Ascension Via Christi Imaging in St. Francis

CT scans use an X-ray generating device that rotates around your body and a powerful computer to create cross-sectional images. When you arrive for your test, you will change into a gown and lie on a table that slides in and out of a large tube called a CT. It is a painless imaging test that takes only minutes to complete. 

An esophagram, also known as a barium swallow test, is an X-ray video of your esophagus. It may be used to diagnose swallowing disorders, acid reflux, esophageal cancer, and other digestive health disorders. Before the test you will fast and then during the test, you will drink a barium liquid that allows the X-ray video to show abnormalities in your esophagus.

An MRI uses strong magnetic fields to create detailed images of organs and other structures in your body. During your appointment, you will be asked to change into a gown and remove all jewelry, glasses, and hearing aids. You will lie flat in a tube that is open on both ends. The tube then slides into the MRI machine. For some MRI tests, a contrast dye is inserted through an IV. The scan may last anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on what images are needed. For abdominal and pelvic MRIs, please do not have anything to eat six hours before your appointment. If you are having a prostate or rectal MRI,  please do not have anything to eat six hours before your appointment, and perform an enema one hour before your appointment.

Nuclear medicine tests are used to diagnose, monitor and treat various conditions. These tests produce images by detecting small amounts of radiation in the body after radioactive tracers are injected into a vein or given orally. There are many different types of nuclear imaging tests, including brain scans, nuclear cardiology heart studies, lung scans, and liver studies. We take the time to explain how to prepare for your test and what to expect during it.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce sonogram pictures or videos of structures inside of your body. There are several different types of ultrasounds. Your care team will explain how to prepare for your ultrasound and what to expect during it.

X-rays are used to produce images of bones, organs and other tissues in the body. There are many different types of X-rays. Your doctor will order the type of X-ray that is right for you. We take the time to explain how to prepare for your X-ray. Most do not require any preparation. 

For pelvic sonogram, retroperitoneal, first and second trimester obstetrics ultrasound, please drink forty ounces of water forty five minutes before your appointment. If you are having an abdominal sonogram or renal ultrasound, please do not have anything to eat or drink eight hours before your appointment.

For abdominal and pelvic MRIs, please do not have anything to eat six hours before your appointment. If you are having a prostate or rectal MRI,  please do not have anything to eat six hours before your appointment, and perform an enema one hour before your appointment.