Patient Information Pamphlets
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- 64 Detector Volume Computed Tomography
- Breast MRI with Computer-Aided Detection
- Computed Tomography CT Procedures Guide 1
- Computed Tomography CT Procedures Guide 2
- Digital Mammography with Computer-Aided Detection
- Echocardiology
- Mammogram with Computer-Aided Detection
- NDIC Locations & Information
The New Generation MRI
NDIC is among the select few sites anywhere to feature the very latest in MRI technology - the Signa MR/I from GE Medical Systems. Marrying the look and feel of an open MRI with the performance of the most advanced, "high field" system, this new equipment delivers the highest available level of clinical results.
What is MRI?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a painless diagnostic technique that
allows for comprehensive medical diagnosis without surgery or x-rays.
Using a magnetic field and radio waves in conjunction with an advanced
computer system, the MRI creates a series of images, each one portraying
a thin slice of the area under examination. Then, it sequences those images
into a clear and detailed picture that helps diagnose problems and monitor
treatment.
The MRI actually enables physicians to designate a highly-specific area for examination, then to see clearly both bone and soft tissue. As a result, the physician has an extremely precise image of medical conditions without invasive procedures or radioactive exposure.
Why is the Signa MRI Better?
The Signa MRI, enhanced by CS magnets with K4 technology and more powerful
simultaneous computer and array processor, delivers the most diagnostic
images available from MRI technology today. The clarity of its images
affords physicians new capabilities in recognizing and treating conditions.
At the same time, the Signa MRI has the look and feel of an open MRI, to increase patient comfort and technologist access. It has been termed the only wide-open, high-field MRI system on the market that does not compromise clinical performance.
How Should I Prepare?
No restrictions on eating or medication are required in advance of your
MRI. You should, however, advise your physician prior to the exam if you
have a pacemaker, aneurysm clip, ear implant, or metal fragments in an
eye, or if you are pregnant. These conditions will most likely mean an
MRI will not be recommended. Also, advise your physician of any allergies
you may have, or if you suffer from asthma, anemia, or are breastfeeding.
Generally, you will be permitted to have a companion with you if you choose, or to listen to music during the test, so you may want to bring along your preferred CD. Finally, prior to entering the MRI room, you must remove your jewelry, and empty your pockets of anything metallic or magnetic.
What Can I Expect?
The MRI is a painless procedure, which generally lasts from 30 minutes
to an hour. As a rule, you will be asked to lie on your back and then
be positioned for the scan. In some cases, an intravenous contrast agent
will be used. It is important for you to stay still during your exam.
You will hear some mechanical noise, which is perfectly normal. You will
be in full view and under constant supervision of medical staff throughout
the procedure, and the technologist will be able to hear you at all times.
When the scan is complete, the technologist will conduct a quality control check, and unless further scans are needed, you may leave. You can then resume your normal daily activities.
A radiologist with expertise in the appropriate area will interpret the scan and report findings to your physician, who will contact you with the results. As a courtesy to you, NDIC will file the necessary insurance claim forms if you choose.
Open MRI
The New Generation Open MRI
Today at NDIC, a new generation open MRI uses revolutionary super-conducting magnet technology to provide both the comfort you want, the results your physician needs.
What is an MRI?
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a painless diagnostic technique that
allows for comprehensive medical diagnosis without surgery or x-rays.
Using a magnetic field and radio waves in conjunction with an advanced
computer system, the MRI creates a series of images, each one portraying
a thin slice of the area under examination. Then, it sequences those images
into a clear and detailed picture that helps diagnose problems and monitor
treatment.
The MRI actually enables physicians to designate a highly specific area for examination, then to see clearly both bone and soft tissue. As a result, the physician has an extremely precise image of medical conditions without invasive procedures or radioactive exposure.
Why are Open MRI's Better?
Until recently, the technological advantages of the MRI were outweighed
for many patients by a lack of comfort. Because MRI's had been closed
tubes, some patients could experience discomfort, especially larger patients,
or children who need to be accompanied during testing. And early versions
of the Open MRI provided an open environment, but lost image quality.
The new generation MRI, however, offers not only the highest levels of comfort, but also the highest quality, most diagnostic images available in open MRI's today.
