General X-Rays
Diagnostic x-rays are created by passing small controlled amounts of radiation through the patient's body producing anatomical images. Because of their high energy and short wavelength, X-rays are able to penetrate the body's tissues and bones. The amount of X-rays that passes through will depend on the thickness and density of the area of interest. X-rays are performed for many reasons, a few of which include pneumonias, fractures, masses, tumors, and fluid collections. This information is captured onto film, video or computers.
Exams range from simple procedures that require you to hold still for a moment to those procedures that require you to drink a "contrast" or have an injection of "contrast." Every effort will be made to perform your X-ray with little or no discomfort to you. If you have questions or special needs, please ask your technologist. They will do their best to make your visit to our department as comfortable as possible.
Specialized X-rays include:
Arthrography
Athrography is a type of x-ray that uses a contrast agent to image an anatomical joint for example, the knee, shoulder, elbow or wrist. The joint space is directly injected with the contrast in order to diagnose ligament damage, meniscus, and rotator or cartilage tears. The test may be ordered when a patient suffers painful joints or if the joint feels locked.
Barium Enema/Lower GI Series
A lower gastrointestinal (GI) series uses x-ray to diagnose problems in the colon (large intestine) and rectum. Typically this exam is ordered for patients with chronic diarrhea, blood in stools, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, unexplained weight loss, change in bowel habits, and inflammatory or ulcerative bowel disorders such as chromes disease. The radiologist will administer a thick liquid contrast agent called "barium" into the colon. This is why a lower GI series is sometimes called a barium enema. The barium coats the lining of the colon and rectum and makes these organs, and any sign of disease in them, show up more clearly on fluoroscopy and radiographs. You may experience some discomfort during the exam such as fullness and pressure in your abdomen.
Upper GI Series
The upper gastrointestinal (GI) series uses X rays to diagnose problems in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). It may also be used to exam the small intestine, the upper GI series can show blockage, abnormal growth, ulcer, or a problem with the way an organ is working.
During the procedure, you will drink a thick, white, milkshake-like liquid. This contrast agent is called "Barium" which coats the inside lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and makes them show up more clearly on x rays. The radiologist can also see ulcers, scar tissue, abnormal growths, hernias, or areas where something is blocking the normal pathway of food through the digestive system. Using fluoroscopy the radiologist is able to watch your digestive system work as the barium moves through it.
Hysterosalpingogram
A hysterosalpingogram (HSG) is an x-ray procedure that visualizes the outline of the inside of the fallopian tubes and uterine cavity. The HSG is performed on women who are undergoing infertility evaluation and treatment, or after a surgery has been performed on the uterus of tubes.
Intravenous Pylogram
An IVP is a radiographic examination of the kidneys, urinary tract and bladder in which a contrast agent is injected into a vein in your arm. This examination is performed when patients experienced several urinary tract infections, blood found in the urine, stones, tumor, injury or other related abnormalities. A series of radiograph will be taken as the contrast agent moves through the bloodstream into the urinary system.
Cystogram/Voiding
A cystogram is an x-ray examination of the urinary bladder. This test can show the bladder's position and shape. A voiding cystogram is used to diagnose a condition called "reflux". This occurs when the urine in the bladder moves back up the ureters (the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder).
Chest X-ray
The chest x-ray is the most common medical imaging examination. The chest x-ray is often performed as part of a routine physical exam. It may also be performed to reveal or rule out such conditions as pneumonia, congestive heart failure, tuberculosis or heart failure. Lung cancer is typically diagnosed by a chest x-ray. Chest x-rays are usually taken with you standing or lying on a table with a photographic plate against the chest.
