Imaging scans are a diagnosis technique that doctors use for screening medical issues and guiding medical procedures. Although tests like blood or urine tests or physical exams are helpful, sometimes your doctor needs a detailed exam. While you can receive imaging services as part of a wellness checkup, Advanced Imaging uses scans to diagnose medical conditions and check whether your treatment plan is working.
Imaging services are usually quick, painless, and efficient in producing high-quality images of your body.
Types of imaging services
The following are common imaging services:
X-rays
An X-ray is the oldest form of imaging technique. It uses small doses of ionizing radiation to create images of your internal structures. X-rays are useful in diagnosing heart failure, pneumonia, and lung tumors.
CT scans
Computed tomography (CT) scans provide exceptionally detailed images of your internal organs and structures. CT scans use X-rays and advanced computing techniques to provide cross-sectional images of your organs. CT scans are useful in evaluating your condition and the severity of tissue damage before you can have a treatment plan.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Scans
MRI scans use imaging techniques, including radio frequencies, computer technologies, and a large magnet, to produce highly-detailed images of your bones and soft tissues. The procedure is pain-free, safe, and efficient. It checks issues within your spine, heart, liver, brain, and reproductive organs.
Ultrasounds
An ultrasound imaging service uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of your internal organs. During the process, your specialist will use a transducer on your body to send sound waves to your organs. The waves will bounce off your organs and create images in a nearby monitor. Ultrasounds are great for examining your internal organs and can diagnose problems like abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and blood clots.
Reasons for imaging
The following are reasons you might need imaging:
Screen medical problems
Your doctor will recommend imaging scans to check your internal structures, including your bones and soft tissues. The type of scan will depend on your symptoms. For example, if you have bone issues, your doctor might recommend X-rays, while soft tissues require ultrasounds. If you are at risk of certain diseases due to genetic factors, scans can diagnose diseases early.
Guide medical procedures
During specific procedures like biopsies or tumor treatment, your specialist can use imaging to guide them. The imaging techniques allow your doctor to conduct highly specialized operations with a wider visual field of intricate and delicate parts of your body.
Check the effectiveness of treatments
If you are on long-term treatment, your doctor can use imaging scans to monitor your existing conditions and check whether the administered treatments are effective. By doing so, they can change your treatment plan or maintain it depending on the results.
If you exhibit symptoms but are uncertain of your condition, visit Advanced Imaging for imaging services. The available specialists will evaluate your symptoms and offer the most suitable imaging technique, and once the results are out, you can seek treatment. Call or schedule your appointment online and stay in control of your health.