How Should I Prepare?
No restrictions on eating or medication are required in advance of your
MRI. You should, however, advise your physician prior to the exam if you
have a pacemaker, aneurysm clip, ear implant, or metal fragments in an
eye, or if you are pregnant. These conditions will most likely mean an
MRI will not be recommended. Also, advise your physician of any allergies
you may have, or if you suffer from asthma, anemia, or are breastfeeding.
Generally, you will be permitted to have a companion with you if you choose, or to listen to music during the test, so you may want to bring along your preferred CD. Finally, prior to entering the MRI room, you must remove your jewelry, and empty your pockets of anything metallic or magnetic.
What Can I Expect?
The MRI is a painless procedure, which generally lasts from 30 minutes
to an hour. As a rule, you will be asked to lie on your back and then
be positioned for the scan. In some cases, an intravenous contrast agent
will be used. It is important for you to stay still during your exam.
You will hear some rhythmic noises, which are perfectly normal. You will
be in full view and under constant supervision of medical staff throughout
the procedure, and the technologist will be able to hear you at all times.
When the scan is complete, the technologist will conduct a quality control check, and unless further scans are needed, you may leave. You can then resume your normal daily activities.
A radiologist with expertise in the appropriate area will interpret the scan and report findings to your physician, generally within 24 hours; your physician will contact you with the results. As a courtesy to you, NDIC will file the necessary insurance claim forms if you choose.
Cardiac MRI
Naples Diagnostic Imaging Centers (NDIC) announced the addition of a new high field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner that includes specialized software for cardiovascular exams. The scanner, a Gyroscan Intera CV from Philips Medical Systems featuring state of the art capabilities and a patient-friendly design, is stationed in NDIC's Central Office.
"This scanner introduces the cutting edge technology in magnetic resonance imaging to Collier County," comments Dr. Gerald Grubbs of Naples Radiologists, P.A., the physician group that serves both NDIC and the NCH Healthcare System. "That means not only the clearest, most diagnostic images available today, but also the highest level of patient friendliness."
This MRI system also stands at the forefront of heart care technology. Without making any incisions or placing any catheters into a patient's artery, radiologists can visualize the beating heart. The anatomy of the heart, the valves of the heart, and the individual chambers of the heart can all be assessed. More importantly, how well the heart is functioning can be assessed by analyzing cardiac wall motion, blood flow to the heart muscle, blood flow through the heart chambers, and blood flow into the main branches of the coronary arteries.
"Importantly, this system has the capability of replacing an array of exams, saving the patient time, money, and in some cases, an invasive procedure," continues Dr. Grubb. "Performed on an outpatient basis, the exam requires about 30-45 minutes and will be able to provide more information than current studies such as an echocardiogram and nuclear medicine cardiac stress tests."
Naples Radiologists, P.A. will be working with cardiologists to provide "Stress" Cardiac MRI's. While cardiac catheterization will remain the protocol for workup and management of acute heart problems such as heart attack and unstable chest pain syndromes, Cardiac MRI may be able to eliminate the need for a catheterization procedure for patients with atypical chest pain syndromes whose heart anatomy, blood flow, and function are normal on the MRI.
Similarly, the system can be used to visualize blood vessels throughout the body. Blockages to arteries to the brain, the kidneys, and the abdomen and legs can be seen in as little as 15 minutes with the new scanner. "The MRI eliminates the need for a diagnostic arteriogram," states Dr. Grubbs. "And, since many of these problems can now be treated with stents to reopen blocked arteries, a quick, focused interventional procedure can be done at NCH and the patient can go home the same day."
At the same time, patient comfort issues have been addressed with this technology. Shorter and wider than any other high field MRI scanner, the Gyroscan Intera offers a comfortable open environment that virtually eliminates patient anxiety, even for large and claustrophobic patients. The scanner's suite features a glass block wall that allows indirect sunlight that enhances the open feeling.
MRI scans use computers and magnetic fields to create pictures of the human anatomy. The scan does not involve any surgical or other invasive procedures, nor does it involve any radiation exposure. Currently, about 12.9 million MRI exams are performed each year, and that number is increasing annually.
