Diagnostic Imaging
Spring Mountain Medical provides on-site diagnostic imaging services and diabetic eye exams. These services serve a vital role in our patients’ care by helping to improve our patient outcomes as quickly as possible.
What Is Diagnostic Imaging?
Diagnostic imaging uses advanced machines to get internal images of the body without puncturing the skin. Our doctors use images created from these machines to help diagnose various conditions.
In addition to diagnosis, we use the images to create a treatment plan and determine if a more invasive procedure is required. In some cases, we may need to do more diagnostic imaging before we can identify the best treatment plan for the patient.
Our Diagnostic Imaging Services
At Spring Mountain Medical, we can provide our patients with in-house ultrasound scans and radiographs.
Ultrasound Scans
Spring Mountain Medical uses ultrasound technology to help diagnose many conditions. An ultrasound scan, or sonography, uses sound waves to create an image. This is an extremely safe technology and is often used on pregnant women.
What to Expect When Getting an Ultrasound Scan
Ultrasound scans are most commonly done externally. The ultrasound technician applies a gel to the area that’s going to be scanned. The purpose of the gel is to reduce the amount of air the sound waves must travel through. Less air means a better-quality image.
Then the technician places a transducer, or probe, on the skin. The transducer produces sound waves that penetrate the soft tissue and bounce back, creating an image.
The patient may experience a slight warming sensation on the area being scanned. Otherwise, they shouldn’t feel any discomfort.
The image appears in shades of gray. The lighter gray is dense tissue, while the darker gray is soft tissue.
What Conditions Can an Ultrasound Scan Detect?
Ultrasound scans are most commonly used to detect and monitor fetal development. However, our doctors use sonography technology to diagnose other conditions, such as
- Cardiovascular issues
- Infections
- Tumors and cysts
- Thyroid conditions
- Uterine fibroids
Radiographs
A radiograph or x-ray was the first type of diagnostic imaging created and is still the most widely used. An x-ray creates images of the bones using radio waves and radiation.
The electromagnetic energy produced by an x-ray passes through the body’s soft tissue. Hard tissues such as bones and tumors show up white on an x-ray image. This is why x-rays are most commonly used to help diagnose fractures, tumors, and obstructions.
What to Expect When Getting an X-ray
Getting an x-ray is usually very easy. A patient might experience some mild discomfort while getting into position.
Depending on the area being x-rayed, the patient may have to stand, sit, or lie on a table. Clothing and jewelry that could obstruct the view need to be removed. A lead apron may be used to cover areas not being x-rayed.
When a bone has a fracture, the electromagnetic energy passes through the break in the bones and shows up as a dark line.
X-ray technology is very safe. However, a patient who suspects they might be pregnant must notify their doctor. Radiation can cause birth defects.