Diagnostic imaging plays a vital role in modern medicine, allowing doctors to identify, treat, and rule out many different conditions, injuries, and diseases within the body. There are many different types of diagnostic radiology exams, but the most common types are X-rays, MRI, CT Scans, and ultrasound.
Diagnostic radiology exams may be requested by a doctor for a number of different reasons including:
- To assess trauma and injuries, such as a fracture
- To diagnose likely causes of symptoms
- To assess a joint condition
- To assess/detect blocked blood vessels
- To locate a foreign object in the body
- To diagnose/monitor an infection
- A screening tool for health conditions and diseases, such as cancer
X-ray
X-ray is the oldest and most common diagnostic exam that is used to identify a wide range of diseases and injuries, including broken bones, infections, and some forms of cancer. It is a non-invasive and painless procedure. Images are created by passing small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through the human body to capture the resulting shadows and reflections on a photographic plate. Digital X-rays are a more advanced, time-efficient, and cost-effective radiology exam that use special X-ray-sensitive plates to directly capture data during a patient examination. This is then immediately transferred to a computer system that produces the X-ray images.
The most common use of X-rays is to assist in identifying and treating bone fractures. X-ray images are able to reveal the minutest detail of an injury, such as fine, hairline fractures, or a chip in a bone. X-rays may also be used to monitor the healing of a fracture or injury.
Mammography is a type of X-ray scan of breast tissue. A 3D Mammogram is similar to a traditional mammogram, but combines multiple breast X-rays to create a three-dimensional image of the breast. It provides clearer and more detailed images of the breast and is particularly useful for identifying any abnormalities in dense breast tissue.
MRI Scan
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a non-invasive, painless, and radiation-free procedure that uses a large magnetic field, radio waves, and a sophisticated computer system to create detailed, intricate images of the different organs and structures inside the body.
MRI can be used for almost any part of the body, including the brain, spine, soft tissue of joints, and even the inside of bones and blood vessels. MRI is a very beneficial way to accurately diagnose many different diseases and abnormalities – from tumors to joint defects – and it can cover large parts of the body in a relatively short time. A scan typically lasts around 30-60 minutes, depending on the size of the area to be scanned and the number of images to be taken.
CT Scan
A CT (computed tomography) scan is a painless imaging procedure that uses multiple X-rays taken from different angles to create detailed, cross-sectional images of organs and tissues inside the body. This enables doctors to pinpoint the source of pain or injury, or detect any abnormalities. CT scans can help diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, including internal injuries, spinal problems, osteoporosis, infections, and diseases. A CT scan usually only takes 5-10 minutes, depending on which part of your body is being analyzed and how many images are required.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive type of diagnostic exam. 3D ultrasounds can provide a more detailed look at internal organs and structures, as well as monitor fetal health and development during pregnancy. Ultrasound may be used to locate tumors and growths, detect blocked arteries, diagnose vascular problems, and identify problems in organs, such as the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, prostate, and testicles.
Ultrasound works by transmitting high-frequency sound waves into the body. These sound waves travel until they reach a boundary between different types of tissue, bone, or fluid and then bounce back, producing real-time “moving” video images of organs, tissues, and structures.
Diagnostic Radiology Exams in Bronx, NY
At Starling Diagnostics, we offer a wide range of advanced diagnostic radiology services in order to support the most comprehensive analysis of musculoskeletal, neurological, and women’s health care issues. Our caring and compassionate team of radiologists are dedicated to providing the highest quality patient care, and in the most timely and effective manner. If you would like to find out more about our diagnostic radiology services or arrange an appointment, call us at (718) 319-1610 or use our convenient, secure online request form.