Naples Diagnostic Imaging Centers, Naples' first medical diagnostic radiology facility, offers Open and High Field MRI, Diagnostic Radiology, Spiral CT, Cardiac Calcification Screening, CT of Chest for Lung Cancer Screening, Positron Emission Tomography (P.E.T.), Mammography, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Osteoporosis Evaluation, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine and Non-invasive Vascular Testing. Its physicians, all associated with Naples Radiologists, P.A., are the only in their field to have privileges at Naples Community Main Campus and North Collier Campus Hospitals. Four outpatient facilities - North Naples, Central Naples, East Naples and Marco Island - are available to serve patients. Scheduling can be arranged by calling 435-7777.
The New Generation CT
Now at NDIC, a new generation of CT (commonly called CAT Scan) uses new, spiral technology to provide both the comfort you want and the results your physician needs.
NDIC First with VCT; Adds Echocardiology System
What is CT?
CT (Computed Tomography) is an important medical diagnostic tool which
uses computers and x-ray technology to view bones and organs in fine detail.
Unlike regular x-rays in which bone or other dense tissue can block the
view of parts lying behind them, the CT technique creates images of sections,
or "planes," taking multiple pictures (called tomograms) in
rapid sequence. Then, it analyzes and sequences the pictures on a TV-like
viewing screen and film. As a result, the CT allows for diagnosis of a
variety of conditions earlier and faster than ever before, and can actually
prevent surgery or invasive tests. CT scans are completely painless.
Why are "Spiral" CT's Better?
The "Spiral" CT represents the very latest in CT scanning technology.
Using a spiral or "helical" technique offering 30, 60, or even
90 distinct segments in an image, it allows for maximum image clarity
and information collection. Because it is faster and more flexible than
conventional CT's, you as a patient will find your examination to be quicker
and more comfortable than ever before possible. At the same time, this
extraordinary CT gives your physicians clearer, more complete images,
which can mean earlier and quicker diagnosis, too.
How Should I Prepare?
Your preparation may vary, depending on which part of your body is undergoing
scanning. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything prior to your
exam, and you may be given a "contrast agent" to help highlight
a specific body structure. You may also be asked to change into a hospital
gown, or to remove earrings, metal objects or glasses.
You should advise your doctor and technologist if you are pregnant or think you may be, have kidney problems or take diabetes medication, or if you are allergic to anything, especially to iodine or contrast media. Please plan on arriving at least one-half hour in advance of your scheduled test, so that appropriate preparations can be made.
What Can I Expect?
The technologist conducting your exam will guide you through the process.
First, you will be asked to lie on a padded table, and the technologists,
who will be moving the table from a viewing station in an adjoining room,
will slide you into proper position inside the scanner's donut-shaped
"ring." All you need to do is to relax and remain still. You
can expect to hear some low level noises coming from the scanner as it
takes its pictures. The amount of time your test will take depends on
the number of scans your doctor needs.
When the study is complete, the technologist will conduct a quality control check, and unless further scans are needed, will assist you from the table. You can then resume your normal daily activities. If you have received a contrast agent, it will pass through your body naturally within 24 hours. You may eat normally, and take prescribed medications as normal, unless you have been instructed otherwise.
A radiologist with special expertise in the appropriate area will interpret the scan and report findings to your physician, generally within 24 hours; your physician will contact you with the results. As a courtesy, NDIC will file the necessary insurance claim forms if you choose.
Cancer & Cardiac Screening Program
Today, health-conscious men and women are taking
charge of their health.
They know that early diagnosis could save their lives. And now, using
NDIC's state-of-the-art technology and Board-certified physicians, they
can be screened for some of the most prevalent and deadly diseases, WITHOUT
A DOCTOR'S ORDER.
What is a Screening Test?
The purpose of screening tests is to detect disease in people who have
no symptoms, and, if the disease is present, to detect it early enough
to improve survival. Screening tests should be non-invasive, relatively
inexpensive, and very sensitive to detecting the targeted abnormality.
The screening test most of us are familiar with is mammography, which
has proven useful in detecting early breast cancer.
Which Diseases can now be Detected?
Lung Cancer: The leading cause of cancer death in the United States, lung
cancer kills more people than colon, breast and prostate cancer combined.
