Advanced Imaging Technology
Diagnostic imaging uses X-rays, radioactive tracers, magnetic waves and ultrasonic waves to obtain detailed images of the inside of the body. Doctors use these images to detect and diagnose illnesses and injuries, as well as to help develop treatment plans. Southwest Healthcare offers a wide range of advanced radiology services, including:
- Cardiac catheterization
- CT and CT angiography (CTA)
- Diagnostic radiology
- Diagnostic ultrasound
- Interventional radiology
- MRI
- Neurological imaging
- Nuclear medicine
- X-rays
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Find a Physician
If you need a referral to a physician at Southwest Healthcare, call our free physician referral service at 800-879-1020 or search for a doctor online.
X-ray
X-rays use a small amount of radiation that passes through your body and creates an X-ray image. They can penetrate bones and tissue. Contrast agents, such as barium, may be swallowed to outline the esophagus, stomach and intestines. This can help the X-ray produce better images of an organ.
Computed Tomography
A CT or cat scan creates detailed images of an organ by using an X-ray beam. The beam is used to take images of many thin slices of an organ. The images are then joined together to produce a single image.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create clear, detailed images of internal organs and tissues. X-rays are not used, therefore no radiation exposure is involved. Instead, radio waves are directed at the body’s protons within the magnetic field.
Ultrasound (Sonography)
An ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to see inside the body. A transducer is placed in contact with the body using a special gel that helps transmit the sound. As the sound waves pass through the body, echoes are produced and bounce back to the transducer.