Common Types of Diagnostic Imaging
If you have a chronic illness or an injury, your doctor may order diagnostic tests that will let them look at the inside of your body in a noninvasive manner. The largest benefit of these scans is that the physician can get a glimpse of what is happening in your body without the need for surgery.
The type of diagnostic imaging test you need will depend on the condition you might have. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly used types of diagnostic imaging scans and who you can go to in order to find out more.
Frequently Performed Diagnostic Tests
The following are a few of the most commonly performed diagnostic tests that are performed on patients:
X-Ray
The X-ray scan is one of the most common and oldest types of diagnostic imaging. Doctors often use an X-ray scan to evaluate bones, and therefore diagnose medical problems such as fractures, dislocations, or bone diseases. The more modern Digital X-ray emits much less radiation and provides more efficient scans than the traditional technology.
In addition to bone issues, a doctor can use an X-ray scan to examine for tumors or other abnormalities. It can also identify lung conditions and digestive tract problems.
MRI
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan creates a highly detailed image of the tissues inside your body by using a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves. Doctors often use an MRI to diagnose or monitor the condition of your brain, spinal cord, chest, abdomen, or pelvis.
CT Scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays taken from multiple angles to create precise cross-sectional images of your body, specifically bones, organs, and tissues. Like an MRI, this gives your doctor a way to determine an injury or abnormality in your body.
A CT scan, because of its 3-D nature, gives doctors the data required to diagnose a wide variety of physical injuries. Whereas an MRI does not expose the patient to radiation like the X-ray and CT scan do, an MRI is more expensive because of the equipment necessary to perform the scan.
Mammogram
A mammogram is a specialized diagnostic scan that takes pictures of the internal breast tissue. This type of diagnostic imaging utilizes X-rays to create an image of your breasts for screening of any indications of lumps or masses. Mammograms can help doctors detect signs of breast cancer early.
Bone Density Scan
Bone density scans help your physician assess your risk of osteoporosis or the extent of existing osteoporosis. Patients, especially women, can benefit significantly from being diagnosed and treated early.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound utilizes high-frequency sound waves and does not emit radiation of any kind, which is why they are the preferred method of obtaining images of a developing baby in the womb. However, doctors also use ultrasounds to detect medical problems such as blocked arteries, tumors, vascular problems, or issues in the kidneys, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
Diagnostic Imaging in The Bronx, NY
Diagnostic imaging is often crucial for your doctor to develop an accurate diagnosis and treatment for a health condition you may be experiencing. If you are in or near The Bronx, New York, and you need a diagnostic scan, the helpful and friendly medical staff at Starling Diagnostics is here to assist you.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at (718) 319-1610 or fill out our online request form now. We look forward to seeing you here.