Unfortunately, only 15% of lung cancer cases are diagnosed early enough
to have a good chance of cure. The goal of Lung Cancer Screening is to
find curable cancers, before they grow and spread.
Coronary Artery Disease: Each year in this country, more than 500,000 people die of coronary artery disease, and more than 1 ½ million are hospitalized due to myocardial infarction ("heart attack"). The process of atherosclerosis, which can cause blockage of the arteries that feed the heart muscle, begins early in life, and 1995 statistics show that more than 30% of heart attack victims are under the age of 65. A screening test that can accurately identify and quantify atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, in turn helping to identify those who are at high risk for heart attack.
Abdominal and Pelvic Conditions: A number of cancers involving the solid organs of the abdomen and pelvis, including cancer of the liver, kidney and ovary, can be detected with a Screening CT before symptoms become apparent. In addition, non-cancerous conditions that require medical evaluation, such as abdominal aortic aneurysms, can be detected by this technique.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages?
The clearest benefit of the Screening CT is detecting treatable or curable
disease, which has been linked clearly to saving lives. But there is also
a great benefit for those in whom no disease is detected - the majority
of those tested. As has been proven with mammography, individuals who
take charge of their health achieve a heightened sense of empowerment
and peace of mind.
One drawback relates to the high level of sensitivity of screening tests. In effect, the test is designed to err on the side of caution, or finding potential signs of disease. So it sometimes detects abnormalities that do not represent the disease being screened for. In these cases, referral to your primary care physician or a specialist, as well as further testing, will be recommended. However, many times the workup will indicate you do not have the disease for which you were being screened.
It is also important to note that screening tests are not designed to detect all types of cancerous or non-cancerous conditions. A NEGATIVE SCREENING TEST DOES NOT MEAN THAT YOU ARE FREE OF ALL DISEASE. Similarly, a negative screening test does NOT mean that you should continue unhealthful activities like cigarette smoking.
What Is a Spiral CT?
CT (Computed Tomgraphy) is an important medical diagnostic tool that uses
computers and x-ray technology to view bones and organs in fine detail.
Unlike regular x-rays in which bone or other dense tissue can block the
view of parts lying behind them, the CT technique creates images of sections,
or "planes," taking multiple pictures (called tomograms) in
rapid sequence. Then, it analyzes and sequences the pictures on a TV-like
viewing screen and film. As a result, CT allows for diagnosis of a variety
of conditions earlier and faster than ever before, and can actually prevent
surgery or invasive tests. CT scans are completely painless.
The "Spiral" CT represents the very latest in CT scanning technology. Using a spiral or "helical" technique offering 30, 60 or even 90 distinct segments in an image, it allows for maximum image clarity and information collection. Because it is faster and more flexible than conventional CT's, you as a patient will find your examination to be quicker and more comfortable than ever before possible. At the same time, this extraordinary CT gives your physicians clearer, more complete images, which can mean earlier and quicker diagnosis, too.
How Should I Prepare?
Your preparation may vary, depending on which part of your body is undergoing
scanning. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything before your exam.
For the Abdominal/Pelvic screening, you will be given a "contrast
agent" to help highlight a specific body structure. You may also
be asked to change into a hospital gown, or to remove earrings, metal
objects or glasses.
You should advise your doctor and technologist if you are pregnant or think you may be, have kidney problems or take diabetes medication, or if you are allergic to anything, especially to iodine or contrast media. Please plan on arriving at least one-half hour in advance of your scheduled test, so that appropriate preparations can be made.
What Can I Expect?
The technologist conducting your exam will guide you through the process.
First, you will be asked to lie on a padded table, and the technologist,
who will be moving the table from a viewing station in an adjoining room,
will slide you into proper position inside the scanner's donut-shaped
"ring." For the Coronary screening, you will be connected to
a standard EKG machine while undergoing the CT screening. All you need
to do is to relax and remain still, holding your breath when instructed
for about 20 seconds. You can expect to hear some low level noises coming
from the scanner as it takes its pictures. The amount of time your test
will take depends on the number of scans your doctor needs.
When the study is complete, the technologist will conduct a quality control check, and unless further scans are needed, will assist you from the table. You can then resume your normal daily activities. If you have received a contrast agent, it will pass through your body naturally within 24 hours. You may eat normally, and take prescribed medications as normal, unless you have been instructed otherwise.
