Radiology Services

The Radiology Department at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) offers a full range of services for adults and children, including computed aided tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), dual energy X-ray absortiometry (DEXA), digital mammography, gastrointestinal scans (G.I. scans), nuclear medicine, ultrasound and X-rays.

About Radiology

To provide you with the best care possible, PAMF invests in the most current medical techniques and technological advances in diagnostic imaging. Listed below are some of the services we provide, what you can expect from the procedures and how you can prepare for them.

Note: Please follow the specific instructions given to you by your doctor or the imaging location you are visiting. Procedures and equipment available vary between locations.

• What is CT (Computed Aided Tomography)?
• What is DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absortiometry)?
• What is Digital Mammography?
• What is Nuclear Medicine?
• What are G.I. (Gastrointestinal) Scans?
• What is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?
• What is an Ultrasound?
• What are X-Rays (Radiographs)?

What is CT (Computed Aided Tomography)?

CT scans, also know as CAT scans, use special X-ray equipment to obtain cross-section images of the body and organs. This is a scheduled procedure that may require some preparation at home before your appointment. For example, you may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking anything for a few hours before your appointment.

Some CT procedures require drinking a liquid called barium the night before and one hour before your appointment. Please carefully follow the instructions on when to drink the barium. If it is consumed at the wrong time, the CT test will need to be rescheduled.
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What is DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absortiometry)?

DEXA is the most widely used test in measuring bone mineral density. It is used to determine whether or not a patient is suffering from osteoporosis. The test itself is a simple procedure that involves you lying down on an examining table and the scanner measuring the bone mineral density of your bones.

It is a painless procedure, accurate and safe. Follow your doctor’s instructions about how to take any medications and calcium supplements you may currently be using.
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What is Digital Mammography?

Mammography is an X-ray examination of the breasts that is used to detect and diagnose breast diseases. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women have a baseline screening mammogram between the age of 35 and 40 and that beginning at the age of 40, women have an annual screening mammogram.

A screening mammogram usually involves two views of each breast. Read more about PAMF's innovative digital mammography procedure.
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What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of cancers, heart disease and certain other abnormalities within the body. Learn more about our Nuclear Medicine services.
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What are G.I. (Gastrointestinal) Scans?

Upper G.I. scans are performed with the assistance of a liquid contrast material called barium. During an Upper G.I. procedure, which includes the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine, you will drink a specific amount of barium. The barium will appear bright white on X-rays.

Upper G.I. scans are scheduled procedures that require fasting after midnight prior to your appointment. The duration of the procedure typically ranges from 30 to 40 minutes. However, this time may be extended depending on what the scan reveals.

Studies of the large intestine, usually called barium enema procedures, are scheduled with a prep kit to help you get ready for your appointment.

During this procedure, liquid barium and/or air is introduced into the colon with a rectal tube. The barium coats the inside of the rectum and lower intestines, and produces a sharp, well defined X-ray image.

The duration of this procedure ranges from 20 to 30 minutes.
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What is MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a technique used to produce high contrast images of organs, bones and soft tissues. MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency fields and a computer to create detailed pictures of all internal structures of the body.

MRI exams vary, thus, guidelines about eating and drinking may differ for each procedure. Follow any specific instruction given to you. If no instructions are given, follow your normal daily routine.

Please tell your radiologist or technologist about any allergies, past surgeries, serious health issues and/or medical or electronic devices in your body. Although MRIs are noninvasive, this information helps your health care team ensure that you are safe and that nothing interferes with your exam.

During the exam, you will be positioned on an examination table (straps may be used to help you stay still and maintain your position) and moved into the magnet of the MRI machine. If needed, a contrast material may be injected into a vein in your arm or given to you orally.

The procedure usually takes 45 minutes.
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What is an Ultrasound?

Ultrasound imaging, also called sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the body through the use of high frequency sound waves.

This is a scheduled procedure that may or may not come with a prep kit to help you get ready for the test at home. For some scans, you may need to refrain from eating or drinking for as many as 12 hours before to your appointment.

The duration of the appointment ranges from 15 to 30 minutes.
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What are X-Rays (Radiographs)?

With the assistance of a radiologic technologist (x-ray tech), you will be asked to change into a gown in one of the dressing rooms located close to the exam rooms. Once you have changed, an x-ray tech will take you to an exam room and explain your procedure to you.

The duration of the procedure ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of X-ray or number of films ordered by your doctor. This time frame includes the procedure, plus the developing and processing of the films taken.
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