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Diagnostic Imaging provides imaging services using various means of producing "pictures" to be "read" by a radiologist. A radiologist is a doctor who has had special training in image interpretation. The pictures allow the doctor to detect cancer, pneumonia, a broken bone, etc. Diagnostic Imaging at McLaren Regional Medical Center has twelve full time radiologists and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The department also performs tests at:
Radiologists on Staff at McLaren Regional Medical Center
For further information, contact the Diagnostic Imaging Department at (810) 342-2209.
Allergies - Some studies listed will involve contrast injection. Let the office staff know if you have any allergies prior to your appointment.
DIAGNOSTIC: This section takes x-rays familiar to most people. Chest x-rays are the most commonly ordered x-ray. This is also the area where most other imaging techniques were developed.
CT SCANNING: Computerized tomography is a sophisticated method of taking x-rays utilizing computer technology. It allows the doctor to view anatomy using "thin slice imaging." McLaren Regional Medical Center and McLaren Imaging Center uses Philips Medical Systems Technology, providing extremely detailed images, and rapid scanning time. For physicians who want state-of-the-science technology, MRMC Diagnostic Imaging can provide superior service.
NUCLEAR MEDICINE :Nuclear medicine is the use of very small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and, sometimes, treat disease. Nuclear medicine can provide accurate images of specific areas of the body; valuable information about how your body is working; and therapy to fight some diseases.
Nuclear medicine is -
- Safe. It carries about the same risk as a common x-ray. Only time amounts of short-lived radioactive material are used.
- Effective. Nuclear medicine can detect a wide variety of conditions and illnesses, such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer and infection.
Nuclear medicine works by -
- Giving the patient a radioactive material called an isotope. Depending on the test, the material may be given by injection or IV; capsules; liquid; special tubing; or inhalation.
- The isotope travels to certain areas of the body. The isotope gives off energy called gamma rays - a special form of radiation. This energy can only be seen by special cameras and equipment in nuclear medicine.
- The equipment does not give off radiation.
- A nuclear medicine physician reviews pictures and readings and results are sent to your physician. Your physician reviews the results with you.
These services are available at McLaren Regional Medical Center and McLaren Imaging Center.
 ULTRASOUND: Ultrasound is the use of sound waves to see inside the body. Ultrasound is used to study specific areas of the body, and to check the health of an unborn baby. Ultrasound can help diagnose many medical conditions, such as kidney disease, gallbladder disease, cancer and blood clots. The all digital technology at the Center includes mammography, computer-aided detection Systems (CAD), and a 64 slice CT-Scanner. Other services include general imaging, ultrasound technology, fluoroscopy and nuclear medicine. All imaging completed for patients at the site can be easily accessible to their physicians through a special website portal where images and results are made available on-line to be viewed by computer. A highly trained staff cares for patients including fellowship trained radiologists who are on-site.
Ultrasound is a medical tool considered -
- Simple: It involves little or no discomfort, and little patient preparation.
- Effective: Ultrasound is often used in place of more exam methods or surgery.
- Safe: There are no known side effects. Ultrasound does not require radiation, special dyes or anesthesia.
- Quick: Most exams take 20-60 minutes. Some are over in as little as five minutes.
Ultrasound works by -
- A transducer: This is a small microphone-like device placed over the area being examined.
- Sound Waves: Sound waves pass harmlessly through the skin from the transducer. Sounds waves bounce off from certain organs or tissues and create "echoes."
- Echoes: Echoes are reflected back through the transducer making the picture.
- TV Monitor: A TV monitor shows images as the transducer converts the echoes to electrical signals. These moving images may be viewed immediately, and recorded or photographed for further study.
During an ultrasound exam -
- The technologist will have you change into a hospital gown and position you on the exam table.
- Will apply a gel or liquid to the skin of the area being examined to improve image quality.
- Will pass the transducer several times over the area being examined. Depending on the exam, you may have to stay still, change positions, hold your breath, or do simple breathing exercises.