Two radiologists with special expertise in the appropriate area will interpret the scan. Lung Cancer results will be evaluated based on the Cornell University Early Lung Cancer Action Project (ELCAP) protocol, and Coronary Artery results will be compared with those compiled from a large group of similar age and sex. Findings will be sent to you and to one or more physicians of your choice.
Screening tests are not currently covered by commercial insurance or Medicare.
Positron Emission Tomography
Naples Diagnostic Imaging Center North is first in Southwest Florida to offer a dedicated Positron Emission Tomography (P.E.T.) system to area patients and physicians. A breakthrough in medical technology, this procedure provides "Functional Imaging" - showing not just how the body looks, but actually how it works.
What is P.E.T. Scanning?
Unlike more common imaging devices like MRI's or x-rays, which show how
the body looks, the P.E.T. scan actually tells us how the body works.
It is a nuclear radiology procedure that works by using a variety of radiopharmaceuticals
or "tracers" that mimic the water, sugars, proteins and oxygen
normally used by the body. The P.E.T. system tracks these tracers after
they are injected into the body, monitoring how the body uses them, even
measuring the amount of tracer a cell absorbs. A computer then converts
the tracers' signals into pictures of the biological function of organ
systems.
P.E.T. scanning is recommended by a physician for precision diagnosis and tracking (or "staging") of cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer's disease, as well as in evaluating the effectiveness of treatment programs.
Why is P.E.T. Scanning better?
Changes in how the body functions happen before the effects of these changes
can be seen through common imaging devices. So, P.E.T.'s "functional
imaging" allows physicians to detect and track the progression of
disease and the effect of therapy earlier, more precisely. It often eliminates
the need for invasive surgery.
So, for example, a P.E.T. tracer acting like sugar can find cancer cells
before they are detectable as a tumor mass, because diseased cells absorb
glucose much faster than healthy cells. Even areas of cancer cells as
small as 4 millimeters can show up as a "hot spot" on the P.E.T.
scan. Studies indicate that P.E.T.'s accuracy for identifying the stage
of lung cancer is 92% vs. 70% for CT; for breast cancer, 85% compared
to mammography's 67%; for ovarian cancer 87% vs. CT's 70%, and for colon
cancer, 95% vs. CT's 68%. P.E.T. also eliminates the need for other invasive
diagnostic procedures.
How Should I Prepare?
For most P.E.T. scans, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything
after midnight before the day of your test. You should plan to spend about
two to three hours from the beginning to the end of the procedure.
What Can I Expect?
A typical P.E.T. procedure includes administration of the tracer, by injection
or inhalation, then in most cases, a 30 - 45 minute rest period to allow
the tracer to distribute throughout the body. The actual scan takes about
30 minutes for a whole body study. You will be positioned on a table in
the scanner during the test, and asked to lie as still as possible. You
should experience no discomfort associated with the test. The amount of
radiation exposure is approximately equivalent to two standard chest x-rays,
and it passes out of the body within a couple of hours.
When the scan is complete, the technologist will conduct a quality control check, and unless further scans are needed, you may leave. You can then resume your normal daily activities. You may eat and drink immediately, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
A radiologist with expertise in the appropriate area will interpret the scan and report findings to your physician, who will contact you with the results. As a courtesy to you, NDIC will file the necessary insurance claim forms if you choose.
Integrated PET/CT Scanning
NDIC is the first in the world to have a PET scanner combined with a “16 slice” CT. As a result its radiologists are the first not only to ascertain the presence of cancer, but also to pinpoint its location. Preparation for the test can be viewed under the PET scanning summary above.
Mammography
Among the best-known cancer screening procedures, mammography has saved the lives of countless women.
NDIC Launces Digital Breast Cancer Imaging
Who Should Consider Mammography?
Doctors recommend that all women over 40 have an annual mammogram as a
preventive measure; an earlier start is recommended for those with a family
history or at high risk of breast cancer.
Why Choose NDIC?
Computer-Aided Detection Comes to
NDIC, Click Here for Press Release
At NDIC, mammography can mean even greater peace of mind. That's because all screening mammograms at NDIC are "double read," giving patients more reliable results than ever before available.
