We currently provide ultrasound, mammography and bone density (DEXA) imaging. Studies can be scheduled for the same or next day in many cases and reports are usually complete within 24 hours. Preliminary reports may be provided upon request.
Ultrasound
We specialize in Level III pregnancy, pelvic, abdominal, vascular, breast and small parts, but our expertise includes other anatomical areas as well.
WHAT IS ULTRASOUND? Ultrasound is a diagnostic test that uses high-frequency sound waves beyond human hearing capability to produce high-quality images of soft tissues and motion within the body. Ultrasound uses no X rays and can provide medical information that, in the past, may have required surgery.
Ultrasound can "see" aneurysms, blood clots, damaged heart tissue, abnormal growths, diseased tissue, and, during pregnancy, a baby's size, weight, position and physical condition. Ultrasound is also used to diagnose muscle injuries and some joint problems.
HOW DOES ULTRASOUND WORK?
The ultrasound exam is simple and painless. A hand-held transducer emitting silent, high-frequency sound waves is placed against the body and slowly passed over the area to be examined. The sound waves pass through the skin and bounce off internal organs. Then, the transducer separates and identifies the returning sound waves, or "echoes," and changes them into electrical signals. Sophisticated equipment uses these signals to produce images on paper or film, or real-time images on a video monitor. PREPARING FOR YOUR ULTRASOUND
Most ultrasound exams require little or no preparation. In some cases, you may be asked to avoid gas-producing foods for one to two days, drink specific types and amounts of fluids, empty your bladder or follow other special instructions.
YOUR ULTRASOUND EXPERIENCE
While you lie on a comfortable examination table, your technologist will apply mineral oil or gel to your skin for air-free transducer contact. The technologist will then gently pass the transducer over the specified exam area several times.
The exam lasts about forty-five minutes.
Mammography
We offer screening, diagnostic and digital spot mammography. Hard to visualize breasts are occasionally re-examined with ultrasound.
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH
• Obtain routinely scheduled mammograms • Have your health care professional perform annual clinical breast exams.
COMFORTABLE MAMMOGRAPHY?
We do our best to make your mammogram as gentle and fast as possible while also maintaining the highest possible standards of image quality. "Opcomp" is a feature of our Siemens mammography system that senses breast thickness and compressibility. It compresses as long as the breast is soft and pliable, then stops - precisely when image quality is maximized.
DIGITAL BIOPSY and SPOT IMAGING
The Nova 3000 system displays images in near real-time and delivers them quickly to the workstation for post-processing, diagnosis, target-setting, etc. Biopsy targeting takes place on-line, allowing automatic coordinate calculation.
FACTS ABOUT MAMMOGRAPHY:
The amount of radiation exposure from mammography is less than that from a routine chest x-ray. There is far greater risk from not having a mammogram than from the radiation emitted during a mammogram.
Remember a mammogram can detect precancerous changes in the breast.
Early detection and prompt treatment increases the cure rate of breast cancer.
1 of 7 women will develop breast cancer. It is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths in American women.
HIGH RISK FACTORS*
• Being female • Risk increases with age • Personal or family history of breast cancer • Early menstruation • Late menopause • Recent use of oral contraceptives or post-menopausal estrogen • Never having children or having first live birth at a late age *American Cancer Society: Facts & Figures 1999
Bone Density Scanning
We utilize state-of-the-art bone density equipment, with the capability of same day reporting.
Your bone density examination may be the easiest medical examination you will have over the course of your life.
Basically, all it involves is for you to lie back and let the bone densitometer do the work. However, there are always valid concerns about any medical procedure.
For your peace of mind, we'll address these important questions.
REASONS FOR BMD (BONE MINERAL DENSITY) TESTING
YOUR DOCTOR MAY RECOMMEND A BMD TEST TO HELP:
• Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis • Detect low bone density before a fracture occurs • Determine your rate of bone loss if the test is repeated over time • Monitor the effects of treatment over a time Your physician may recommend that you have a BMD test for several reasons - for example, if you are post menopausal, taking steroid medication, have hyperthyroidism, or have had a fracture in which osteoporosis is suspected.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE
With the results of your BMD test, you and your doctor can determine what lifestyle changes or treatment measures should be taken, or if additional tests are appropriate. Remember: If osteoporosis is diagnosed, treatments are available that can increase bone density and reduce the risk of fracture.
WILL IT HURT?
Absolutely not. There is no pain at all associated with a bone densitometry examination.
IS THE EXAMINATION SAFE?
Bone densitometry involves an extremely small dose of radiation. How small? An AP spine can deliver llessthan one-tenth the dosage of a chest x-ray. As in any medical procedure, if you are pregnant be sure to inform your physician. IS THERE SPECIAL PREPARATION INVOLVED?
Unlike many other medical examinations, no special preparation is required. There are no painful contrast injections, bad-tasting oral preparation or uncomfortable enemas. DO I HAVE TO ALTER MY EATING HABITS?
This is not an examination that requires you to have an empty stomach, drink a certain amount of water, or any other such pre-examination preparation on your part. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Wear any kind of clothing you like, but please avoid metal button, buckles, or zippers. WHAT DO I DO DURING THE EXAMINATION?
Lie still. Breathe normally. Rest comfortably. HOW LONG WILL THE EXAMINATION TAKE?
Spine or femur measurements take approximately two to five minutes while total boy measurements take approximately ten to fifteen minutes. Your physician will determine the examination that is best for you. WHAT WILL THE EXAMINATION DETERMINE?
The bone densitometer will measure your bone mineral density (BMD). It will also compare your measurements to a reference population based on your age, weight, sex and ethnic background. This information will be used by your physician in making a diagnosis about your bone status and fracture risk.
