Your head is outside the scanner the whole time. These connect to an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which records your heart activity during the exam and coordinates the timing of X-ray pictures between heartbeats, when the heart muscles are relaxed.ĭuring the heart scan, you lie on your back on a movable table, which slides into the tube-like CT scanner. What you can expect: Before the scan begins, the technician attaches sensors, called electrodes, to your chest. Your doctor will use your test results to determine if you may need medication or lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of heart attack or other heart problems ![]() ![]() Measuring calcified plaque with a heart scan may allow your doctor to identify possible coronary artery disease before you have signs and symptoms. Plaque inside the arteries of your heart can grow and restrict blood flow to the muscles of the heart. The transducer sends sound waves into your body, collects the ones that bounce back and sends them to a computer, which creates the images.Ī typical ultrasound exam takes from 30 minutes to an hour.Ī Coronary Calcium Scan is a specialized X-ray test that provides pictures of your heart that can help your doctor detect and measure calcium-containing plaque in the arteries. A sonographer will press a small, hand-held device (transducer) against the area being studied and moves it as needed to capture the images. What you can expect: During an ultrasound exam, gel is applied to the skin. Most ultrasound examinations are done using an ultrasound device outside your body, though some involve placing a device inside your body. The images can provide valuable information for diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions. The whole process typically takes about 30 minutes.ĭiagnostic ultrasound, also called sonography or diagnostic medical sonography, is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body. The technologist may ask you to hold your breath at certain points to avoid blurring the images. You will be able to communicate with the technologist via intercom. You may hear buzzing and whirring noises.Ī technologist in a separate room can see and hear you. ![]() Each rotation yields several images of thin slices of your body. While the table moves you into the scanner, detectors and the X-ray tube rotate around you. During a head scan, the table may be fitted with a special cradle that holds your head still. Straps and pillows may be used to help you stay in position. You lie on a narrow, motorized table that slides through the opening into a tunnel. What you can expect: CT scanners are shaped like a large doughnut standing on its side. CT scan images provide more-detailed information than plain X-rays do.Ī CT scan can be used to visualize nearly all parts of the body and is used to diagnose disease or injury as well as to plan medical, surgical or radiation treatment. An X-ray procedure may take just a few minutes for a simple X-ray or longer for more-involved procedures, such as those using a contrast medium.Ī computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around your body and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images (slices) of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside your body. While the x-ray is being taken, you will remain perfectly still so that the resulting picture is clear. What you can expect: An x-ray technologist will position your body to best achieve the desired view. Fat and muscle appear as shades of gray.įor some types of X-ray tests, a contrast medium - such as iodine or barium - is introduced into your body to provide greater detail on the images. Dense materials, such as bone and metal, show up as white on X-rays. X-ray beams pass through your body, and they are absorbed in different amounts depending on the density of the material they pass through. Quality, service and patient satisfaction is Premier Medical Group’s top priority.Īn X-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images of the structures inside your body - particularly your bones. For the convenience of our patients, Premier Medical Group offers many diagnostic imaging services in-house.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |