Being told that you need any kind of imaging can create a little stress. Rest assured, our experienced team is here to answer your questions and walk you through a painless process. Imaging enables your doctor to observe various internal structures without having to perform surgery. There are several different imaging tests that may be chosen. Your doctor makes their recommendation based on the type of tissue they want to observe. X-ray, CT, and ultrasound are some of the most commonly performed imaging tests.
X-rays are the most common form of imaging performed. This non-invasive, completely painless screening gives a two-dimensional image of a specific area of focus. Most people recognize x-rays as the test that observes bones and joints. This is one of the primary uses. However, we may perform x-ray imaging to evaluate the lungs, heart, breast tissue, and other structures. Mammography is a type of x-ray.
CT imaging, computed tomography, is a more sensitive type of x-ray. A CT constructs a cross-sectional image of the area of focus by circling x-ray beams around the body. This creates "slices" of images of soft tissue, bone, blood vessels, or other structures. Computed tomography works quickly with the least amount of radiation exposure possible.
Ultrasound is a common type of imaging that does not require radiation to observe internal structures. Also, different than x-rays and CT scans, an ultrasound captures movement in an area. For example, ultrasound may see blood flow through a vein. Ultrasound can see the movement of a fetus.
We perform a comprehensive selection of imaging services here at Summit Healthcare. Our experienced staff is happy to answer questions you may have before, during, or after your appointment.