When it comes to figuring out what is causing the major medical issues in your life, you know that finding a proper diagnosis can be a long journey. There are a lot of tests to run, and there are a lot of different professionals that you will need to see. With everything going on, you may start to find that you are getting overwhelmed by the number of appointments that you have to make. That is why it is so important to keep everything organized.
If you have received a lot of different referrals from your primary care physician, but you aren’t sure what they're for, check out these four different types of diagnostic imaging procedures that you can find at Peconic Bay Medical Center where they have specialists in radiology and diagnostic imaging in Long Island, NY.
X-Ray
For the most part, X-rays are used to monitor bone mass. X-rays are commonly used in dental offices, but they are also an invaluable tool to help doctors diagnose a number of issues ranging from broken bones to lung cancer. While X-rays are the most common form of medical imaging procedures, many people don’t know that there are several different types of X-rays. The two most common types of X-rays are conventional, which takes still images of the affected area, and fluoroscopy, which can show radiologists a continuous feed— a video—of the affected area in real time.
CT Scan
A CT scan, also known as a CAT scan, is actually another type of X-ray. However, it is much more detailed than a conventional X-ray, because it is made by using multiple images of the affected area to create a cross section of your organs, bones, and even your blood vessels. This is a great way for doctors to diagnose a number of ailments. If your primary care physician has scheduled a CT scan, he or she could be looking for anything from tumors to broken bones.
Ultrasound
While many people associate ultrasounds with pregnancy, doctors have been using this technology for many years to successfully diagnose patients. Additionally, they use ultrasounds during medical procedures to help them maintain accuracy while taking tissue samples and placing needles. When it comes to diagnosing ailments, ultrasounds have proven to be invaluable when diagnosing anything from breast cancer to bone fragility.
MRI
MRIs, or magnetic resonance imaging, create images of organs and tissue with radio waves and magnetic energy. MRIs are great for diagnosing muscle and soft tissue ailments. These images are incredibly accurate because they are created using your body as a magnetic field. If the doctor is looking for something specific within your blood vessels or veins, they may use intravenous dyes to help them see clearer images of the affected areas.
There are a lot of great diagnostic imaging procedures that can help you figure out the cause of your medical issues. Make sure you contact Peconic Bay Medical Center if you need diagnostic imaging done.