Jefferson Healthcare’s Radiology department is equipped with modern and effective technology. We offer outpatient, emergency, and inpatient radiology services. Our goal is to deliver high-quality imaging services in a patient-friendly environment. Our department is staffed with specialized professionals, including our board-certified radiologists and our licensed and certified radiologic technologists.
Bone densitometry uses an advanced technology called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA, to accurately and painlessly measure the density and mineral content of bone.
During a bone-density evaluation, the patient lies comfortably still on a padded table while the DEXA machine scans one or more areas, usually the fracture-prone spine and hip.
Radiation exposure during bone densitometry is extremely low—less than the radiation exposure during a coast-to-coast airline flight. The entire process takes only minutes to complete, depending on the number of sites scanned. This procedure does not involve injections or invasive procedures, and the patient remains fully clothed, unless there are metal zippers or snaps on their clothes.
You will need a prescription or physician’s referral to schedule a bone density exam.
A computerized tomography (CT) scan, formerly known as a CAT scan, is a radiology procedure that uses X-rays and computers to generate images of the internal organs of the body.
Most body parts can be scanned using this method. Patients are generally comfortable during this exam, which can last from 5 to 15 minutes. You may be required to drink a special liquid and/or have an injection to enhance the images of the internal organs. Numerous scans are obtained as the table moves in predetermined increments during the scanning process. Certified radiological technologists perform all exams.
Our mammography team makes high-quality patient care its first priority. Our department is currently accredited by the Food and Drug Administration and the American College of Radiology.
Mammography, along with an exam by a health care practitioner, is the best tool for early breast cancer detection. Although breast cancer affects more than 200,000 women in the United States each year, this disease often can be treated if detected early.
The examination requires compression of the breast to obtain a quality image. The compression spreads the breast tissue apart to detect millimeter-sized nodules that may be hiding in the breast.
On the day of your exam, we ask that you do not wear deodorant or powder because this may affect the quality of the image.
You will need a prescription or physician’s referral to schedule a mammogram.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams are used to generate images of nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other internal organs throughout the body.
The MRI image is created through the use of wire loops, which emit a radio frequency and work in conjunction with a very powerful magnet. MRI exams do not use any radiation.
The radio frequency turns on and off very quickly during the exam, making a loud knocking sound. For this reason, we will require you to wear earplugs and headphones for your comfort and the protection of your hearing. We encourage you to bring your favorite CD to listen to during your exam, to make it a more pleasant experience.
Our Radiology department staff, along with our MRI technologists, will review your history so you may enter the MRI suite safely.
Nuclear medicine is one of the noninvasive techniques used to look inside the human body. It combines the use of computers, detectors, and small amounts of radioactive material to image the body or to treat disease. Nuclear medicine looks at both the physiology (the functioning) and the anatomy (the parts) of the body to establish a diagnosis and administer treatment. It differs from an X-ray, which is limited to indicating the body’s structure.
Nuclear medicine is useful for many medical problems, including cancer scans; bone scans to detect fractures, bone infection, and loosening of joint prostheses; lung scans to look for blood clots in the lungs; gallbladder scans to detect dysfunction; and kidney scans to show how the kidneys are working.
Patients undergoing a procedure will be given radioactive material intravenously. The patient is placed in a reclining position on a table, which then positions the part to be examined. The technologist will advise the patient to hold very still so that a quality image may be acquired. The amount of radioactivity given poses little risk for the patient or for anyone near the patient. Jefferson Healthcare offers a wide variety of nuclear medicine exams, many on a same-day basis. Nuclear medicine procedures are performed Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves and their echoes. The technique is similar to the echolocation used by bats, whales, and dolphins.
In ultrasound, the machine transmits a high-frequency sound wave into the body, using a probe and a jellylike substance that are placed on the skin. The radiologist then interprets the images seen on the computer monitor.
We perform a variety of ultrasounds at Jefferson Healthcare, such as obstetrical, abdominal, gynecological, and others. This procedure requires a referral from your physician.
After exiting the main hospital elevator on the second floor, turn right. When you get to the end of the hallway, turn right again. You will see the Radiology reception area to your left.