A radiologist is a doctor who specializes in medical imaging. They study and treat problems throughout the body. A radiologist may care for you directly. Or, they may work with your main doctor.
MRI of the breast is an imaging test that uses strong magnets and radio waves to form pictures of the inside of the breast. It also creates images of the tissues that surround the breast. Breast MRI is used to check for problems, such as a leaking breast implant or a suspicious lump or mass.
A gastric emptying scan is an imaging test. It measures how quickly food travels from the stomach into the small bowel (intestine).
A modified barium swallow (also called a video fluoroscopic swallowing exam) is a test that checks your ability to swallow different consistencies of fluids and solid materials. It also helps in planning treatment, if needed.
A CT colonography is used to view the inside of your lower digestive tract (colon and rectum). It can help screen for colon cancer and for polyps. This test is sometimes called virtual colonoscopy.
A HIDA scan is an imaging test. It can be used to check for problems in the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
A thyroid uptake measures how well the thyroid gland is working. A thyroid scan shows the size, shape, and location of the thyroid gland. It may also help identify a spot (lesion) on the thyroid gland. The tests are often done together to check for problems in the thyroid gland. This sheet tells you what to expect with each test.
An arthrogram is an imaging study used to assess your joint problem. Contrast fluid is injected into the joint being studied. Then, X-ray, a CT scan, or MRI is used to create images.
A barium enema is an X-ray exam of your rectum and colon. This test helps your doctor detect problems such as blockages, tumors, polyps, or other problems.
A bone density study helps diagnose osteoporosis (bone thinning). Scans of your lower back, hip, or forearm are taken to measure the amount of calcium (density) in your bones. Calcium is the mineral that makes up your bones.
A bone scan is an imaging test that uses a special camera to form images of your bones. It is used to diagnose bone problems, such as fractures, cancer, infections, and joint problems such as arthritis. It is also used to check joint replacements.
A CT scan is an imaging test that takes detailed pictures of your soft tissues. Learn what to expect before, during, and after the test.
HSG is an X-ray test used to view your reproductive organs. This can help diagnose why you are unable to get pregnant.
An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an X-ray exam of your urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, and bladder). This test can help find stones or other problems with your urinary tract.
Mammography is an X-ray exam of your breast tissue. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this imaging test.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that lets your doctor see detailed pictures of the inside of your body. MRI combines the use of strong magnets and radio waves to form an MRI image.
A myelogram is a test to check problems with your spinal canal. The canal is a tunnel-like structure in your spine that holds your spinal cord. A myelogram often uses a real-time form of X-ray (fluoroscopy) or CT to take pictures of your spinal canal.
A nuclear medicine scan uses a special camera to create pictures of your organs (such as your heart, lungs, liver, and gallbladder) and your bones. Learn what to expect before, during, and after this test.
An upper GI series is an X-ray exam of your upper digestive tract, the area from your mouth to the start of your small intestine. This test helps your doctor find problems such as ulcers, tumors, and certain diseases.
An X-ray uses a small amount of radiation to create images of your bones and internal organs. X-rays are most often used to detect bone or joint problems, or to check the heart and lungs (chest X-ray).
Carotid angiography is a type of X-ray test used to view the carotid arteries. Read on to learn details about the test.
ERCP stands for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. This procedure is used to view the biliary and pancreatic ducts. It is used to check diseases that affect the ducts. It helps find and treat any blockages.
This test may help find which disk is causing your back or leg pain.
A bone X-ray is a way to take pictures of bones. Low dose radiation (X-rays) is passed through the body, producing images of the bones on film.
CTA is an imaging test. You will get an X-ray dye before the test. The dye makes it easier to see your blood vessels on the X-ray.
Learn more about cystography, a detailed X-ray exam of your bladder.
Hepatic angiography uses X-rays to check the blood vessels that supply blood to your liver. Here's what you need to know if you are having this procedure.
Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is an imaging test that looks at your blood vessels. Because the test uses strong magnets, you must be very careful about any metal implants, braces, piercings, and more. Here's everything you need to know.
It's important to let your healthcare provider know that you have breast implants before getting a mammogram. Here's what to expect before, during, and after the test.
A PET scan can show changes in how an organ or tissue works. This can help your healthcare provider diagnose problems and create a treatment plan for you. Here's what to expect from this procedure.
Pulmonary angiography is an X-ray of the blood vessels that supply the lungs. It is used to find a blood clot in these blood vessels. Here's what you should know about the procedure.
Renal angiography is an imaging test done to study the blood vessels in your kidneys. Here's what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure.
Venography is a procedure that makes X-ray studies of the veins. It shows how blood flows in your veins.
A HIDA scan is also called a hepatobiliary scintigraphy. It's a test that checks the function of your child's liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts (tubes inside and outside the liver). It can show where bile is blocked or leaking.
Radiographic studies, such as a cardiac MRI and cardiac CT scan, are called imaging tests. They allow the healthcare provider to check for problems in the heart. The tests are painless and noninvasive. Your child's healthcare provider will discuss with you why your child needs one or both of these tests.
A brain perfusion scan is a type of brain test that shows the amount of blood in certain areas of your brain. This can help show how your brain is functioning.
A gallium scan is an imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material. It is done to look for inflammation, infection, or cancer in your body.
A gallium scan is an imaging test. It is done to look for inflammation, infection, or cancer in your body.
A coronary calcium scan is a test that looks at the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. These are called the coronary arteries. The scan checks for plaque buildup along the walls of these arteries.
