Imaging
Find a doctorWe use state-of-the-art imaging equipment and techniques at Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic. Leading-edge technology, such as advanced CT scanners, ensures faster examination times, reduces radiation exposure and creates clearer images. Fast, detailed imaging gives your provider the information they need to understand what’s going on and guide your care effectively.
What is imaging or radiology?
Imaging tests create pictures of bones, organs and other tissues inside your body. They use noninvasive methods and various forms of energy to produce images.
You may undergo imaging of smaller areas, such as a joint, hand or foot. Or you may get imaging of larger body parts, such as your head or chest. In some cases, tests provide full-body imaging for concerns such as trauma, cancer or diseases that affect your whole body.
Types of imaging tests
We offer a comprehensive range of imaging tests to help diagnose problems and guide your treatment. Your provider may recommend:
A bone density scan, also called a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA or DXA), measures your bone mass. The scan usually focuses on your hip and lower (lumbar) spine.
It most commonly helps identify bone loss (osteopenia and osteoporosis). It also helps assess your risk for bone fractures and monitor your bone health over time.
A CT scan, also called a CAT scan, takes X-rays from multiple angles. It combines the X-rays to create detailed, 3D images of your bones and soft tissues.
It can produce pictures rapidly, so we often use it for emergency or trauma situations. Many CT scans require a contrast dye injection, which helps make internal organs visible on the images.
A cardiac CT angiography (CCTA) and coronary calcium scan take special X-rays of heart blood vessels (coronary arteries). These tests help your physician detect and measure plaque buildup in your arteries, even before you show signs or symptoms. Plaque is a waxy substance that can block blood flow and cause serious problems.
Test results can help guide lifestyle or medical changes to reduce your risk of a heart attack and other heart diseases.
Fluoroscopy uses X-rays to create real-time moving images that your provider sees on a screen, like a video. It shows your provider how internal structures, such as your digestive tract or joints, move. Some fluoroscopies require a contrast dye injection to help your provider see certain structures more clearly.
We use imaging to guide many procedures and injection therapies. Imaging helps your provider plan and carry out each step precisely. Your provider identifies the exact injection spot or procedure location using image guidance.
Mammography uses X-rays to view breast tissue. This imaging technique helps screen for and diagnose breast cancer. It detects changes over time and breast abnormalities, including calcifications or masses.
MRI uses a strong magnetic field to create images of many body parts. The test helps your provider see soft tissues in detail, including muscles, joints, organs and arteries. Your provider may order an MRI to get more detailed pictures of abnormalities they see on an X-ray or CT scan.
Nuclear medicine tests involve injecting a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) into your blood to make certain structures show up clearly on imaging. Common nuclear medicine tests include:
- Dopamine transporter scan (DaTscan): This scan creates brain images by tracking dopamine activity. Your provider may recommend a DaTscan to help diagnose parkinsonism (symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and related disorders) and essential tremor.
- Nuclear stress test: This test shows how well blood flows into your heart. It assesses blood flow and oxygen levels at rest and during exercise (stress), when your heart rate and blood flow increase.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: A PET scan shows how well the brain works and uses energy. It can reveal differences in certain brain areas compared to others.
- Thyroid scan: This test shows your provider how well your thyroid is working. It can help detect thyroid disorders and diseases.
An X-ray helps your provider see abnormalities in your body. It most clearly shows bones, joints, tumors and abnormal structures. In many cases, your provider orders an X-ray first before moving to more complex tests. X-rays provide rapid results and help detect bone problems, such as breaks or fractures.
Ultrasound imaging, also called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images. It creates real-time images of structures inside your body as your provider moves the ultrasound equipment over the area. Ultrasound helps your provider see organs and other structures that are soft or filled with fluid, such as the bladder, the ovaries or cysts.
Imaging uses and benefits
Your provider may order imaging as part of a comprehensive evaluation to understand what’s going on in your body. Radiologists (imaging specialists) and your provider review imaging results for any abnormalities or possible areas of concern.
We offer many imaging tests in the convenience of our offices. Having these technologies close by allows us to provide you with faster and more accurate diagnoses and treatment.
What to expect after imaging
Your provider will share the results of your imaging test with you and recommend next steps. You may need to follow up with an appointment or undergo additional imaging to get more detailed pictures.
Imaging risks and side effects
Imaging tests are generally noninvasive and safe. However, some tests pose small risks or cause temporary side effects. Make sure you tell your provider if you are pregnant or could be pregnant.
Radiation exposure
Many common imaging tests use ionizing radiation to create images, including:
- CT scan
- Fluoroscopy
- Mammography
- PET scan and other nuclear medicine scans
- X-ray
Radiation exposure can increase your risk for cancer. Your risk depends on the amount of radiation exposure, the body part exposed, your age and your assigned sex at birth. We take every precaution to minimize your radiation exposure by using the latest technology, avoiding unnecessary scans and providing protective shields.
Contrast dyes and radioactive tracers
Contrast dyes and radioactive tracers used with some imaging tests may cause side effects, such as headaches or nausea. Contrast dye can also affect your kidney health if you have a kidney condition.
Tell your provider if you’ve had an allergic reaction to iodine, dye or tracers in the past. They can cause an allergic reaction in rare cases. You should also tell your provider if you are breastfeeding.
Imaging tests that may use dyes or radioactive tracers include:
- CT scan
- CCTA
- Fluoroscopy
- MRI
- Nuclear medicine
- Nuclear stress test
Other side effects
Some imaging tests may cause temporary discomfort from loud sounds or enclosed spaces. You may also need to stay still for a prolonged time. We provide hearing protection, check in with you throughout the test and give you breaks to move when possible.
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