Diagnostic Radiology
X-rays are a form of radiation, like light or radio waves, which can be focused into a beam. Unlike a beam of light, however, X-rays can pass through most objects, including the human body. When X-rays hit a piece of photographic film, they can make a picture. Thick tissue in the body, such as bones, absorbs many of the X-rays and appears white on an X-ray picture. Less thick tissues, such as muscles and organs, absorb fewer of the X-rays and appear in shades of gray. X-rays that pass only through air appear black on an X-ray picture.
 
Procedures

• Plain X-rays performed: All headwork, sinuses, extremities (arms, legs, hands, feet, etc.), abdominal, spine (neck, mid back, lower back), bone work (shoulder, hip, knee, etc.)
• Joint X-ray (also called Arthrography): Contrast (dye) is introduced by way of needle into the joint. Pictures are then taken to visualize the joint capsule.
• Bone Densitometry (also called DEXA, X-ray Bone Densitometry): Measurements are taken of a set of points plotted on an image of the female hip.
• Angiogram Catheter (also called Catheter Angiography): A sedative is usually given through an IV line, to lessen their anxiety during the procedure. Local anesthesia is injected into the skin at the site of the puncture. A small incision is made at this site in order to introduce the catheter into the artery. The radiologist threads the catheter through the arterial system to the desired location and then injects the contrast. Several sets of x-rays are taken and, after the procedure is completed, the catheter is removed and the puncture site. The entire procedure may take less than an hour or as long as several hours .
• Contrast Mammography (also called Galactography or Ductography): Contrast (dye) is placed into a breast lobe. Once the contrast is in the breast tissue, pictures are taken to determine cause of discharge or blockage.
• Hysterosalpingography (also called Uterosalpingography): Contrast (dye) is placed into the female reproductive system and images are then taken to determine the health of the system.
• Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP): Contrast (dye) is placed into the vein. The kidney filters the contrast out of the blood, making the kidneys, ureters, and bladder “light up” on film. The test can detect stones, narrowing, and blockage.
• Mammography: The technologist will position your breast in the mammography unit. Your breast will placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle (often made of clear Plexiglas or other plastic).
• Myelogram: Contrast (dye) is introduced into the spinal canal using a needle. Images are then taken of the spine using routine x-rays and a CT.
• Pediatric Voiding Cystourethrogram: Contrast (dye) is introduced into the urinary bladder by way of a catheter. Fluoroscopic images are then taken while patient urinates to provide a functional study.
• Chest X-ray: X-ray pictures are taken to examine soft tissue and boney structures of the chest region.
• Barium Enema (also called Lower GI Tract X-ray): Barium is introduced into the large colon by way of enema. Pictures are then taken to evaluate structures for pathologies.
• Barium Swallow (also called Upper GI Tract X-ray): Barium is taken orally by patient to coat gastric structures. Patient is then maneuvered into various positions and picturing is completed to gain information regarding the physical condition of GI tract.
• Stereotactic Breast Biopsy (also called X-ray Guided Breast Biopsy): The first step is to clean the skin and inject a local anesthetic. A small nick is made in the skin and the tip of the biopsy needle is advanced to the previously calculated site of the lesion. At this point stereo images are again obtained to confirm that the needle tip is actually within the lesion. A tissue sample can then be obtained.

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