Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field and radio waves (no
radiation) to create an image of many parts of the body, especially
the brain, spine, and joints.
Decatur Health Imaging utilizes the Siemens Symphony short bore 1.5T, and the Siemens Magnetom Open Viva, which represent the highest advances in MRI technology, including the most recent sophisticated diagnostic software upgrades. The open MRI provides clear, unobstructed space on three sides, allowing a pleasant non-claustrophobic exam. The openness also facilitates the scanning of large people with a higher level of comfort. You will be able to see and communicate with the technologist performing your exam. To add further comfort, you may have a family member or friend sit in the room with you.
A typical exam will last between 30 and 60 minutes and requires no special
preparation. You should eat normally and follow the normal dosage of
your prescribed medications unless your doctor gives instructions to
do otherwise. For more information about your MRI procedure, see the
Exam Preparation, What
to Expect, and Frequently Asked Questions
pages.
Computed
Tomography (CT) , widely known as a CAT scan, is medically referred
to as simply CT. In its early days of development and use, it was called
Computerized Axial Tomography, hence the term CAT. At Decatur Health
Imaging, we have the Philips MX 8000 CT machine.
CT is generally a relatively quick procedure that uses x-ray beams to
create computer-generated image of soft tissue structures, such as tumors
and internal organs, and air cavities (sinuses, lungs). It also has
advantages in skeletal and neurological imaging. Its radiation doses
to the human body are considered minimal due to the speed in which the
X-Ray is delivered.
The procedure requires you to lie in a horizontal position, either on
your back or stomach, and remain comfortably still. A flat, moving table
goes through the center of a donut-shaped x-ray machine. X-ray beams
from a number of positions are aimed at the area being studied. A special
detector measures the amount of absorbed radiation. This data is transformed
by a computer into a digital image.
For more information about your CT procedure, see the Exam
Preparation and Frequently Asked Questions
pages.
Decatur Health Imaging also offers:
