Services

Screen ProceduresScreening Procedures

The Diagnostic Imaging services provided by NRAD include a variety of screening examinations designed to help diagnose a variety of diseases, some which may be life-threatening. They include:

  • Virtual Colonoscopy for Colon Cancer Screening
  • Calcium scoring for the detection of coronary artery disease
  • Coronary CT angiography for angiographic evaluation of coronary artery disease
  • Bone Density (DEXA) or Osteoporosis Screening for Bone Loss Assessment
  • Mammography for Breast Cancer Screening
  • CT Lung Screening for Lung Cancer

Virtual Colonoscopy for Colon Cancer Screening

Virtual Colonoscopy is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a CT scanner and specially developed computer software to produce 3D images of the colon (large intestine). The images produced are displayed on a computer screen and enable the radiologist to visually “fly through” the colon in search of polyps, lesions, tumors and other conditions and diseases. The screening procedure is much less invasive than a traditional colonoscopy, requires no sedation, carries no risk of a perforation of the colon like conventional colonoscopy and is ideally suited for those unable to undergo a traditional colonoscopy.

Calcium Scoring for the Detection of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

This test closely resembles a chest CT scan with the minor difference that it is performed while the patient is connected to an ECG (cardiogram) machine. The presence of calcium in the wall of the coronary indicates that some degree of coronary artery disease is present. As CAD is the the most common cause of death in men and women, over and above cancer, this a very useful screening tool. This examination can determine if calcium is present and, based on the distribution and quantity of calcium, also determine if further testing such as a CT angiogram is necessary.

Coronary CT Angiography for Cardiac Risk Screening

Coronary CT Angiography is a highly advanced CT method for evaluating the heart and coronary arteries. With only an injection of contrast into a vein and during a single breath hold, the extremely fine detailed 3D images produced by the exam can show narrowing in the coronary arteries or blockages with the same accuracy as a conventional in- hospital cardiac catheterization. Cardiac screening using CT Angiography is of benefit to patients with a variety of risk factors for heart disease such as family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet and stress. For additional information [ click here ].

Bone Density (DEXA) or Osteoporosis Screening for Bone Loss Assessment

This exam, commonly called DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) is a very low dose x-ray scan that measures bone mineral density to determine the degree of bone loss present in a patient. This non-invasive procedure is of great value in determining a patient’s potential for fractures or as a requirement for treatment. Typically bone density loss affects post-menopausal women but can occur in men and younger individuals with certain medical conditions. Bone loss is gradual and eventually increases making the bones extremely fragile and susceptible to fractures. The results of the study enable physicians to prepare appropriate treatments to counter the bone loss and further DEXA evaluations are used to track progress.

Mammography for Breast Cancer Screening

Mammographic Screening is a low dose x-ray examination of the breasts in asymptomatic women to look for early breast cancer. High-resolution digital images are taken of the breasts and then evaluated by a radiologist. The patient may be recalled for a Diagnostic Mammogram, and/or Ultrasound if needed, if any potential findings are seen which require further investigation. Screening mammograms should begin at age forty or sooner if there is a family history of breast cancer. Breast cancer screening provides the opportunity to diagnose breast cancer at its earliest stages when it is most curable.

CT Lung Screening for Lung Cancer

With lung cancer being the number one cause of cancer-related deaths in the US, screening for it is a valuable and potentially life saving tool for those at risk. A screening lung CT is noninvasive, painless and uses a CT scanner with special multi-slice helical imaging software to produce high resolution images of a patient’s lungs. Taking just 30 seconds, the cross-sectional images produced enable a radiologist to evaluate the lungs looking for extremely small cancerous or non-cancerous (benign) nodules or tumors that can not be imaged by conventional x-rays exams. The screening procedure provides the opportunity to diagnose malignant tumors at the earliest stages with the best chance for complete cure. The procedure is recommended for individuals between the age of 50 and 80 who smoke or have smoked, have had lung cancer, have been repeatedly exposed to second hand smoke or who have been exposed to cancer causing agents such as asbestos, radon and similar agents.

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