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Providing Digital X-ray Exclusively
 Regional Radiology now provides digital Radiography exclusively. This allows us to process images faster and provides the radiologists with the ability to manipulate images to enhance contrast and definition. These features allow the radiologist to better evaluate areas of concern and many times alleviates the need for repeat films and additional exposure to the patient. Additionally, digital films are available for immediate viewing by the referring physician through use of our web server.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is used to obtain "live" X-ray images of a patient. During the procedure, x-rays pass through the body area being imaged, where they strike a fluorescent plate and are transmitted to a computer. The radiologist can then see the images on the computer screen in real-time.
Hysterosalpingography
Hysterosalpingography or HSG is an X-ray exam of the uterus and fallopian tubes using a contrast die injected through the vagina. The test is usually performed to detect abnormalities or blockages of the reproductive organs in women suffering from infertility.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a non-invasive, radiation-free scanning technology that uses radio waves and magnetic fields to produce clear and detailed three-dimensional images of the body. MRI can be used to identify or precisely locate an injury or abnormality, to scan for developing problems or analyze damage from previous trauma, and to aid in the planning of surgery. MRI produces images of any area of the body and can be an invaluable tool for detecting tumors, infection, cancer and damage to the eye and inner ear, nervous system, heart and blood vessels, joint and musculoskeletal systems, major organs and male and female reproductive systems.
 Unlike x-rays, radioisotopes and CT scanning, MRI uses radiofrequency waves, making it safer than other methods that use radiation. Radio waves detect differences in water concentration and distribution in various body tissues. Total exam time can be between 30 to 45 minutes. Because MRI requires the use of magnetic fields, patients will be asked to remove all metal objects. You must also be sure to make the MR staff aware of any implants or devices with a metal component prior to the exam.
Open MRI
People with claustrophobia may feel uncomfortable in a traditional or "closed" MRI unit because they must lie still inside a narrow tunnel within the scanning magnet. Sedatives may be given for patients who experience difficulty in the confined space. Regional Radiology also features newer, "open" MRI units that do not enclose the patient to alleviate this problem.
MR Angiography
MR angiography, or MRA, is an MRI study of blood vessels using radio waves without the need for contrast material. It is used to detect, diagnose and aid in the treatment of stroke, aneurysms, and vascular disease in the heart, head, major organs and extremities. The procedure is painless, entails short examination and recovery times, and takes the place of catheter angiography and exploratory surgery so there is no risk of damaging an artery.
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Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine images body functions based on energy emitted by a radioactive substance ingested prior to examination. Involving only a small dose of radiation (about equivalent to the amount in a regular X-ray) that carries near zero risk of allergic reaction, nuclear medicine is a non-invasive alternative to exploratory surgery. The main drawback is the amount of time needed for each test -- absorption of the radioactive material can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, and the scan itself can last as long as three hours.
First, the radioactive material (called a tracer) required for imaging is administered orally or by intravenous injection. Once inside the body, the tracer spreads, collects in certain areas and reacts with body tissue to produce gamma radiation. After sufficient time has elapsed for full absorption of the tracer, the patient lies down on the scanning table and is placed beneath or within the scanning device. Cameras detect the emitted gamma radiation, and a computer processes and displays the images.
Neither the injected tracer nor the scans themselves cause any pain, although there may be some discomfort associated with the actual injection, with having to lie still during the scan, or (if one is necessary) with a catheter placed in the bladder.
Nuclear Cardiology
Studying tissue function with nuclear medicine aids in the diagnosis of many kinds of diseases, tumors, infection and other disorders in the brain, heart, lungs, bone, bowel, kidneys, thyroids and other internal structures. Nuclear cardiology focuses on imaging the heart to locate or diagnose problems with the heart. Scans may be performed in conjunction with other types of imaging (CT, MRI, X-ray) or with stress tests to determine the cause of unexplained chest pain.
