Additional Information

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A MRI exam uses a powerful magnet, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of internal body structures. MRI produces better images of soft tissue than CT or CR, so MRI images are often used to assess the head and neck. However, MRI is extremely versatile and can help explain a variety of conditions throughout the body.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a specific type of MRI that shows blood vessels and blood flow. MRA helps physicians plan the treatment of heart disorders, stroke, and blood vessel diseases.

How Can I Prepare For The Exam?

Eat a light meal. Most of our exams do not require fasting. However, if you need an abdomen (abdominal) exam or if your exam requires contrast material, we ask that you fast 3 hours prior.

Tell the clinician if you have any metal material, such as a pacemaker or implant, in or on your body. Remove all metallic belongings, such as jewelry or electronics, from your person before entering the room.

Continue to take medication as directed by your doctor. Tell the clinician if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.

What Should I Expect During The Exam?

You will be asked to lie on top of a table which is slowly moved into the tube-like opening of the magnet. The scanner is well-lit and permanently open on both ends. Earplugs and special headphones are available for your comfort.

Some exams use a contrast material, such as gadolinium or iodine, to increase the accuracy of the results. If required, you will be asked to drink a glass of oral contrast or receive an injection of intravenous (IV) contrast before you are scanned.

For a high-quality image, you will be required to remain still for the duration of the exam. The average exam lasts 30-60 minutes.

Do I Need A Creatine Blood Test Before My Exam?

If your exam involves intravenous (IV) contrast materials, you may need a creatinine blood test beforehand. IV contrast materials are considered extremely safe. However, patients with poor kidney (renal) function may experience adverse side effects. Elevated serum creatinine levels indicate poor renal function. For your well-being, we require creatinine blood test results from patients who:

- Are over the age of 60
- Have high blood pressure
- Have diabetes
- Have pre-existing kidney (renal) disease.

Results must be less than 3 months old.

What If I Have A Fear Of Closed Spaces

If you have a fear of closed spaces, such as elevators, please ask your doctor about treatments and medications prior to your appointment. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during a closed MRI.

Although some imaging centers use an open MRI machine, we use a closed, high-field scanner which ensures clean, high-quality images. You can have peace of mind knowing you will receive an accurate, in-depth diagnosis.

Is MRI Safe?

Yes. MRI has no known health hazards and does not use ionizing radiation.

Are Contrast Materials Safe?

Yes. Patients rarely have allergic reactions to the contrast material. The contrast material will be eliminated by your body’s natural processes, so staying well-hydrated both before and after your exam is recommended. If you are a nursing mother, however, please wait 24 hours before breastfeeding.

Further Questions?

We want to help guide you through every step of the process, so if you have any further questions or concerns about your exam, please feel free to contact us at (832)239-8538 or click here to learn more about your procedures.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Computer tomography (CT, CAT) uses CR (x-rays) and a computer to create cross-sectional images of the body structure under evaluation. Unlike CR and MRI results, CT scans can show a combination of tissue, bone, and blood vessels. Therefore, CT scans are well suited for detecting tumors and diagnosing cancers in the chest or abdomen.

How Can I Prepare For The Exam?

If your exam requires any contrast materials, we ask that you fast for 3 hours prior.

What happens during the CT scan?

You will be asked to lie on top of a table which is slowly moved into the large, donut-shaped opening of the scanner. Once you are inside the scanner, a series of x-rays creates hundreds of cross-sectional pictures that represent slices of your body. In seconds, the computer assembles the slices into images that are interpreted by your physician.

The exam will take between 45 seconds and 1 hour, depending on the area being imaged.

Do I Need A Creatine Blood Test Before My Exam?

If your exam involves intravenous (IV) contrast materials, you may need a creatinine blood test beforehand. IV contrast materials are considered extremely safe. However, patients with poor kidney (renal) function may experience adverse side effects. Elevated serum creatinine levels indicate poor renal function. For your well-being, we require creatinine blood test results from patients who:

- Are over the age of 60
- Have high blood pressure
- Have diabetes
- Have pre-existing kidney (renal) disease.

Results must be less than 3 months old.

Is A CT Scan Safe?

Yes. The radiation dose is very small and comparable to the natural background radiation we are constantly exposed to. The benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the small risk. However, please disclose to us if you are or may be pregnant in order to avoid radiation exposure to the fetus.

