MRI FAQS
Osteoporosis Scanning FAQS
64 Slice CT Scanning FAQS
Mammography FAQS

MRI (to top)

Why do I need an MRI?

MRIs can provide early detection of many conditions. The quality of MRI images are excellent. If there is an abnormality, MRI can show where it is, its size,and whether or not it has spread.

Will I feel closed in or claustrophobic?

Most patients do very well in our new High Field MRI because scan times are shorter. However, there are still some people who suffer from claustrophobia. In these cases, their doctor can recommend they take a mild tranquilizer prior to the exam which helps to relax the patient enough to complete the exam.

Is there any special preparation for an MRI exam?

In most cases there is no special preparation. You can carry on with your normal routine, you can eat and drink your usual diet, and take any prescriptions medicine you need.

Are there any restrictions with the exam?

Yes. Because MRI machines use strong magnetic fields, inform your doctor if you have:

*A pacemaker
*Aneurysm clips
*Cochlear implants
*Metal implants
*Steel surgical staples
*Any implant made of partially or wholly of iron or steel
*If you are pregnant.

Do not bring any of the following with you into the exam room. Private lockers are provided for these items:

*Coins
*Jewelry
*Watches
*Keys
*Dentures or partial plates
*Hearing aids

What is the exam like?

You will lie down on the scan table. When the machine starts to work you will hear loud knocking sounds. These sounds occur when the MRI pictures are being taken. You must hold still while the exam is in progress. Your technologist will be in communication with you throughout the exam. Some exams require an injection of a contrast agent. Typically there are no side effects from contrast agents.
After the exam you may resume your normal activities.

Osteoporosis Scanning (to top)

Who is at risk for osteoporosis?

Everyone, both men and women, lose bone strength as they grow older. Women have a higher risk for osteoporosis than men because they have smaller, thinner frames. Women also are affected by menopause. After menopause, women produce less estrogen which helps protect against bone loss.

What are the risk factors?

Family history
Female
Advanced age
Small thin frame
Low calcium diet
Lack of exercise
Current smoking

How do I know if I have osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is called the “silent disease” because there are no signs until a lot of bone has been lost. It is important to have a bone density scan to determine if you are at risk.

What is involved in the exam?

The test itself is painless, requires no preparation or diet regimen and takes approximately 15 minutes. The patient lies down on a comfortable, padded exam table. The scanner passes over the body measuring any bone loss in the hip and spine. Information is fed into a computer. The results of the exam can help physicians treat those patients at risk and prevent further bone loss.

Why do I need to know if I am at risk?

Today we have treatment to prevent further bone loss. Your doctor may suggest a number of steps including exercise, changes in diet, hormone therapy or medicines known to build bone strength.

64 Slice CT Scanning (to top)

What is the advantage of 64 Slice CT Scanning?

For one thing, speed. Exams can be performed twice as fast which is more convenient for the patient. More anatomy can be examined and contrast resolution is greater with this scanner.

What is a cardiac score exam?

It is a non-invasive study that measures your risk of coronary heart disease. The scanner measures any plaque build up around your heart. Calcified plaque in coronary arteries can mean that you may be developing coronary heart disease. Healthy hearts do not have plaque, does yours?

Is it expensive?

It is a low cost screening exam that provides your physician with a complete assessment of your coronary arteries.

How long does it take?

The exam takes only 30 seconds but the technologists will be asking you medical questions about your history. You should allow a total of 30 minutes. Is there any special preparation required? No. There is no special regimen and no disrobing.

Who should have this exam?

People who are over age 45 and who have risk factors such as smoking, family history of heart problems, overweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, sedentary lifestyle, cholesterol problems.

Mammography (to top)

How accurate is mammography in early breast cancer detection?

Mammography detects 85%-90% of all breast cancers. While the majority of abnormalities are detected by mammography, some are simply not detectable.

Are all breast lumps cancerous?

In general, 80% of lumps are benign. This percentage fluctuates with age. For young women, more than 80% of breast lumps are benign. As a woman ages, her risk for breast cancer increases.

Where is the best place to practice self-breast exam?

BSE can be performed in the shower, however, wet, soapy hands may make it difficult for women to feel the intricacies of her breast. Other options are standing up, lying down, and standing in front of a mirror.

When should you have a mammogram?

Women 40 and older should have a yearly mammogram. Women 20-39 should have a clinical breast exam at least every three years. Women 20 years of age should perform BSE every month.

Who says mammograms have to be painful?

Mammograms do not have to be painful. Today with the new technology and technologists who know how to perform the exam comfortably, high-quality images can be obtained without undue discomfort.