- After the exam, the technologist washes off the gel or liquid, and you are ready to get dressed.
- The radiologist will review the exam and report the results to your doctor. Your doctor will review the results with you.
Special Ultrasounds -
- Doppler Ultrasound: Doppler ultrasound can show movement inside the body. Examples would be blood flow or heartbeats.
- Transvaginal and transrectal ultrasound: Smaller, specially designed transducers are inserted into the vagina or rectum to provide better images than traditional ultrasound or other diagnostic methods.
Hysterosonogram
This procedure allows doctors to examine the inside of the uterus and check for abnormalties with the use of ultrasound, which uses sound waves to produce image. This type of ultrasound is performed by inserting a ultrasound probe into the vagina.
These services are available at all locations except Michigan Heart Imaging.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY: The all digital technology at the Center includes mammography, computer-aided detection Systems (CAD), and a 64 slice CT-Scanner. Other services include general imaging, ultrasound technology, fluoroscopy and nuclear medicine. All imaging completed for patients at the site can be easily accessible to their physicians through a special website portal where images and results are made available on-line to be viewed by computer. A highly trained staff cares for patients including fellowship trained radiologists who are on-site.
These services are available at the McLaren Imaging Center.
Digital Mammography
SeleniaTM digital mammography from Hologic® has been added to the comprehensive diagnostic services dedicated to women and the early detection of breast cancer at the McLaren Imaging Center. SeleniaTM incorporates revolutionary imaging technology that provides incredibly sharp images.
From the patient's point of view, a digital mammogram is like traditional film screen mammography. Both use x-ray to generate images of the breast. However, instead of using film to capture and record the image, a digital mammogram uses a special detector to capture and convert x-ray energy into a digital image. The resulting digital images are immediately available to the radiologist for diagnosis.
The radiologist can view and manipulate the images on high-resolution computer monitors that enhance visualization of the structures within the breast tissue. They can also adjust brightness and contrast, and zoom in on specific areas to help detect small calcifications, masses, and other changes that may be signs of early cancer. McLaren's goal is to provide the best possible care to women.
Because there is no waiting for film to be developed it can significantly reduce the time patients spend in the breast center, as well as reduce the need for repeat exams due to under or over exposure. Digital images are easily stored and transferred electronically, eliminating the dependency on one set of original films, which can be misfiled or lost in transit.
Mammotome (minimally invasive breast biopsy)-The Mammotome is an outpatient breast biopsy procedure that is performed in less than an hour and allows women to return to their normal routine immediately afterwards. They leave with only a small bandage that covers an incision about the size of a match head.
Procedures with the Mammotome involve the one-time insertion of a probe directly into the area of the breast that appeared suspicious, based on a physical exam or a mammogram finding. The doctor guides the probe through the use of ultrasound or stereotactic imaging systems. Once inside, the Mammotome gently vacuums, cuts and removes tissue for examination.
Ultrasound guided breast biopsy-This is an outpatient breast biopsy similar to mammotome (minimally invasive breast biopsy) only done under ultrasound guidance.
Wire Localization of the Breast-This is a diagnostic procedure in which a special needle and X-rays are used to identify the precise location of abnormal breast tissue for the purpose of performing a breast biopsy.
MRI:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-MRI is a diagnostic scanning technique that produces detailed images of organs and structures in the body. The MRI scanner is a large, cylindrical machine that creates a strong magnetic field, and uses radio waves to create the images. An MRI checks for damage or abnormalities in soft tissues, the brain, and the spinal cord. MRI is used to diagnose tumors, view tissue damage and examine blood flow.
With the MRI's magnetic field, pulses of radio waves are sent from the scanner. Signals from your body's hydrogen protons are received by the computer that analyzes and converts them into a image of the area of the body being examined. The image appears on a viewing monitor.
An MRI assists your doctor in making a diagnosis. A radiologist interprets results from your MRI and sends a report to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.
