Columbus Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic X-Ray is the use of X-Rays to identify healthy or abnormal conditions within the body. This is one of the most direct methods for detecting causes of certain health problems and monitoring your progress.  There is no appointment needed for General X-rays.

CT stands for computerized tomography, which refers to the way this exam is performed. In actuality, a CT scan is an x-ray procedure enhanced by a computer. During a routine x-ray, dense tissues can block other areas. Aided by the computer, a CT Scan is able to put together different “slices” and create a three dimensional view, clearly showing both bone and soft tissues. Columbus Diagnostic Imaging features the GE CT Brightspeed Elite 16 slice.

The x-ray tube rotates around the part of the body to be examined and thin “pictures” are taken. As the pictures are being taken, the table moves through the cylinder. A brief medical history will be taken and the procedure explained. Depending on the procedure, the patient may be asked to drink a barium solution prior to their procedure or at the time of the procedure. This helps to identify certain structures such as the stomach and intestines. The majority of procedures involve an intravenous injection of a special contrast. This is used to identify certain structures such as the liver, spleen, pancreas or kidneys. During the injection, the patient may experience a warm sensation throughout the body. Depending on the procedure, many only take 5 minutes to complete while others are 30 minutes. CT scan procedures are fast, safe and produce important medical information.

Ultrasound is the use of sound waves to obtain a medical image or picture of various organs and tissues in the body. It is a painless and safe procedure.

After taking a history, ultrasound patients are instructed to lie down on their back. Using warm gel, a transducer is rubbed across the patient’s body to obtain images.

For an ultrasound of the abdomen, we image the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, right kidney, and common bile duct. The left kidney, spleen, or aorta can also be imaged if necessary.

For a pelvic ultrasound, a full bladder is necessary to see the uterus and ovaries. On most patients, an internal scan is also performed. It is similar to a pelvic exam, but should not be painful. This type of exam allows us to obtain more accurate measurements and clearer images. (There should be no effect on patients if currently menstruating.)

A full bladder is helpful for an OB ultrasound exam especially during early pregnancy. Many measurements are taken in order to determine the age and weight of the baby. We are also able to image the spine, kidneys, heart, bladder, cord, placenta, and usually sex. At Columbus Diagnostic Imaging, we do have the ability to videotape a portion of the exam, and patients will be given a few images to take home for the baby’s record book.

Ultrasound can also be used to image the breast, scrotum, and thyroid. Veins of the leg can also be imaged using ultrasound. This exam can determine if a blood clot is present. We will take pictures extending from the groin area down to the calf.

Using ultrasound, we can also image the carotid arteries in the neck. From this, we can view the amount of plaque that is present and determine the percentage of a vessel that is blocked.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a patient examination utilizing a magnetic field and radio waves to produce a highly accurate view of the inside of any portion of your body It’s painless and extremely safe because no radiation is used. Aided by a computer, MRI is able to produce an image of bone and soft tissue from many different body angles. This enables your radiologist to quickly and precisely diagnose a wide variety of conditions.

When compared to general x-rays or CT exams, an MRI shows superior soft tissue contrast resolution. There is no radiation involved in an MRI exam and there is capability to scan multiplanes without patient movement. When getting an exam in MRI, patients may be asked to change clothes, depending on the exam. We encourage patients to wear clothes without metal.The technologist will review symptoms with the patient since this sometimes changes how an exam is done. The patient is then positioned in a coil around the body part that is being imaged then placed in the magnet. The tech explains the procedure and answers any questions or concerns the patient may have. Most exams take 45 minutes to an hour to complete. During this time, the patient must lie very still. However, they remain in direct communication with the tech at all times.

Suggestions for Patients Scheduled for MRI:

• Wear clothing without metal: zippers, snaps, etc. Gowns are available.
• Eat or drink and take regular medications the day of the exam. Any pain medications a patient might have should be taken 1 hour prior to scheduled time.
• Patients having head or neck studies will be asked to remove dentures or other non-permanent dental work just before the exam.
• All jewelry, with the exception of rings, will need to be removed.
• Each study lasts an average of 45-60 minutes.
• Patients should arrive 10-15 minutes early for registration.
• Patients should bring any pertaining X-rays or previous studies.

NEW! Learn about our open bore 3T MRI, the strongest magnet field strength used clinically today.