Diagnostic Imaging Services

MRI scan at Tualatin Imaging; diagnostic imaging center in Oregon

MRI

What is an MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, uses a magnetic field, radio waves, and computer reconstruction to produce a picture of the inside of the body.

How is an MRI performed?
During an MRI, the patient lies flat on a motorized bed that moves within a cylindrical scanner. Because of the strong magnetic fields, you’ll be asked to remove jewelry, piercings, dentures, and hearing aids. The tech will also ask if you have any metal  implants.

Examples of procedures:

  • Brain
  • Spine
  • Any joint such as knee or shoulder
  • Abdomen
  • Pelvis
CT scan at Tualatin Imaging; diagnostic imaging center in Oregon

CT Scan / CTA

What is a CT scan?
Computerized Tomography, or CT, is a scan that is similar to an xray however images are reconstructed using a computer to “see” inside the body.

What is a CTA?
Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) is another form of CT in which blood vessels are imaged, requiring an injection of IV contrast.

How is a CT scan performed?
The patient lies on a table which moves into an open donut-shaped scanner. Intravenous contrast dye is often used to better evaluate the body structures.

Examples of procedures:

  • Abdomen/Pelvis
  • Chest
  • Brain
  • Spine
  • Bones
A patient getting a diagnostic imaging ultrasound

Ultrasound

What is an ultrasound scan?
Also referred to as sonography, ultrasounds use sound waves to produce images of specific body parts.

How is an ultrasound performed?
During an ultrasound, a water-based gel is typically applied over the skin of the area being examined to help with the transmission of the sound waves. A hand-held probe, called a transducer, is moved over the area to create an image of the examined area. Often the patient is lying down during an ultrasound.

Examples of procedures:

  • Pregnancy or obstetric scans
  • Abdomen
  • Pelvis
  • Blood Vessels (Carotid Arteries, Veins in the Legs)
  • Breast (Usually done in conjunction with Mammography)
  • Thyroid
Chest x-ray at an Oregon diagnostic imaging center

X-ray

What is an X-ray?
An x-ray is a type of diagnostic imaging that uses radiation to produce images of the area under evaluation.

How is an X-ray performed?
The part of the body being evaluated is placed on a surface with an X-ray cassette or detector behind it. The machine produces the x-rays which exposes or “takes a picture” of the area under evaluation.

Examples of procedures:

  • Hand
  • Foot
  • Knee
  • Chest