Services
Diagnostic Radiology
Phone: (254) 288-8300/8301
FAX: (254) 288-8924
Scheduling: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Routines: Done on a 24 hour basis. After 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday and on weekends, the Emergency Room and Inpatients have priority.
What is Diagnostic Radiology?
A simple X-ray that is used to view and assess the human body. It is the most frequently used and oldest form of medical imaging. It is a fast and easy process and is most helpful to diagnosis and treatment of illness. Examples are x-rays of the Chest, Hands or Feet.
What is Fluoroscopy?
A continuous x-ray that produces a real-time image on a monitor of the body part being examined. The Radiologist is able to view the images as they are being taken. Exams that are done using Fluoroscopy are Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI), Barium Enema (BE), Small Bowel Follow Thru (SBFT), Arthrograms, etc.
Types of Fluoroscopy Exams:
UGI/Barium Swallow is a diagnostic procedure to that uses a pleasant tasting contrast material called barium in conjunction with x-rays. You also may be given some crystals to swallow that will cause gas. The gas is needed to open the structures that are being visualized by the Radiologist. It allows the Radiologist to view smaller areas that are not easily seen. It is used to obtain images of the esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine. It is a minimal invasive procedure and radiation exposure is kept to a minimum and may last 30 to 45 minutes and does require a prep. After the procedure you may return to a normal diet unless instructed otherwise by HCP. The barium (gray or white) may be seen in stools up to 72 hours after the procedure. Drink plenty of fluids after the exam if constipation occurs for more than 2 days then contact your HCP. The results will be sent back to the ordering Health Care Provider (HCP) and you will get the results of the exam from that HCP.
Barium Enema is a diagnostic procedure that uses a barium contrast, air and x-rays to obtain images of the lower intestine. It's used to coat the inside of the rectum, colon, and part of the lower small intestine. It is a minimal invasive procedure and radiation exposure is kept to a minimum and may last 30 to 60 minutes and does require a prep. A series of images will be taken by the Radiologist and the patient will be asked to lay on sides, back and stomach during the procedure. Gentle pressure may be applied to the abdomen during the exam. The patient may be asked to stand during the procedure also. The barium maybe drained and replaced by air to open the structures being visualized by the Radiologist. Once the Radiologist finishes with his capturing their images the technologist will then begin another series of x-rays. After the procedure you may return to a normal diet unless instructed otherwise by HCP. The barium (gray or white) may be seen in stools up to 72 hours after the procedure. Drink plenty of fluids after the exam if constipation occurs for more than 2 days then contact your HCP. The results will be sent back to the ordering Health Care Provider (HCP) and you will get the results of the exam from that HCP.
Small Bowel Follow Thru (SBFT) is a diagnostic procedure to that uses a pleasant tasting contrast material called barium in conjunction with x-rays. This particular procedure is a timed procedure and may take as little as 2 hours and will last as long as necessary for the barium to reach a specific portion of the small bowel. You will be asked to walk between x-rays to help the barium to pass through the small bowel faster. You will not be able to eat or drink during this time unless permission is given by the Radiologist. The x-rays are shot 20 minutes and up to 60 minutes apart depending on that particular patient. Once the barium reaches the specified area the Radiologist will capture images using fluoroscopy. It is a minimal invasive procedure and radiation exposure is kept to a minimum and does require a prep. After the procedure you may return to a normal diet unless instructed otherwise by HCP. The barium (gray or white) may be seen in stools up to 72 hours after the procedure. Drink plenty of fluids after the exam if constipation occurs for more than 2 days then contact your HCP. The results will be sent back to the ordering Health Care Provider (HCP) and you will get the results of the exam from that HCP.
Intravenous Pyleogram (IVP) is a diagnostic procedure to that uses contrast material and x-rays to obtain images of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. The contrast is injected and highlights the kidneys, ureters and bladder as it passes through the body. This procedure is a timed procedure where x-rays are shot at specific times to image the contrast at different areas. Towards the end of the exam the patient will be asked to empty the bladder as to capture the bladder with nothing in it. An IVP can last from 45 minutes to 4 hours depending on the patient and their specific problems. It is a minimal invasive procedure and radiation exposure is kept to a minimum and does require a prep. After the procedure you may return to a normal diet unless instructed otherwise by HCP. There will be no discoloration to urine.
Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) is a diagnostic procedure to that uses contrast material and x-rays to obtain images of the bladder and the urethra. It is often done to help determine if there is reversed flow of urine from the bladder into the drainage system of the kidneys. It is important to know, since this can lead to damage or scarring of the kidneys. This test will be performed by a pediatric radiologist and Radiologic technologist. The average takes about 30 minutes to perform the exam may be modified to accommodate the special needs of your child, so it may take longer. To perform the test, the physician will clean the area around your child's urethra with an antiseptic solution. A thin, soft plastic tube called a catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. This may cause a momentary feeling of pressure or pinching. The more your child can relax and hold still, the less discomfort he will feel. Your child will probably not feel the tube at all once it is in the bladder or as it is being removed. An iodine-containing liquid which shows up well on X-ray pictures is allowed to drip through the tube into the bladder. When the bladder is full, your child urinates into a bottle or onto some towels and the catheter is removed. The Radiologist will be taking x-rays during this entire picture. The child may return to a normal diet unless otherwise instructed by their HCP.
Arthrograms is the radiographic examination of a joint after the injection of contrast material and/or air to outline the soft tissue and joint structures of a specific body part. Arthrograms maybe used in conjunction with CT and MRI. Images may allow identification of problems with a joint's function or indicate a need for a joint replacement. The area of interest will be numb and contrast injected. The Radiologist will then take a series of x-rays as needed.
What is Bone Densitometry?
It's a simple way of measuring the strength of your bones by testing how dense they are. Testing is painless and safe. By showing if you are at risk for fractures. If you are developing osteoporosis and/or monitor treatments.
Individuals with the risk factors listed below should consider a bone density test:
- Women who are menopausal or over age 65.
- Anyone taking medications that can weaken bones (corticosteriods and thyroid medications).
- People with a medical condition that can weaken bones (Cushing's Syndrome or diabetes).
- Anyone who fractured a bone in a minor accident.
- Individuals with a family history of osteoporosis.
- A person whose diet is low in calcium.
- Anyone who smokes, is a heavy drinker, and does not exercise.
Patient/Physician Information
Most x-rays performed can be done on a walk-in basis except for Fluoroscopy and Bone Densitometry procedures. Fluoroscopy and Bone Densitometry procedures are scheduled appointments in which the patient must come into the Radiology Department to schedule. These exams require an information sheet and prep information for the exam. We do take request for x-rays from outside providers.
Imaging Services
Films can be requested to take to outside providers or to other Medical Facilities. Films can be placed on disc and require 48 hour notice before pickup. Films going to BAMC or Wilford Hall are transferred by computer to those medical facilities.
page last modified on: 5/7/2013