An MRI is an outpatient procedure. If you know you have any allergy, are taking prescription medications, or are a woman of childbearing age and think you may be pregnant, or are breast-feeding, tell the technologist prior to the procedure.
Specific Protocols:
- All jewelry and metal objects must be removed because of the magnet. MRI scanning cannot be used to individuals with pacemakers, defibrillators, brain aneurysm clips or other implanted devices.
- During the MRI, you lie on a table that slides into a tunnel or tube-shaped machine.
- The technologist positions the table in the tunnel so the area to be examined can be imaged.
- During the scanning process, you will hear a very loud knocking sound as the magnetic field is created and pulses of radio waves are sent from the scanner. Earplugs are given to help block the noise.
- An MRI usually takes 30-60 minutes. Some MRI exams require an injection of contrast material.
MRI Diagnostic Centers of Michigan
750 S. Ballenger Hwy.
Flint (810) 235-9311
981 Health Park Blvd.
Grand Blanc (810) 953-6100
on the web www.FHSIC.org
Bone Density-This is a screening for osteoporosis. No preparation time is needed and the examination only takes approximately 10 minutes. The procedure determines bone mass. Bone mineral measurements are very highly correlated to predict the potential for bone fractures.
This service is available at McLaren Regional Medical Center and Flint Township.
Arthrogram-An arthrogram can be performed on any joint. The exam injects an x-ray dye into the joint space. An orthopedic surgeon or radiologist sometimes performs the exam. If you are a woman of childbearing age and think you might be pregnant, tell you doctor and technologist prior to the exam.
- No restrictions prior to exam.
- Preliminary film taken of the affected joint. Please bring previous x-rays of this joint to the exam.
- Skin is wiped with a cleaning solution. A numbing medication is injected into the skin. A needle is placed into the joint space. Needle location is checked under x-ray fluoroscope.
- Once needle is correctly placed, the x-ray dye is injected into the joint space, and the needle is removed.
- Often the joint is exercised or moved to help get the dye all around the joint area.
- X-rays are taken of the joint.
- Once the radiologist reviews the films, the exam is complete. It is possible the area may be sore and ache. Over-the-counter analgesics may be taken for pain relief. Call your doctor if you develop excessive pain or swelling after the procedure.
- The radiologist sends the report to your doctor, who will discuss the results with you.
These services are available at McLaren Regional Medical Center and the McLaren Imaging Center.
Computed Tomography Scan CT-uses x-rays to make a picture frequently described as a "slice". CT scans can be performed on the head, neck, pelvis, abdomen, spine and extremities. The radiologist provides a written report to your physician, and your physician will review the results with you.
- For many CT procedures, you will be asked to not eat or drink for several hours prior to the test. See below for specific preparation for specific CT scans.
- For the CT scan, you will lie on a table that moves into a doughnut-shaped hole. As you lie still, the x-ray tube moves around you inside the doughnut-shaped hole. The procedure usually takes five to 20 minutes. For some procedures, you may be asked to drink a contrast material or receive an x-ray dye injection.
- Once the pictures have been reviewed, the procedure is complete.
- If you are a woman of childbearing age and think you might be pregnant, please tell the technologist prior to the procedure.
These services are available at McLaren Regional Medical Center and the McLaren Imaging Center.
Abdominal CT only:
- Nothing to eat or drink, smoke or chew eight hours prior to the exam.
- Arrive at the Radiology Department one hour prior to appointment time to drink the contrast fluid. An injection of dye may be given.
These services are available at McLaren Regional Medical Center and the McLaren Imaging Center.
Abdominal and Pelvis CT:
- Nothing to eat or drink, smoke or chew eight hours prior to the exam.
- Arrive at the Radiology Department two hours prior to appointment time to drink the contrast fluid. An injection of dye may be given.
Pelvis CT only:
- Follow procedures for Abdominal and Pelvis CT scans.
