Imaging and laboratory services

St. Anthony's offers the benefits of a 1.2 T High Field Strength Open MRI that features a wide patient table for comfortable access and easy positioning. The open design is beneficial for pediatric patients, those who are claustrophobic, and those with size limitations.

X-ray, commonly referred to as radiography, uses ionizing radiation to provide images of the body. Radiography is used in many ways to diagnose disease and injuries. Some common exams are X-rays, GI fluoroscopy exams and joint injections (arthrograms). Preparation for this scan varies by patient based on the test being conducted.

 

During this test, the patient lies in a doughnut-shaped machine that takes pictures of the body. The scanner is used in combination with a digital computer to create "slices" of different organs of the body, making it possible to detect diseases sooner than with a regular X-ray. 

St. Anthony’s 128 slice CT scanner provides breakthrough innovation that combines sub-millimeter slices with less than 30 second scan times, providing a clear 3-D image of anatomy.  St. Anthony’s CT Scans enable the physician to screen for disease at an earlier stage, diagnose conditions non-invasively, and plan surgery and other treatments with greater efficiency.  Dose optimization software enables reduction in radiation to provide the lowest dose possible while providing a high quality exam.

The patient-friendly design accommodates patients of all sizes. With scan times of less than 30 seconds, it eliminates the need for long breath holds.

To prepare for a CT scan

Wear loose, comfortable clothing free of metal snaps and zippers, if possible. When you arrive, you will be asked to remove metallic jewelry, watches, hair pins, hearing aids, removable dental work and glasses if they are in the area being scanned.

If you are having a CT scan of the abdominal area, you may need to drink a liquid contrast. This will be given to you, with instructions, in advance. You may be asked to not eat or drink anything for four hours before your scan. Your health care provider will instruct you which medications, if any, cannot be taken.

The scan typically takes 30 minutes or less. You will be asked to hold very still in specific positions as instructed by a technologist. You may be asked to hold your breath during some scans to reduce blurring on the images. If your scan requires the use of a contrast, you may be given another contrast material during the scan by IV injection. This may make you feel warm inside, but the sensation only lasts a few moments and is not painful. After the scan, you will be asked to drink plenty of fluids. 

An MRI is a non-invasive and painless procedure in which radio waves and powerful magnets linked to a computer are used to create remarkably clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues without the use of radiation.

St. Anthony’s offers the benefits of the revolutionary high definition MRI that provides unprecedented image resolution. The breakthrough imaging technology enhances diagnostic options for stroke evaluation, peripheral vascular imaging, breast cancer staging, and all other clinical applications. The Excite technology reduces the scan times to an average of 30 minutes and is designed for patient comfort.

To prepare for an MRI:

For your safety, you will be asked to put on a patient gown for the test. Clothing with metal or pockets will not be allowed in the scanning room. Certain types of metal in the area being scanned can cause significant errors, called artifacts, in the images. It is important that metal objects are not brought into the scanning room. You will be asked to remove your jewelry, watch, hairpins, bobby pins and hearing aids. A typical exam lasts between 30 to 60 minutes for each body area being scanned. You should allow extra time because the exam may last longer than expected. 

The magnet makes a “knocking” sound as images are being taken. In between scans, the machine is quiet. The MRI technologist will provide you with either ear plugs or headphones for you to listen to music during your exam.

Ultrasound is one of the most widely used diagnostic procedures available. It provides a safe, non-invasive and virtually painless means of observing soft tissue anatomy on an outpatient basis.

Medical sonography (ultrasonography) is an ultrasound-based diagnostic medical imaging technique used to visualize muscles, tendons, and many internal organs, their size, structure and any pathological lesions with real time tomographic images. It is also used to visualize a fetus during routine and emergency prenatal care. Ultrasound scans are performed by medical healthcare professionals called sonographers. Obstetric sonography is commonly used during pregnancy.

What are other applications for Ultrasound

• OB/GYN: evaluation of fetal anatomy, age, growth and position; imaging of the uterus and ovaries to evaluate pelvic abnormalities.
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• Radiology: identification of pathology in abdominal organs, OB/GYN and prostate scanning, evaluation of blood flow throughout the vascular system.
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• Vascular: examination of vessels, such as the carotid arteries, to detect and precisely locate any possible blood flow obstructions.
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• Musculoskeletal: examination of tendons, ligaments and joint spaces to evaluate shoulder, Achilles tendon and repetitive motion injuries. With ultrasound, the clinician can examine your shoulder or ankle, for instance, while you perform a range-of-motion movement.
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• Pediatrics: aid in detection of congenital conditions and the cardiovascular system.

Are there risks or side effects?
No. The sound waves will not cause discomfort and they do not contain ionizing radiation.