Imaging (Radiology)
The Medical Imaging Department consists of several highly specialized departments using the latest technologies to obtain images, or pictures, of the various organs and body systems. These images are used for the diagnosis and/or treatment of disease. Once the images are obtained, they are then interpreted by our staff radiologists.
St. Elizabeth Boardman Campus
8401 Market Street
Boardman, Ohio 44512
(330) 629-7500
St. Elizabeth Health Center
1044 Belmont Avenue
Youngstown, Ohio 44501
(330) 480-8378
St. Joseph Health Center
667 Eastland Avenue, SE
Warren, Ohio 44484
(330) 841-4033
Radiology Services
Angiography
Angiography is a special X-Ray examination of your blood vessels that uses computer technology to create diagnostic images. It is done to evaluate the blood vessels in your head, neck, chest, abdomen and extremities. X-Ray pictures are taken before and during the time a contrast material (X-Ray dye) is injected into your artery or vein. The images, or pictures, are interpreted by a radiologist. A report will be sent to your doctor within 2-3 days.
Diagnostic Radiology
Diagnostic x-ray is a medical procedure using radiation to help diagnose disease. A qualified technologist will take pictures, or images, of the specific body area your doctor has requested. Some x-ray procedures will require you to receive special substances (contrast media) such as barium to see specific organs. After the x-rays are developed, they are interpreted by a radiologist. The radiation absorbed by the body in most x-ray examinations is about the same low level received from natural sources in the environment and is not considered dangerous.
CAT Scan
CAT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) is a special type of x-ray that allows us to see inside the body. It gives more detail to the part being examined that regular x-rays. You will lie on the CAT Scan table for 15-45 minutes, depending on the part of the body that is being examined. Some scans require the use of contrast material (x-ray dye). After the scan is finished, a radiologist will interpret the films and send a report to your physician with 2-3-days.
PET Imaging
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a non-invasive imaging technique that measures the metabolic activity of cells in the human body. CT and MRI scans only show details about the structure of your body, but PET demonstrates function of different organs of the body. PET can detect cancer and other diseases before they are evident on other tests. PET involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material that is injected into the patient. The PET Scanner then takes pictures of the radioactivity as it travels through the body. PET Scan services are available on Tuesday at St. Elizabeth Health Center only.
MRI
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a special imaging device that uses a magnetic field combined with sound waves. It is a test that lets your doctor see detailed pictures of the inside of your body. There are no X-Rays involved, only the magnets and radio waves which are harmless.
MRI uses strong magnets, so you will be asked to remove your watch, jewelry, and other metal objects. Some make up also contains traces of metal, so you will be asked to remove that too. Braces and fillings normally aren't a problem. A MRI test takes up to an hour
During your test, you will lie down on a long platform that slides into the magnet. You may be injected with contrast (a special dye that enhances the image). Once inside, you will still be able to talk to the technologist. You will be asked to hold very still. The machine can be noisy, so you may be given ear plugs or headphones for music.
After the exam, you may resume your normal activities right away. If you were given contrast, it will pass naturally through your body in a day. Your doctor will let you know when your results are available.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine enables health care professionals to take pictures, or images, of various organs and body systems that may be unidentifiable with a normal X-Ray. The procedures are simple and safe. Patients receive radio-pharmaceuticals, or radioactive drugs, primarily intravenously, for the diagnosis and/or treatment of disease.
Side effects are rare and the only pain is from the injection, which hurts about as much as having a blood test done. Patients are then placed in front of highly specialized cameras that are connected to sophisticated computer systems. The result is a nuclear medicine image that is interpreted by a radiologist.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to assist your doctor with evaluation of your condition. There is no radiation involved. The exam usually takes from 45-60 minutes. The patient lies on a table and ultrasonic jelly is applied to the body area being examined. The gel helps to transmit the sound waves. A small ultrasound probe is passed over the area to be examined and images, or pictures, are printed. These images are then interpreted by a radiologist.
|
|
Imaging (Radiology)
Mammography
|