Chest CT:
- Nothing to eat or drink, smoke or chew four hours prior to the exam.
- An injection of dye may be given.
Head CT:
- Nothing to eat or drink, smoke or chew four hours prior to the exam.
- An injection of dye may be given.
Spine CT:
- No special instructions for this exam.
Fluoroscopy
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
This procedure involves taking an x-ray to determine whether the fallopian tubes are open and to see if the shape of the uterine cavity is normal. A device called a cannula is placed into the opening of the cervix. The physician then gently fills the uterus with a liquid containing iodine (contrast) through the cannula. The contrast then enters the tubes, outlines the length of the tubes, and spills out their ends if they are open. Any abnormalities in the uterine cavity or fallopian tubes will be visible on a monitor.
Barium Enema
This x-ray studies your colon, using barium - a white liquid that allows the colon to be visualized on x-ray film. The radiologist interprets the x-ray and reports the results to your doctor. Your doctor will talk with you about the results.
Usually, a barium enema is an outpatient procedure. A barium enema may take approximately 30-45 minutes. If you know you have any allergy, are taking prescription medications, or are of childbearing age and think you may be pregnant, please inform your doctor and the radiologist prior to the procedure.
- A radiologist performs the exam with a fluoroscope.
- The technologist inserts a rectal tube, so the barium can flow into the colon. Air may or may not be administered.
- You may feel cramping and full in your abdomen. Slow, deep breaths will help you relax.
- During the exam, the machine and x-ray table will move and you will be asked to roll in various positions.
- After the fluoroscopic exam, additional radiographs will be taken. After the films are reviewed by the radiologist, you will go to the restroom to expel the barium and air.
- Another film will be taken after you have used the bathroom.
- Return to your normal diet at home, as directed by your physician. The barium should normally pass through your colon, although your physician may prescribe a laxative. If you do not have a bowel movement in three days, contact your physician.
These services are available at McLaren Regional Medical Center and the McLaren Imaging Center.
Cystogram
A cystogram is an x-ray study of the urinary bladder. The study places a catheter into the bladder, and is used to place an x-ray dye into the bladder. The dye allows the bladder to be viewed under x-ray fluoroscope. The radiologist will interpret the report and send the results to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you. If you are a woman of childbearing age and think you may be pregnant, please tell your doctor or the technologist prior to the test.
- No special preparation or restrictions for this exam.
- The technologist will take a preliminary x-ray of the abdomen.
- A nurse in the radiology department places a catheter into the bladder.
- The radiologist supervises the flow of x-ray dye into the bladder under the x-ray fluoroscope.
- Once the bladder is full, x-rays are taken. You may be asked to move from side to side so all parts of the bladder may be seen.
- Catheter is removed. You may be asked to urinate on the table in a basin or urinal so the radiologist to see all the structures. If you are unable to urinate in a basin or urinal in the procedure room, you will empty your bladder in the bathroom.
- An x-ray is taken once the bladder is empty and the exam is done. Once the x-rays have been reviewed by the radiologist, you may leave.
An Intravenous Pyelogram, or IVP, is a diagnostic procedure which uses a “contrast agent” and x-rays to obtain clear pictures of your urinary tract. As the contrast agent travels through your bloodstream, it passes through your urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, making it possible to take permanent x-ray images of these organs. To prepare for the procedure you must drink 1 1/2oz of Fleets Phosphosoda and 1 full glass of water. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water. Your dinner the night before can only consist of clear liquids and nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
Small Bowel Series-A small bowel series is an exam of the bowel that connects the stomach to the large bowel or colon. It is sometimes done along with an upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series. The radiologist will interpret the exam and send a report to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.
Often, a small bowel series is done as an outpatient procedure. The length of exam varies from person to person, and can take from two to 8 hours. If you are a woman of childbearing age and think you might be pregnant, let your doctor or technologist know prior to the exam.
