Angiography

An imaging technique which allows a radiologist to visualize the inside of blood vessels and organs. During the procedure a specialist injects a dye into a blood vessel and then takes x-ray images (still or motion images) of the specific area of the body for further analysis.

Bone scan

A bone scan creates a picture of the metabolism (turnover) of the bones. The picture is then reviewed to determine if any change has occurred in the bone metabolism. A bone scan is useful for diagnosing bone cancer, bone infections, fractures, bone pain, bone disorders (e.g., arthritis), and the spread of other cancers.

CT scan

A CT Scan uses an x-ray sensing unit that circles the body and creates image slices of the inside of the body. A computer pieces together these images to produce three-dimensional images of your body. A CT scan is useful for identifying bone disorders (e.g., osteoporosis), revealing the location of a tumor or infection, finding internal injuries or bleeding, monitoring the progress of a disease, and guiding surgeries.

DEXA scan

DEXA stands for "Dual Energy X-ray Absorptimetry." It is used to measure the density of the bones and to identify the risk of broken bones due to osteoporosis. The scan is most often used to measure the density of the bones of the hip or spine.

Fluoroscopy

An imaging procedure used by physicians to study the internal structure of a patient body. This procedure produces an x-ray movie of the body in which the physician can see the movement of a patient's skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems.

MRI

MRI, magnetic resonance imaging, uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross-sectional images of your head and body. These detailed images help identify and diagnose a wide range of conditions including: disorders of the central nervous system, e.g. multiple sclerosis, brain and spinal tumors, diseases of the pituitary gland, eye or inner ear tissue abnormalities, bone and joint damage, and infections of the bones and joints.

Mammography

An imaging procedure utilizing low-dose x-rays to examine the human breast tissue. Women over 40 are advised to get a mammogram every year because the procedure can show tumors before they are large enough to be felt during a routine breast exam.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear imaging techniques provide the physician with not only the structure of an organ, but also the functioning of the organ. To complete the procedure a very low dose radioactive material, designed to collect at a specific area of the body is introduced into the body. After the material collects at the specified area, a special camera is used to detect the material and produce a digital image of the organ on a computer screen.

PET scans

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine procedure which shows the structure and functioning of organs and tissues.

Ultrasound

An imaging technique that utilizes sound waves, which cannot be heard by the human ear, to produce images of the body under the skin. The sound waves are sent into the body and reflected back to a handheld receiver to produce an image on a computer screen. A majority of people think of an ultrasound only for expecting parents, but the technique can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases and conditions.

X-rays

An x-ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation where a painless electromagnetic beam is aimed through the body to a piece of film. The beam produces an image of the bones on the film which can help diagnose bone chips, dislocates and fractures, joint or spine injuries, bone infections and other defects in the bones or joints.

For more details on the UH Geauga Medical Center Department of Radiology or to schedule an appointment please call 440-285-6381.