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PET/CT
 PET (positron emission tomography) imaging is the most exciting new tool in diagnosing and staging cancer. PET studies the body's biological functions by measuring energy emitted by a radioactive substance injected prior to the procedure. The position and concentration of the injected material provides information about cell biochemistry and metabolism that can help diagnose a variety of diseases and other problems before physical damage has occurred. PET/CT combines the best of PET imaging with the best of CT imaging, allowing for a study of cell biochemistry and metabolism as well as an accurate localization of the area of concern.
First a radioactive material called a tracer is injected into the body. After enough time has passed for the tracer to spread throughout the body and settle in appropriate areas, the patient lies down on the PET/CT scan table and is moved into the machine, where an array of ring-shaped detectors create an image. These images appear on a computer screen beside the machine. The preliminary administering of the tracer takes half an hour to an hour to be absorbed. Scanning itself lasts 30-45 minutes.
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Multi detector CT (Computed Tomography)
 Computed tomography, or CT (CAT) scan, is a sophisticated X-ray imaging system that scans thin "slices" of the body on all sides, then combines those slices into a highly detailed, three-dimensional digital image. The procedure is non-invasive, requires minimal radiation exposure and can simultaneously depict tissues of different densities, which is not possible with traditional x-ray methods. CT scans are highly useful for detecting problems, examining injury, guiding biopsy needles and aiding in surgical preparation of almost all parts of the body.
Whereas traditional CT scans obtain one image per second, the ultrafast spiral CT technology available at Regional Radiology can produce eight images in the same amount of time. This means that scans of significant body areas and organs can be completed while the patient holds his or her breath. The rapidity of ultrafast CT is of major benefit to pediatric patients as well as those who are ill, claustrophobic or find it difficult to lie still for other reasons.
During the procedure, the patient is positioned on the table on his or her back, side or stomach, and may be provided with pillows for comfortable support. The technician leaves the room and the table moves slowly, often undetectably, through the CT scanner "doughnut." The X-ray beam inside the CT unit spirals slowly around the patient on all sides, creating 360-degree images or slices of the area being examined; as the table and the patient move through the unit, many slices are captured.
Sometimes an I.V. contrast is required for better visualization. Regional Radiology uses the safest non-ionic I.V. contrast on the market. Our team of I.V.-certified registered nurses monitors all contrast injections.
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Ultrasound
 Ultrasound or sonography produces real-time, multi-dimensional images of the body's internal organs and tissues by mapping the reflections or "echoes" of high-frequency sound waves. Ultrasound is especially useful for examining the bladder, uterus, ovaries, prostate, testicles and scrotum, and for obtaining images of fetuses in the womb. In addition, ultrasound is often used as a real-time guide during needle biopsies for the precise sampling of tissue. During the procedure, the patient is positioned on an examination table and a warm, clear gel is applied to the area being examined. The sonographer or radiologist then presses a transducer firmly against the skin and sweeps it back and forth to obtain the image. In a transvaginal or transrectal ultrasound, a thin wand-like transducer will be covered, lubricated and placed in the vagina or rectum. 3-D ultrasound produces images in three dimensions, which is often of particular interest to obstetric patients for fetal imaging.
3-D Ultrasound Sonohysterography
3-D ultrasound sonohysterography is used to detect polyps, fibroids, cancer or other anomalies of the female reproductive system by injecting a sterile saline (salt-water) solution into the uterus and performing an ultrasound examination. Patients suffering from infertility may be tested for patency of the fallopian tubes by injecting air along with the saline into the uterus.
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Mammography
 Mammography is an X-ray exam used specifically to obtain images of the breast. It is a highly useful tool in the early detection of breast cancer because it may show an abnormality in breast tissue before the patient or doctor can feel it. Screening and diagnostic mammography can aid in the detection and diagnosis of breast diseases, lumps, cysts and benign and malignant tumors. During the procedure, the breast is placed on a small platform and compressed with a paddle while it is exposed to a small amount of radiation. At Regional Radiology, images are displayed on a computer screen; at our Hylan location, they are printed on special film. Mammograms are recommended for patients who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer and other diseases, including yearly exams for women over 40.
