rays allow a Radiologist to view internal structures such as bones, joints, the lungs and heart. Sometimes radiography is ordered with fluoroscopy. During fluoroscopy the Radiologist often uses a contrast agent to help visualize a particular area of the body as it functions.

Interventional Radiology - Interventional Radiology utilizes a variety of imaging techniques to direct small tubes or needles to a particular site to investigate or treat a specific body area. In many cases, interventional radiologic procedures may be used instead of more invasive surgical procedures.

Ultrasound - Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to record and view real-time movement and images of internal body organs. (Ultrasound does not use radiation.) Ultrasound may be ordered to evaluate the possible cause of pain, swelling, or problems with internal tissues. Ultrasound is commonly used to provide a parent's first moving image of their unborn child. These images may be captured in incredible detail with our new 4-D Ultrasound capabilities.

Mammography - Mammography produces high-resolution images of breast tissue using low-dose x-rays. Screening mammography can help detect potential problems even before they are detectable by touch or by symptomatic complaint.

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy - Stereotactic breast biopsy uses x-rays taken from multiple angles along with a special needle to sample breast tissue for closer analysis and observation. This procedure helps determine the nature of breast lumps or lesions, and assists in planning whether follow-up medical care will be needed.

Bone Densitometry - Bone Densitometry uses low-dose x-rays to record measurements of the strength or "denseness" of the bones in specific areas in the body. The measurements are then used to help your physician/healthcare provider determine whether you may be at increased risk of fracture or in need of medical or dietary supplements and/or a specific exercise regimen to help strengthen your bones.