Under this process, two Board-certified radiology physicians review every screening mammogram. Recent research shows that this allows for early detection in 5-10% more cases. Direct contact with interpreting physicians is also available, and a patient may choose to discuss her test results with the radiologist immediately upon completion of her mammogram.
How Should I Prepare?
You will be more comfortable during this test if you schedule it for one
week after your period, when your breasts are less tender. If you have
previously had a mammogram, supply it to NDIC so that the doctors can
use it for comparison. On the morning of the test, don't use deodorant,
powder or perfume, and wear a blouse or sweater that can be easily removed.
What Can I Expect?
Advise the technologist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have had
breast implants or biopsy. During the test, you will need to undress from
the waist up. The technologist will position your breast for best results,
and your breast will be compressed. You may feel some discomfort, but
it will be very brief. After the test, you can return to your normal activities
right away. You'll receive notification of the test results by mail.
Ultrasound
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound, or sonogram, is used during pregnancy and at other times when
internal body structures need to be examined. Using high frequency sound
waves that are reflected back, the technology converts echoes to images
of the area under examination. A camera attached to the equipment then
makes a permanent photographic record of the image.
How Should I Prepare?
Preparation for the exam will depend on its purpose, so ask your physician
what's right for you.
What Can I Expect?
When you arrive at NDIC, you will be asked to change into a gown, and
will be positioned on a table. Oil or gel will be applied to your skin,
and an implement called a transducer will be pressed lightly on your skin.
You will be asked to remain perfectly still and control your breathing
while the images are being made. The test generally takes less than an
hour, although it may be as little as 30 minutes or slightly more than
60. Timing can be confirmed when you appointment is arranged.
Nuclear Medicine
What is Nuclear Medicine?
Nuclear Medicine describes those diagnostic procedures that utilize traces
of radioactive materials as "tracers" that help to identify
various conditions.
How Should I Prepare?
In most cases, no patient preparation is necessary.
What Can I Expect?
The "tracer" will be administered either intravenously or orally,
with a waiting time from 10 minutes to four hours prior to the exam. The
patient will experience no side effects from the tracer, and no radiation
safety precautions are needed.
Following the exam, no restrictions on driving or work are required.
See listing below for information on specific exams.
What Kinds of Testing are Available?
Common procedures in Nuclear Medicine include:
- Bone Scanning: Used for the diagnosis of metastatic disease, fractures, or other bone diseases. A 2-4 hour wait between tracer administration and exam start is required; imaging takes from 30 to 45 minutes. Additional x-rays may be needed for comparison.
- Gastric Emptying Scan: To determine emptying time and evaluate gastroparesis. Patients are asked not to eat or drink for six hours prior to the scan. On arrival, they will be asked to eat egg whites containing the tracer and toast; the scan is conducted continuously for one hour.
- Hepatobiliary Scan: For the diagnosis of cholecystitis or biliary tract obstruction. After tracer injection, images are taken for one hour, and delayed images may be taken up to four hours. Patients may not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to the exam, and may be asked to eat specific foods.
- Liver-Spleen Scan: For diagnosis of cirrhosis or other liver function diseases. Exam is begun 15 minutes after tracer administration, and lasts about 30 minutes.
- Lung, Ventilation and Perfusion Scan: To diagnose pulmonary embolism or to assess air or blood flow. The tracer is administered through a breathing system or injection depending on the test. A chest x-ray may be done for comparison. The procedure takes about an hour.
- Lymphoscintigraphy: To evaluate lymph fluid flow and identify sentinal nodes prior to surgery. Physicians will give pre-operative instructions.
- MUGA Scan: To determine how efficiently the heart is working. The exam requires about one hour, including drawing and re-injection of blood.
- Parathyroid Scan: To evaluate parathyroid adenoma, hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism. After tracer is injected, a 10-minute wait and 10-minute scan are conducted. Patient then returns in two hours and scan is repeated.
