Ultrasound & X-Ray · Decatur, AL
Medical imaging has led to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous medical conditions in patents.There are many types of medical imaging procedures, each of which uses different technologies and techniques. All imagining works off of the same principle. In our office we have x-rays, and ultrasound.
An x-ray creates images of your internal organs or bones to help diagnose conditions or injuries. A special machine emits (puts out) a small amount of ionizing radiation. This radiation passes through your body and is captured on a special device to produce the image. Being exposed to X-rays does carry a risk of causing cancer many years or decades later, but this risk is thought to be very small. For example, an X-ray of your chest, limbs or teeth is equivalent to a few days' worth of background radiation, and has less than a 1 in 1,000,000 chance of causing cancer.
How you are positioned depends on the type of x-ray being done. Several different x-ray views may be needed. You need to stay still when you are having an x-ray. Motion can cause blurry images. You may be asked to hold your breath or not move for a second or two when the image is being taken. X-rays are painless. Some body positions needed during an x-ray may be uncomfortable for a short time. The following are common types of x-rays:
- Abdominal x-ray
- Barium x-ray
- Bone x-ray
- Chest x-ray
- Extremity x-ray
- Hand x-ray
- Joint x-ray
- Lumbosacral spine x-ray
- Neck x-ray
- Pelvis x-ray
- Sinus x-ray
- Thoracic spine x-ray
- Upper GI and small bowel series
- X-ray of the skeleton
X-rays can help diagnose a multitude of things including an enlarged heart, fluid in lungs, digestive problems, bone fractures, infections, cancers and tumors. In order to get an x-ray the doctor has to order it. If you have a concern, ask the provider if imagining is needed. The provider reads the x-ray while you are in the office.
The other type of imaging we have in the office is ultrasound. Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound is safe, noninvasive, and does not use radiation.
This procedure requires little to no special preparation. Your doctor will tell you how to prepare, including whether you should not eat or drink beforehand. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may need to change into a gown.
Ultrasound exams can help diagnose a variety of conditions and assess organ damage following illness. Doctors use ultrasound to evaluate pain, swelling and infection. Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body's internal organs, including but not limited to the:
- heart and blood vessels, including the abdominal aorta and its major branches
- liver
- gallbladder
- spleen
- pancreas
- kidneys
- bladder
- thyroid and parathyroid glands
Most ultrasound exams are painless, fast, and easily tolerated.
If the doctor performs a Doppler ultrasound exam, you may hear pulse-like sounds that change in pitch as they monitor and measure the blood flow.
Most ultrasound exams take about 30 minutes. More extensive exams may take up to an hour.
After an ultrasound exam, you should be able to resume your normal activities immediately. A radiologist, a doctor trained to supervise and interpret radiology exams, will analyze the images. The radiologist will send a signed report to the doctor who requested the exam. Your doctor will then share the results with you. In most cases we have the results in one week or less.
You may need a follow-up exam. If so, your doctor will explain why. Sometimes a follow-up exam further evaluates a potential issue with more views or a special imaging technique. It may also see if there has been any change in an issue over time. Follow-up exams are often the best way to see if treatment is working or if a problem needs attention.