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Breast Biopsy
Abnormalities discovered in the breast may be tested and treated with surgical or non-surgical (needle) biopsy. Needle biopsies are performed using several methods and with different specialized equipment depending on the type of abnormality.
- Stereotactic mammotome biopsy is recommended when a mass (usually a calcium deposit but sometimes a nodule or small tumor) can be seen with mammography but not ultrasound. The abnormal area is compressed with a paddle, sterilized and numbed with local anesthesia before a mammotome (vacuum-assisted) needle is inserted. Tissue is removed swiftly and painlessly with suction, and a titanium clip is inserted in the breast to mark the area in case surgery is required. In most cases the entire abnormality is removed.
- Ultrasound-guided or sonotome biopsy is a 10-15 minute procedure performed with local anesthesia and a mammotome, or vacuum-assisted, needle inserted through a small incision in the skin. Tissue samples are taken and a titanium clip is inserted to mark the location in case surgery is required. Typically the entire abnormality is removed.
- CT-guided biopsy is performed with local anesthesia under the guidance of real-time computed tomography (CT) images for increased precision.
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Bone Density Testing
 Physicians may use DEXA to measure bone density to detect osteoporosis and other diseases, to follow the progress of treatments for such conditions, and to gauge the patient's risk of developing bone fractures. DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is an enhanced X-ray image of the skeletal system that provides the most accurate measurements of bone density available. During the procedure, a beam of low-dose X-rays is targeted at the area, usually the lower spine and hips. The energy is measured as it is absorbed by soft tissue and by bone, and special computer software then processes the gathered information. Exams are painless and take 10-30 minutes.
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Upper GI/Barium Swallow/Esophogram
In an upper GI series or barium swallow exam, X-ray images are taken of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine after the patient ingests a milkshake-like drink containing barium. The test takes three to six hours as the barium contrast travels through the digestive system and multiple X-rays are taken of the patient in various positions.
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Barium Enema
A barium enema is an X-ray examination of the large intestine. During the procedure, the patient lies on a table while liquid barium is delivered into the colon through a well-lubricated enema tube in the rectum. X-ray images are taken of the patient in various positions. A balloon may be inserted to keep the barium in place, and air may be used to inflate the colon and enhance the image. The tube is then removed and the patient expels as much of the barium as he or she can. A few more X-rays may be taken when the barium has been expelled.
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I.V.P.
An I.V.P. or intravenous pyelogram is an X-ray examination of the kidneys, bladder and uterus. Images are taken after a contrast dye containing iodine is injected through a vein and travels to the kidneys. The exam takes about one hour. The patient is usually asked to urinate before and immediately after the procedure.
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Our system features three magnets:
- Siemens Short Bore 1.5 Tesla Magnet. Our state-of-the-art lead magnet is capable of performing the latest imaging sequences as well as MRA of the brain, body and lower extremities. This represents an ideal tool to image patients with vascular disease non-invasively, patients who cannot tolerate iodinated contrast (either due to allergies or renal disease), or patients with claustrophobia. Studies can be performed within 10-30 minutes.
- MAGNETOM Espree. The MAGNETOM Espree™ from Siemens Medical Solutions is the world’s first open bore 1.5 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system with Tim® (Total imaging matrix) technology, offering more room than the traditional MRI, addressing issues related to obesity, claustrophobia, elderly and pediatric patients, and capable of capturing high-field quality diagnostic images.
- A second high-field Siemens 1.5 Tesla system is also available.
CT imaging is performed with an ultrafast GE CT at our Bard Avenue and Richmond Avenue sites and with a Siemens Multi-detector CT at our Outerbridge location.
Ultrafast CT imaging is performed on GE Spiral CT equipment.
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