Imaging services

Our services include:

• Bone density testing: The bone density test is a low dosage X-ray that determines if you have osteoporosis, a condition which makes bones weak and brittle.
• Computerized tomography (CT): CT refers to a computerized X-ray procedure to create detailed images of the internal organs, bones, soft tissues and blood vessels. This test can detect several conditions, such as bone and joint fractures, cancers or heart disease.
• Interventional radiology: Interventional radiology uses imaging technology to guide minimally invasive surgical procedures that help diagnose and treat certain conditions.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI uses a strong magnetic field to create detailed images of organs and tissues inside the body.
• Nuclear medicine: Nuclear medicine refers to a specialized area of radiology that uses small amounts of radioactive substances for research, diagnosis and treatment.
• Ultrasound: An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body.

Lung cancer screening

As a designated Lung Cancer Screening Center accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), we offer low-dose CT lung cancer screening for the early detection of lung cancer.

To ensure accurate test results, we ask that patients undergoing lung cancer screening meet the following requirements:

• Be 55 to 77 years old
• Be a former smoker with a minimum of a 30 pack per year history who has quit smoking in the last 15 years
• Have no signs or symptoms of current lung cancer (coughing up blood, unexplained cough, weight loss or chest pain)

Patients may also be eligible for lung cancer screening if they meet the following criteria:

• Be 50 years old or older
• Have a 20 pack per year (or less) smoking history and have one of the following risk factors: radon exposure, lung disease history, family history of lung cancer or other occupational exposure to known cancer-causing chemicals
• Have no signs or symptoms of current lung cancer (coughing up blood, unexplained cough, weight loss or chest pain)

Experts believe that the levels of radiation exposure used in this screening cause minimal risk. While there is agreement that there may be potential harm from radiation associated with repeated low-dose CT exams, the risk cannot be accurately estimated. This is because modern scanners use lower doses of radiation, and there is not long-term experience with lung screening being performed this way.

If a test is ordered while you are a patient at our hospital, a physician, nurse or technologist will be available to explain the procedure and answer any questions.

Prior to your arrival for an outpatient test, please discuss the procedure and special instructions with your referring physician.

We ask that you follow these general guidelines when preparing for an imaging procedure:

• Ask your referring physician if there are any food or beverage restrictions for your test.
• If there is a chance you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding, let your technologist know.
• If you have had previous reaction to CT contrast, let your technologist know.
• Remove items containing metal before taking the test. This includes jewelry, watches, hairpins, eyeglasses and/or dentures.
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.

When preparing your child for a pediatric exam:

• Please bring a change of clothes, bottle and diaper for small children.
• Please bring your child's favorite book, game or toy to the appointment.

For your convenience, complimentary valet parking is available at the hospital's main entrance.