- Renal Scan: To diagnose urinary tract obstruction, evaluate renal artery stenosis, or renal function. Patients drink 16 oz. of water prior to the scan, then are injected with tracer, and scanned for approximately 30 minutes. In some cases, extra procedures, such as injection of a diuretic or return for a second scan are needed. For some scans, the patient should not take ACE inhibiting medication for 48 hours and all blood pressure medication for 24 hours prior to the scan.
- Thyroid Uptake and Scan: To diagnose hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or thyroid nodules or enlargement. Tracer is administered orally. Four hours later the first scan, lasting about 45 minutes, is performed. The patient returns 24 hours later and is scanned a second time for 15 minutes. Patient must not eat or drink for six hours prior to the scan, and must be for off all thyroid medication for 10 days prior. No intravenous contrast should have been administered to the patient for six weeks prior to the exam.
Osteoporosis Evaluation
What is Bone Density Screening?
Also called Osteoporosis Screening or Bone Densitometry, this test searches
for osteoporosis, a preventable condition that causes bones to become
fragile and overly susceptible to fractures. Bone loss, a natural function
of aging, often escalates after menopause. Roughly half of all women in
the U.S. over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis.
Bone Density Scanning measures your bone mineral density (BMI), and compares your measurements to a reference population based on your age, weight, sex and ethnic background. Your physician will use this information to make a diagnosis about your bone status and fracture risk.
How Should I Prepare?
No special preparation is needed for this test. Because this exam requires
an extremely small dose of radiation, you should advise your physician
if you are pregnant or have other medical conditions.
What Should I Expect?
This exam requires only that you lie back and let the machine do the work.
There is no pain at all associated with it. The test will take from two
to fifteen minutes, depending on the area of the body measured.
Noninvasive Vascular Testing
What is noninvasive vascular testing?
NIV (noninvasive) vascular tests are ultrasound procedures that use high-frequency
sound waves to assess blood vessel walls and blood flow. No injections
are needed, no radiation is used, and arteries as well as veins can be
examined. Vessel wall narrowing can be identified, as well as plaque formation
or clots, and disturbances in normal blood flow patterns can be evaluated.
The blood vessels of the arms, legs, neck and abdomen can be examined
depending on your symptoms and your doctor's area(s) of concern. The vessels
are examined in sections, then the images and readings are sequenced to
depict the area of interest.
Why do I need NIV vascular testing?
NIV vascular testing is very effective in identifying and monitoring changes
in blood flow without exposure to harmful radiation and contrast (dye)
injections. Often vascular disease is suspected, but you may have few
or no symptoms. NIV vascular testing provides a safe and accurate method
of providing your physician with diagnostic information to treat problems
early and avoid complications from blood flow deficits.
How should I prepare?
Most vascular testing requires no preparation at all, but abdominal vascular
exams do require no food or drink for 8 hrs prior to the exam.
What should I expect?
The length of time for NIV vascular testing varies with the area(s) of
interest, but usually ranges between 45 minutes to 2 hrs. You will lie
on your back and the technologist will apply a "contact gel"
to your skin and move a smooth "transducer" over the blood vessels.
The transducer sends sound waves into the body, that bounce off the vessel
walls and blood cells, and receives the echoes that bounce back and sends
them to a computer that produces a picture. When Doppler ultrasound is
used to measure the direction and speed of the moving blood cells, you
will hear a "swishing" noise that sounds like your heartbeat.
For leg or arm vascular studies, a series of blood pressure and blood
volume readings may be done with blood pressure cuffs on various parts
of your limbs. Sometimes additional readings are taken after you exercise
by walking on a treadmill. This allows your doctor to see how your blood
vessels react to exercise.
When the testing is complete, the technologist will conduct
a quality control check, and unless further readings are needed, you may
leave and resume your normal daily activities.
Diagnostic Radiology/X-Ray
- Barium Enema -
What is a barium enema?
An x-ray exam of your colon, the barium enema procedure takes from 30
to 60
minutes.
Why do I need a barium enema?
The barium enema can be used to investigate the cause of abdominal pain,
bloating, constipation, diarrhea or blood in the stool.
How do I prepare for a barium enema?
You will need to take a bowel preparation the day before the test, and
to consume only clear liquids the day before the exam, and nothing after
midnight before your test.
What should I expect?