Is The Contrast Material Safe?

Yes. Patients rarely have allergic reactions to the contrast material. The contrast material will be eliminated by your body’s natural processes, so staying well-hydrated both before and after your exam is recommended. If you are a nursing mother, however, please wait 24 hours before breastfeeding.

Further questions?

We want to help guide you through every step of the process, so if you have any further questions or concerns about your exam, please feel free to contact us at (832)239-8538 or click here to learn more about your procedures.

Digital Ultrasound (US)

Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of body structures.

Ultrasound is best suited for the examination of soft tissues, such the intra-abdominal organs (gallbladder, liver, kidney, etc.), thyroid gland, blood vessels, pelvic organs, and fetus.

What is a vascular (Doppler) ultrasound?

A Doppler ultrasound shows the blood flow through your arteries and veins.

Do we perform female breast ultrasounds?

Yes for patients under 30 years old. However, risk for breast cancer increases with age, and mammograms may be beneficial for early cancer detection. Since we do not perform mammograms at our facility, we believe it is in your best interest to get your breast ultrasound done at a facility that is able to accommodate you for both the ultrasound and the mammogram in the possibility that you may need to also get a mammogram. The radiologist interpreting your images may prefer these two exams to be done at the same facility in order to provide you better consultation and care.

How can I prepare for the exam?

If you require an abdomen (abdominal) exam, we ask that you fast for 6 hours prior. Eating or drinking will make it difficult for us to see your organs.

Depending on the area being imaged, you may need a full bladder for optimal results. If needed, you will be instructed to drink 32 ounces of water 1 hour before the exam and hold it in.

Please Contact Us if you have any questions or concerns.

What should I expect during the exam?

A warm, wet gel is applied over the area being examined. The technologist then passes a small, corded electronic device (probe) over your skin. The exam is painless and quick.

The average ultrasound exam lasts 30-60 minutes.

Is ultrasound safe?

Yes. Ultrasound is completely safe and uses no radiation. It has been used for decades to evaluate pregnancies.

Further questions?

We want to help guide you through every step of the process, so if you have any further questions or concerns about your exam, please feel free to contact us at (832)239-8538 or click here to learn more about your procedures.

X-Ray (Computed Radiology, CR)

CR sends small beams of energy (x-rays) through the body to create an image of injuries and various medical conditions. Dense objects, such as bones, block the x-rays and appear white in the final image.

How can I prepare for the exam?

The x-ray exam is quick and painless and usually requires no special preparation.

What should I expect during the exam?

You may be asked to lie down on a table, sit in a chair, or stand. A technologist will help position you properly. The exam will take around 15 minutes.

Is the x-ray exam safe?

Yes. We always use the minimum amount of radiation necessary to create a quality image. The benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the small risk. Please let the technologist know if you are pregnant.

Further questions?

We want to help guide you through every step of the process, so if you have any further questions or concerns about your exam, please feel free to contact us at (832)239-8538 or click here to learn more about your procedures.

Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)

Bone densitometry (DEXA) uses low-dose x-rays to measure bone density and thickness. The DEXA exam is the best way to diagnose bone density loss (osteoporosis) and assess your risk of developing fractures. Osteoporosis can be treated successfully if diagnosed early.

How can I prepare for the exam?

For accurate results, you should stop taking calcium and vitamin D supplements for two days prior to the exam.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a common disease where bones become fragile and thin. If not prevented or treated promptly, osteoporosis can progress effortlessly until a bone breaks. These broken bones, also known as fractures, typically occur in the hip, spine, and wrist.

The best way to determine bone density and fracture risk is to have a DEXA scan, which accurately measures your bone density (BMD). The diagnosis of osteoporosis can only be made by a doctor through a bone density test. Osteoporosis can be easily diagnosed and successfully treated if detected early.

What should I expect during the exam?

The DEXA exam is quick and painless. Using the Hologic Discovery system, the exam usually takes less than 30 minutes. You will be asked to lie atop an open examination table and stay still.

Is the DEXA exam safe?

Yes. The radiation dose of the DEXA exam is even less than that of a typical dental x-ray exam and is equivalent to about 3 hours of natural background radiation. As usual, please inform your technologist if you are pregnant.

Further questions?

We want to help guide you through every step of the process, so if you have any further questions or concerns about your exam, please feel free to contact us at (832)239-8538 or click here to learn more about your procedures.