Our proximity to Advanced Diagnostic Imaging (ADI) allows us to order and perform several types of imaging services to better serve you. These procedures are available to both walk-in patients and those who have scheduled appointments and may be ordered by your provider.”
An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, uses a magnetic field and frequency waves to create images. They can be used to provides images of joints, soft tissue, structure, and organs, among others. This procedure can take up to one hour or longer and you may be given contrast to help differentiate normal and abnormal tissue.
A CT scan uses intravenous contrast and fast X-Ray imaging to produce highly detailed images. CT scans are primary done on the head, chest, abdomen, or pelvis and typically take 10-15 minutes after preparation is done. Prior to the scan, the patient will need to drink a glass of oral contrast one hour before the scan and another 30 minutes later. Additionally, it is recommended that patients do not eat or drink 4-6 hours before the scan with the exception of the contrast.
X-rays are a very common imaging procedure. Medical x-rays are used to generate images of tissues and structures inside the body. At Cedar Valley Primary Care & Walk-In Clinic, we use these machines to diagnose an array of conditions.
A DXA, or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, uses low-dose X-rays to test bone density. These scans can help in finding fractures and diagnosing osteopenia (loss of bone mass) and osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones). A DXA scan can also be used to assist in treating obesity. The scan determines lean body mass vs. fat body mass and helps determine where the fat is located on your body.
Ultrasounds aren’t just useful when you’re pregnant – they can be used in several medical scenarios. Diagnostic ultrasound, also called sonography or diagnostic medical sonography, is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body. The images can provide valuable information for diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions.