You will be given an enema of barium solution that will show your colon
on x-ray. You may have some cramping while the films of your colon are
being taken. You can resume your normal activities, diet and medications
after the test. Your stool will have a whitish color until the barium
is completely expelled. It is recommended that your drink plenty of liquids.
- Upper GI Exam -
What is an upper GI (gastrointestinal) exam?
An x-ray test that shows the esophagus, stomach and small intestine, the
upper GI exam requires from ½ hour to 2 hours depending on whether
a small bowel study is performed.
Why do I need an upper GI exam?
Abdominal pain, gastroesophageal reflux, stomach or duodenal ulcer, weight
loss, nausea or vomiting may result in a physician's order for an upper
GI exam.
How do I prepare for an upper GI exam?
No food or drinks should be consumed after midnight before the exam.
What should I expect?
You will be given a barium solution to drink while the radiologist watches
and takes x-ray pictures of your esophagus, stomach, and small bowel.
In some cases, you may be asked to take carbonated fizzy granules during
the test. You may resume your normal activities, diet and medications
after the test. Drink plenty of liquids to flush out the barium from your
intestinal tract, as barium can cause constipation if it solidifies in
your intestine.
- IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram) -
What is an IVP?
An IVP is an x-ray examination of your kidneys, ureter, and urinary bladder
that takes about 60 minutes.
Why do I need an IVP exam?
Your doctor may order an IVP because of frequent urination, pain and burning
on urination, blood in the urine, and pain in your side or back.
How do I prepare for an IVP exam?
To avoid adverse reactions that could be caused by the x-ray contrast
used in this test, you need to tell your doctor of any food or drug allergies,
medications you are taking, any illness or medical conditions such as
diabetes you may have, or if you are pregnant. You may be asked to take
a mild laxative the evening before your test.
What should I expect?
Several x-ray images of your abdomen and pelvis will be taken before and
after an intravenous injection of an iodinated contrast, used to show
your kidneys and how they function, as well as your ureter and urinary
bladder. After the injection, some people report feeling warm or having
a metallic taste in their mouth; both should disappear within a few minutes.
After the exam, you may resume your usual activities, diet, and most medications.
Drinking plenty of liquids will help to wash out the contract from your
body. If you are a diabetic and are taking Glucophage (Metformin) or Glucovance,
you should stop the medication for two days after the exam.
Plain X-rays
What is a plain x-ray exam?
Images of various parts of the body are taken with plain x-rays. No injections
are involved, and the length of the test varies depending on the type
of exam and the number of body areas to be examined.
Why do I need a plain x-ray?
A plain x-ray is generally used as a first imaging test if you have problems
with certain parts of your body, although in many cases it is the only
test required. The most common test is the chest x-ray to detect problems
such as pneumonia or heart failure.
How do I prepare for the exam?
No advance preparation is needed for a plain x-ray.
What should I expect?
You may be asked to change into a gown, or remove certain articles of
clothing or jewelry as they may interfere with the accurate interpretation
of images. The radiologic technologist may asked if you are pregnant,
and if so, appropriate measures may be taken to protect the fetus even
though the radiation dose is very small.
Breast MRI/Computer-Aided Detection (CAD)
NDIC now offers CADstream 3.0 System by Confirma for diagnosis and tracking of Breast Cancer using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with Computer Aided Detection (CAD). It is the first system of its type in Southwest Florida.
The system builds on technology that capitalizes on the fact that cancerous cells absorb a glucose-based, intravenously administered "tracer" more quickly than healthy cells. While correcting for patient movement, it creates vascular maps that show the flow of the tracer material, then interprets the images and creates color-coded analyses. Tumors can be measured, and images can be rotated to review irregularities. Remarkably, the Breast MRI/CAD system can locate cancers as small as 3 millimeters in size.
Generally, the Breast MRI/CAD is used as a follow-up procedure when indicated by mammography. It can save patients from undergoing stereotactic biopsy or invasive surgical procedures, and also can serve to develop a baseline for those who have had numerous biopsies, or have a history of cancer in the family. Importantly, it also will track the effectiveness of treatment.
"This new technology will really make a difference in patient care," comments Dr. Robert J. Meli, of Naples Radiologists, P.A. "It increases both the accuracy and the efficiency of an extremely important diagnostic tool."
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