Let’s look at some of the procedures offered at our facilities.

High Field and Open MRI:

Both of these procedures involve using magnetism to look inside your body. MRI’s are non-invasive and provide your doctor with an invaluable tool to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. They are painless and have no known side effects. There are no restrictions on eating, taking medications, or activities before or after an MRI exam.

Depending on your health needs, your doctor may recommend either MRI procedure. The Open MRI utilizes an “open-sided” magnet that can be more comfortable for the elderly, children, the physically challenged, patients with claustrophobia or those with larger builds.

There are no physical sensations associated with MRI’s, and patients can expect to hear a faint “thumping” noise during the procedure.

What do you have to do to prepare? Since magnetism is involved with both these procedures, patients with the following conditions should avoid MRI’s:

- Cardiac Pacemakers;
- Aneurysm Clips;
- Certain metal implants;
- Foreign metal objects in and around eye (i.e., metal workers);
- Inferior vena cava umbrellas
- Electro-mechanical aids
- Those who are pregnant

We also recommend you bring a cassette or CD of your favorite, relaxing music to listen to. Medical Imaging can also provide music if you forget! One of the wonders of MRI technology is that friends or loved ones can sit in the room where the procedure is being done to provide companionship, if the patient desires. Or (like many patients) you can choose to sleep! The process takes around 40 minutes. Again, due to the magnetism involved in an MRI, Medical Imaging asks that all watches, jewelry, rings, bracelets, etc., (metal objects) be left at home. Due to the metallic content of some make-up we recommend you forgo wearing any. We will provide a place to change clothes in and to store any objects you bring, however, and a technologist will be there to guide you in all preparations.

Breast MRI's represent the very latest tool in the fight against breast cancer. In this exam, women lie face down in a High-Field MRI with their breasts within a coil that focuses the magnetic field, providing the best possible images of the interior of the breasts. A contrasting agent may or may not be administered. Medical Imaging offers the Breast MRI at both our North Oak (816-876-2800) facility and our Eastland Center (816-876-2900) location. For more details on Breast MRI's, you can go to the following websites for detailed information:

- National Cancer Institute at www.cancer.gov, search under "Breast MRI"
- Imaginis, The Breast Health Resource Page
- An article from the May 2005 edition of Forbes Magazine, "MRI / Mammo Combo Spots Most Breast Tumors"

CT (Computerized Tomography):

This procedure uses computer technology and X-Rays to identify the nature and precise location of many abnormalities within the body. CT scans provide a cross-sectional, three-dimensional analysis of the interior of the body and are very useful in identifying the origin and nature of masses in the abdomen, chest, pelvis, brain, sinuses and extremities. Often in CT procedures, you may need to drink a dose of barium before the exam to help identify internal organs in the scan, or you may need an intravenous “contrast medium” to highlight certain vascular structures. Your technologist will assist throughout and answer any questions. If your doctor recommends a contrast medium exam, you will probably be requested not to eat or drink anything for four hours or more before the exam. CT scans are based on X-Rays and therefore pregnant women cannot have this procedure.

Ultrasound:

This is an exam that uses sound waves to generate two-dimensional images of the body’s interior. Some patient preparations for exams in the pelvic area may include coming to the exam with a full bladder; your doctor will tell you.

Mammography:

This is a low-dose radiological procedure designed to provide a detailed image of the breast. It is the most effective method for the early detection of breast cancer; the earlier this is detected, the more treatment options are available. This procedure involves compression of the breast tissue and can be uncomfortable but not painful. We recommend scheduling your mammogram after your menstrual period; the exam takes about 30 minutes. If you are pregnant, you cannot have this kind of exam.

Mammotome:

This minimally invasive breast biopsy procedure represents the very latest medical advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of breast abnormalities.
The procedure uses only local anesthesia, and requires no stitches. With just the application of a small adhesive bandage, you can resume normal activities immediately. News of a breast biopsy raises many emotions and concerns. We understand. But it's important to remember that 80% of breast biopsies do not turn out to be breast cancer. It's also important to know that you have options when selecting a biopsy procedure. Talk with your doctor about the breast biopsy procedure that is right for you. One of those choices is a minimally invasive breast biopsy for breast cancer diagnosis using the Mammotome® Breast Biopsy System. Medical Imaging is offering the breakthrough Mammotome procedure at both the Eastland and North Oak facilities. Click here to read in detail all about the Mammotome procedure.

Bone Density Testing:

Medical Imaging uses a DEXA Scanner to measure the density of bone structures. This procedure identifies fracture risks due to osteoporosis and is completely painless. A “risk score” is made available after the DEXA screening for your convenience. If you are pregnant, you cannot have this kind of exam.

One out of four women over 50 will have some form of bone fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetimes. While it is not possible to reverse, it is treatable. The earlier osteoporosis is detected, the earlier treatment can begin. Read here to get some details about the disease >>

Nuclear Medicine:

This is medical specialty that uses very small, safe amounts of radioactive substances (or tracers) to diagnose or treat disease. It is extremely sensitive to abnormalities in an organ’s structure and function, and often will detect problems long before any other diagnostic tool can do so. Most nuclear medicine studies can be performed without any preparation and should be done prior to any X-Rays requiring contrast media. If you are pregnant, you cannot have this kind of exam.

General Radiology:

This is a term used to describe general X-Ray procedures. They do not require any preparation, and can be done at any time at our offices without an appointment. If you are pregnant, you cannot have this kind of exam. X-Ray is where it all began for Medical Imaging over 30 years ago!

 
Questions:
If you have any questions we did not answer in the FAQ’s, you can reach us at our main number 816.455.0661.