What is Diagnostic Imaging?

Common Types of Diagnostic Imaging Tests

The type of imaging your doctor chooses depends on the symptoms and the part of your body being examined. Imaging tests are generally painless and easy. However, some require you to remain still for a long period of time to produce clear, detailed and multidimensional pictures.

Certain tests may also involve exposure to small amounts of radiation. Other imaging tests may make use of a scope, which is a tiny camera attached to a long, thin tube so doctors can look inside a particular organ, such as your heart, lungs or colon. These procedures often require anesthesia. Below are some of the most common types of diagnostic imaging tests:

• X-ray
• CT scan
• Nuclear medicine scan
• MRI scan
• Mammography
• Ultrasound

A Diagnostic Imaging Pioneer in El Paso

We were the first to bring 3D mammography technology to the El Paso area, helping doctors better identify malignant growths in women who have dense breast tissue as compared to the standard 2D mammogram technology. The Hospitals of Providence Memorial Campus is a leader in the region in treating breast cancer and is designated as a National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC).

We continue to raise the bar of excellence and exceptional care as we utilize advanced diagnostic imaging equipment for CT scans, MRIs, mammograms, ultrasounds and X-rays.

When you come to us for diagnostic imaging, our team of dedicated and attentive radiology staff will guide you every step of the way, from the time you schedule an appointment to the actual screening.

Our multiple imaging locations across West Texas offer the following services:

• Bone densitometry - a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses low doses of X-rays to measure calcium and other minerals in your bones to detect bone mineral loss at an early stage. A bone densitometry test is used to diagnose conditions, such as osteopenia and osteoporosis, predict your risk of future fractures and monitor treatment for osteoporosis.
• CT scan - refers to a computerized imaging procedure that uses a motorized X-ray source that rotates around the circular opening of a donut-shaped structure called a gantry. CT scans create cross-sectional pictures of your body that help physicians look for fractures, cancers, blood clots, signs of heart disease and internal bleeding.
• Digital mammography – a type of mammography that uses solid-state detectors found in digital cameras, which convert X-rays into electrical signals to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen.
• 3D mammography – also called digital breast tomosynthesis helps doctors thoroughly screen for breast cancer. 3D mammography has been found to be more effective in detecting more breast cancers due to the clear picture it produces of the breast tissue. Women with more dense breasts can benefit from this newer type of mammogram.
• MRI - a noninvasive imaging technology that produces detailed three-dimensional images using a large magnet and radio waves. MRI scanners help doctors examine the breasts, brain, spinal cord and nerves as well as muscles, ligaments and tendons to detect, diagnose, treat and monitor diseases.
• Stereotactic breast biopsy - a diagnostic procedure that uses mammography to help pinpoint an area of concern in the breast that needs to be biopsied for further evaluation. The whole procedure may take an hour, which includes the time it takes for the X-rays.
• Ultrasound - a noninvasive diagnostic technique that uses sound waves to create images of organs, tissues and other structures inside the body. One of the most common uses of ultrasound include monitoring the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy as well as imaging of the heart, blood vessels, eyes, thyroid, brain, breast, abdominal organs, skin and muscles.
• X-ray - an imaging test that uses a type of radiation with electromagnetic waves to generate images of soft tissues, bones and some structures inside the body.
• Breast ultrasound - a diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to help pinpoint an area of concern in the breast that needs to be biopsied for further evaluation. The whole procedure may take an hour or more.
• MRI biopsy - a diagnostic procedure that uses MRI to help pinpoint an area of concern in the breast that needs to be biopsied for further evaluation. The whole procedure may take an hour or more.

More complex imaging studies, including interventional radiology procedures, studies requiring contrast, and those requiring the presence of a physician during the test, are not available for self-scheduling and should be booked by calling the scheduling line at (866) 934-3627

Find a Diagnostic Imaging Center in El Paso