Diagnostic Imaging

Department Services

This brief list of diagnostic services explains the range of techniques employed by our imaging professionals.

X-ray Digital Radiography
X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation. A machine sends individual x-ray particles, called photons, through the body in the area of interest. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the X-ray particles, and will appear white. Metal and contrast media (special dye used to highlight areas of the body) will also appear white. Structures containing air will be black and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray. A computer or special film is used to record the images that are created.

Digital Mammography
X-ray pictures of the breast used to detect tumors and cysts and help differentiate non-cancerous from cancerous tissues.

Ultrasound
An imaging system that bounces high-frequency sound waves off of internal body structures to create images of your organs or blood vessels.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning including Cardiac & Vascular CT
A thin x-ray beam rotates around the patient, allowing small detectors to measure the amount of x-rays that travel through body areas of interest. A computer creates a cross-sectional image. Individual images can be used to build three-dimensional models of organs including the heart, liver, kidneys or your blood vessels.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – at Woodburn Diagnostic Imaging
MRI uses strong magnetic fields to align atomic nuclei within body tissues, and then observe the signal generated as the nuclei return to their baseline status. MRI scans give the best soft tissue contrast of all the imaging techniques.

Bone Densitometry (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry [DEXA] & Quantitative Computed Tomography [QCT]) Screening
A non-destructive analytical method that provides quantitative information about bone mass and density, important determinants of bone strength.

Radiology
The use of various imaging techniques to aid in the diagnosis of disease.

Interventional Radiology
Use of imaging techniques to guide minimally invasive surgical procedures.

Nuclear Medicine
Molecular imaging that produces images reflecting biological processes taking place at the cellular and subcellular level.