You will be asked to not eat, drink smoke or chew at least eight hours prior to the procedure.
During your small bowel series:
- You will be asked to wear a hospital gown, and a preliminary x-ray will be taken of your abdomen.
- You will be asked to drink two cups of barium. If you are also having an upper gastrointestinal series, you will drink another cup after your UGI films. The barium coats the walls of the small bowel so they can be seen under x-ray.
- X-ray films will be taken at specific times as the barium travels through the small bowel until it reaches the large bowel or colon. That time period differs from person to person. Once the barium reaches the large bowel or colon, the exam is complete.
- You will be asked to drink plenty of fluids over the next few days to flush the barium out of your system. Some patients also like to take a mild laxative. Any white, chalky substances in your bowel are from the barium.
These services are available at McLaren Regional Medical Center, the McLaren Imaging Center, and Fenton.
Upper Gastrointestinal Series (UGI)-An upper GI series is an x-ray examination of the esophagus and stomach, using barium to coat the stomach wall so it may be examined under x-ray. An upper GI exam helps your doctor make a diagnosis. The radiologist interprets the films and reports the results to your doctor. Your doctor reviews the results with you.
Most often, an upper GI series is an outpatient procedure, although it may be performed during inpatient care. If you know you have an allergy of any kind, are taking prescription medications, or are a woman of childbearing age and think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor prior to the examination.
You will be asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight or in the morning before your x-rays.
Video Esophogram-This procedure is similar to a UGI
Myelogram-A myelogram is an x-ray to evaluate the spinal canal. A spinal tap is used to introduce an x-ray dye into the spinal canal. X-ray pictures are taken with the fluoroscope. This procedure is generally performed by the radiologist. After the pictures are completed, a CT scan of the target spinal areas is performed.
Preparation for a myelogram:
- After midnight, the night prior to your procedure, you cannot have any solid food. You may have a clear liquid breakfast (water, apple juice, tea, chicken broth, jello) on exam day. You cannot have milk, coffee or orange juice. It is important to drink a lot of fluids.
- If you are a female of childbearing age and think you might be pregnant, tell you doctor or technologist prior to the exam.
- You may take all your medications, except you must not take aspirin, ibuprofen or Vitamin E 10 days prior to the procedure. Blood thinners, such as coumadin, should be stopped five days prior to the procedure. Other pain medications may be taken up to four hours prior to the procedure.
- You should wear comfortable clothing for the procedure. Leave money and valuables at home. Bring previous x-rays, MRIs or CT scans with you. Make arrangements for someone to drive you home, because you will not be able to drive after the procedure.
What to expect prior to your myelogram:
- When you arrive at the hospital, go to Admitting to register. Some laboratory testing may need to be completed.
- You will then go to Same Day Surgery. The radiologist performing the procedure will explain the procedure and any risks or complications. Ask any questions you have about the procedure. You will be asked to sign a consent form for the procedure.
- You will be transported to radiology on a patient gurney.
During your myelogram:
- You will lie on your stomach on the x-ray table. Your skin will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, will be used to numb the skin on your back.
- The radiologist will then place a needle into your spinal canal.
- The needle's placement is monitored by a fluoroscope.
- Once the needle is in the proper position, an x-ray dye will be injected into the spinal canal.
- Several pictures will be taken. Once the dye is placed, the needle is removed. You will be taken to Nuclear Medicine within one hour for more tests.
- You will then go back to Same Day Surgery. An SDS nurse will monitor your vital signs for 4-6 hours prior to discharge. You will need to drink plenty of fluids to flush the dye from your system. Your family may stay with you after the myelogram. You must have someone drive you home and remain with you for the rest of the day.
- The radiologist will review the images and send the results to your doctor. Your doctor will review the results with you.
Pain Management Procedures
- CeliacAxis Block
- Epidural Injections
- Sacroiliac Joint Injection
- Facet Joint Injection
- Discography
- Vertebroplasty
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