Radiology
The Radiology Department at Affinity is a full-time clinic providing multiple modalities (types) of radiologic services. The principal function of the department is to assist physicians and other health care professionals in the diagnosis and therapy of disease through the use of radiography, fluoroscopy and radioisotopes. Affinity has one board-certified radiologist, several registered radiologic technologists and a radiologist assistant on staff. All technologists are registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The department is accredited in mammography through the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Radiology Tests & Procedures
Tests and procedures performed include the following modalities: x-rays; ultrasound; mammography; CT (Computerized Tomography) scan, also called CAT scan; bone density, IVP (intravenous pyelogram); fluoroscopy and nuclear medicine.

For prep instructions for the following procedures, please click here. Each procedure is assigned a number corresponding to a specific set of instructions. For example, if the test your doctor has ordered indicates Prep #1, you would follow the instructions listed under Prep #1. Tests that do not require any prep are also listed. In addition, prep instructions for nuclear medicine procedures are given.

X-rays
X-rays are used to produce images of the internal structures of the body. Radiologists view these images on radiographic film or a computer monitor.

Ultrasound
An ultrasound, also called sonography, is performed to examine the internal structures of the body using high-frequency sound waves.

What to expect: An ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive procedure. The technologist will apply a gel onto the area being examined and will use an ultrasound probe to produce images on a computer monitor.

Mammography
Mammography is a procedure using x-rays to produce images of the breasts.

What to expect: Your breasts will be placed on a firm, flat x-ray surface, and a gentle, but firm pressure will be applied using a mammogram compression device. This compression may cause discomfort in some women, but mammography is usually a painless procedure. To make the procedure more comfortable, the Radiology Department at Affinity uses MammoPad â , a soft, foam cushion designed to enhance comfort--without impairing image quality. Click here to learn more about MammoPad.

CT Scan
A CT scan is an x-ray procedure combining many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if necessary, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body.

What to expect: A large, donut-shaped x-ray machine will take images at several different angles around your body. These images are processed by a computer to produce cross-sectional pictures. Often, an intravenous contrast (or x-ray dye, an iodine-based liquid given in the vein) is used to make organs and structures, such as the kidneys and blood vessels, much more visible. If a CT scan of the abdomen or pelvis is ordered, oral contrast is usually given to help opacify the bowel.

What to expect: The DEXA machine sends a thin, invisible beam of low-dose x-rays through your bones via two energy streams. It relies on two distinct energy peaks: one peak is absorbed mainly by soft tissue, the other by bone. The soft tissue amount is subtracted from the total, and what remains is your bone mineral density.

The DEXA bone density test takes between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on the type of equipment used and the parts of your body being examined. You will lie on a padded table with an x-ray generator below and a detector (an imaging device) above. The detector will be slowly passed over the area being tested, generating images on a computer monitor.

What to expect: You will lie on a table, and the contrast material will be injected, usually in a vein in your arm. After the injection, you may experience a flush of heat and a metallic taste in your mouth. These common side effects usually disappear within a few minutes and are no cause for concern. During the imaging process, you may be asked to turn from side to side and to hold several different positions. Near the end of the exam, you will be asked to empty your bladder so an additional film can be taken of your bladder after it empties.

Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is a study using a continuous x-ray beam to image the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in real time. It is used in many types of examinations, including barium procedures. Barium outlines the GI tract, allowing these organs to be imaged. The following procedures use barium to diagnose abnormalities of the GI tract:

Upper GI and Esophagram
Purpose of the test: An upper GI is performed to examine the lower esophagus, stomach and duodenum. An esophagram is performed to examine the esophagus.

What to expect: You will drink a contrast material containing barium while lying down, and at certain times, the doctor will take x-ray pictures called spot films of different areas. Additional x-ray films will then be taken by a technologist.

What to expect: You will lie on the x-ray table while a preliminary x-ray film is taken. While you are lying on your side, a well-lubricated enema tube will be inserted gently into your rectum. The barium contrast material is then allowed to flow slowly into your colon. You will be asked to turn to different positions, and the table may be tilted slightly to help the barium flow through your colon. X-rays will be taken from different directions (sides, front and back.) At certain times, the doctor will take x-ray pictures called spot films of different areas of your colon. The enema tube is then removed, and you will use the bathroom to expel as much of the barium as you can. Additional x-rays will then be taken by a technologist.

Small Bowel Series
Purpose of the test: The small bowel series is performed to examine the small intestine.

What to expect: A preliminary x-ray will be taken. You will then drink the barium contrast material. X-rays will be taken at 15-20 minute intervals until the barium empties into your colon. Spot films will be taken by the doctor. The duration of the test varies according to the individual.

Nuclear medicine procedures performed at Affinity include the following:
• Bone Scan: which evaluates bones for fracture, infection, arthritis or tumors
• Hida Scan , which identifies function of the gallbladder or blockage of the bile duct
• Muga , which analyzes the function of the left ventricle of the heart
• Renal Scan , which analyzes kidney function
• Stress/Rest (Myocardial) Scan , which images blood flow and the function of the arteries of the heart
• VQ Scan , which scans lungs for respiratory and blood-flow problems

What to expect: During most nuclear medicine examinations, you will lie down on a scanning table. A specialized nuclear imaging camera will be used during the procedure. A nearby computer console processes the data from the procedure.

You will be given a small dose of radioactive material, usually intravenously but sometimes orally, which localizes in specific body organ systems. This compound, called a radiopharmaceutical or tracer, eventually collects in the organ and gives off energy as gamma rays. The gamma camera detects the rays and works with the computer to produce images and measurements of your organs and tissues. Depending on the type of scan being performed, the imaging will be done either immediately, a few hours later, or the next day. Most of the radioactivity passes out of your body in your urine or stool. The rest simply disappears through natural loss of radioactivity over time.

Q. How does my body excrete the IV contrast dye?
A. The dye is excreted through the urine within 8 hours. It will not discolor your urine.

Q. How do I get rid of the barium I drank?
A. Take a mild laxative if you have problems with constipation, or drink plenty of water, usually 8-10 glasses.

Q. How much radiation is the average person exposed to during a year?
A. The average person in the United States receives a dose of 360 MREMs of radiation per year. Eighty percent comes from natural sources, including radon gas, the human body, outer space and rocks and soil. Twenty percent is from man-made radiation sources, such as medical x-rays.