|The Diagnostic Radiology Department at HMC has a long history of providing a full range of imaging services, from traditional X-rays to state-of-the-art scanning procedures. HMC’s highly trained team of diagnostic radiologists uses sophisticated techniques to create images of the entire body and its organs. Those images are often critical in diagnosing and treating a multitude of patient injuries, diseases and disorders.Radiologic technologists are licensed medical professionals who perform diagnostic imaging examinations. They are educated in anatomy, patient-positioning techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety and basic patient care. Technologists often specialize in a particular diagnostic imaging area, such as CT, MR, breast imaging, nuclear medicine or ultrasound imaging.Diagnostic Radiology Services Available At HMC:
General Diagnostic Radiology
Includes digital x-rays of the chest, abdomen and extremities. It also includes fluroscopy (an X-ray movie) procedures, such as upper and lower GI (gastrointestinal) series and barium enemas.
Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Imaging
Diagnostic radiology at HMC provides comprehensive imaging and image-guided interventional heart and vascular procedures. Our strict standards for education and training of physicians and technologists, as well as requirements for quality control and safety have earned HMC’s Non-Invasive Vascular Lab national recognition and accreditation by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC).
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
CT scans use a combination of X-rays and advanced computer technology to produce more detailed cross-sectional, horizontal, vertical and 3D views of the body, including views of bones, muscles, fat, organs and blood vessels. Our diagnostic team works in tandem to assure that all CT scans are of outstanding quality and uses newly developed algorithms that reduce patient X-ray exposure.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI is a non-invasive test that produces high-quality and detailed images of the body without the use of radiation. MRI images are created by using a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to process the information.
Ultrasound or Sonogram
Ultrasounds and sonograms use ultrasonic (high frequency) sound waves to produce computer-displayed images of organs, tissues and blood vessels. It is typically a painless procedure that uses no radiation.
Nuclear medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive materials injected into specific areas of the body, commonly called tracers, to examine the function and structure of organs, including the heart, kidneys, thyroid and brain. This specialized type of imaging is often used to help diagnose and treat many different medical conditions and diseases.
Bone Density Scans
Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is the preferred technique for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). DXA has also been called dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, or DEXA. DXA is relatively easy to perform and the amount of radiation exposure is low. A DXA scanner is a machine that produces two X-ray beams, each with different energy levels. One beam is high energy while the other is low energy. The amount of X-rays that pass through the bone is measured for each beam. This will vary depending on the thickness of the bone. Based on the difference between the two beams, the bone density can be measured.
DXA scanning focuses on two main areas — the hip and spine. In certain situations — if the hip or spine can’t be measured, for instance — it is measured in the forearm. Although osteoporosis involves the whole body, measurements of BMD at one site can be predictive of fractures at other sites. Scanning generally takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete and is painless and noninvasive.
Our Dexa Scan provides unparalleled precision and accuracy in the early detection and treatment of osteoporosis, including the detection of low bone mineral density and the presence of vertebral fractures. During your Dexa Scan procedure, we check for hip biomechanical strength, and can identify patients at risk for osteoporosis and vertebral fractures.
The Importance of Bone Density Testing
Osteoporosis is often called the “silent disease,” because it doesn’t produce symptoms until a fracture occurs. The bones most likely to break are the hip, spine, and forearm. In fact, 1 in 2 women and 1 in 8 men are at risk for fracture or have at least one spinal fracture and don’t know it.
Spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis are most often painless, greatly increasing the risk for future fractures. A woman’s risk of hip fracture alone equals her combined risk of developing breast, uterine or ovarian cancer.
The diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis begins with an objective measurement of your current bone density. Today, when doctors detect bone loss in the earliest stage, treatment is more successful. And, several drug therapies now on the market have been shown to be effective in slowing down or reversing the bone-loss process.
What to expect during your exam
During a comprehensive bone heath assessment, you will lay comfortably on a padded table while the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) unit scans two or more areas, usually the fracture-prone hip and spine. Unlike typical x-ray machines, radiation exposure during bone densitometry is extremely low. The entire process takes only minutes to complete. It involves no injections or invasive procedures.
Preparing for a bone density scan
Unless instructed otherwise, eat normally on the day of the exam; but avoid taking calcium supplements for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Sweat suits and other casual attire without zippers, buttons, grommets or any metal are preferred.
You should not have had a barium study, radioisotope injection, oral or intravenous contrast material from a CT scan or MRI within seven days prior to your DXA test.
Am I at increased risk of developing osteoporosis?
Your chances of developing osteoporosis are greater if you are female and answer “yes” to any of the following questions:
Are you …?
Thin or small framed
Approaching or past menopause
Milk intolerant or have a low calcium intake
Excessive alcohol intake
Taking thyroid medication or steroid-based drugs for asthma, arthritis or cancer
Do you have …?
A family history of osteoporosis
Chronic intestinal disorders
A sedentary lifestyle
If you answer “yes” to any of the above questions, you may benefit from a Bone Density Test at Hopedale Medical Complex. Please contact us for more information.
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: Closed
be scheduled. The order can be faxed by the physician’s office or by the patient.
The scheduler will also need to know the patient’s:
- Name and date of birth
- Phone number
- Insurance information (including referrals/pre-certifications)
- Examination being ordered
- Symptoms or diagnosis