Imaging

PET/CT, or Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography, is a nuclear medicine procedure that produces images of the body's biological functions. This exam is capable of detecting certain diseases because it is able to capture chemical and physiological changes related to metabolism. This is important since functional changes are often present before structural changes in tissues; therefore, demonstrating pathological changes long before they would be evident with conventional diagnostic imaging methods. The exam takes approximately two hours.

An injection called FDG (fluorodeoxyglucose) is produced specially for each patient and is time sensitive because of its natural decay. This makes it very important that you arrive on time for your study. First an injection is made, followed by a 30 minute resting period. You are then placed on the PET scanner bed with scanning time of approximately one hour.

The PET scanner is doughnut-shaped and resembles a CT scanner. The signals emitted by the FDG are recorded and reassembled by the computer into images that contain vital information about tissue function. The test is highly sensitive and allows better diagnosis, staging and follow-up of patients undergoing therapy.

If you have been referred to us for a PET scan, you will be contacted by one of our scheduling staff members to discuss additional instructions for the study.

• Preparing for a PET/CT.
• Preparación previa a su TEP/TC.

Computed Tomography (CT) or (CAT) scan uses a combination of very thin rotating x-rays and computer technology to produce detailed images of the body. The computer measures the intensity of x-rays, which are transmitted through the patient, and displays the information as an image on a monitor. A CT scan has the ability to look at an entire area of the body, including bones, muscles, fat and organs. It takes a "stack" of pictures, much like slices in a loaf of bread. CT images may be 10mm to less than 1mm thick and are more detailed than diagnostic x-rays.

A sophisticated form of diagnostic imaging that uses magnetism, radio waves and computer technology to produce very clear, three dimensional images of the body without using radiation. MRI offers a painless, non-invasive way to obtain information about your body that can lead to early detection and treatment of disease and injury.

Preparing for an MRI:

• No preparation is required for most MRI examinations. You may eat, drink or take medication prior to your examination.
• Some examinations require injection of MRI dye in a vein.
• If special preparation is required for your MRI examination, you will be given instructions at the time of scheduling.

For your safety, please tell us if:

• You have a cardiac pacemaker or artificial heart valve.
• You have aneurysm clips.
• You are pregnant or think you could be.
• You have had inner ear surgery.
• You have any other metallic medical bioimplant, prosthesis or foreign metal in your body.
• You have or have had problems with kidney function.

A standard x-ray (radiograph) is a diagnostic imaging test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging involving exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. As the dose of radiation is very small, this is a very safe imaging study. The most common use of standard x-ray is for diagnosis of disease and/or injury to the bones and chest. Yakima Valley Memorial's Valley Imaging standard x-rays are made with a digital system storing the images electronically.

Preparing for an x-ray.

Diagnostic ultrasound, which is sometimes called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images. In addition to the traditional use to assess fetal development during pregnancy, ultrasound is used to examine many parts of the body, including the gallbladder, liver, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, uterus, ovaries, prostate and testicles. Vascular ultrasound can also look at and listen to the blood flow within arteries and veins in the neck, abdomen and legs.

Preparing for an ultrasound.

With our new DEXA bone density and body composition imaging service, we're able to measure, in detail, body fat vs. muscle and bone of a patient to help more accurately determine health needs of patients. Some major root causes of chronic diseases have to do with diet, exercise and obesity issues in the United States. An estimated 72 million American adults are considered to be obese, with 11 million being morbidly obese.

Patients should consult with a physician regarding the need for a body composition assessment. If you feel you are classified in any of the following categories, then you may benefit from the exam:

• Patients participating in a weight management program.
• Bariatric surgery patient.
• Sarcopenic patients with the concern of muscle loss.
• Athletes in a training or rehabilitation program.
• Patients with diabetes.
• Patients with anorexia.

Services also include in-office ultrasound and thyroid biopsies.

Although located at Yakima Endocrinology Associates, our DEXA imaging services are independent of this department. If you need service or would like to inquire more information about our DEXA imaging services, please call 509-574-3865. If you'd like to send a fax, please send to 509-249-5319.

At 'Ohana, MultiCare Yakima Memorial's Mammography Center, we offer a supportive and caring environment along with the most advanced digital technology available. Learn more about mammograms.

Nuclear medicine is a form of medical imaging that uses the nuclear properties of matter to indicate to a patient's physician how their organs, bones or glands are functioning, as opposed to other forms of imaging that indicate how the organs, bones, muscles or glands appear.

Nuclear medicine imaging tests focus on the process of a certain part of the body rather than its size, shape or other physical appearance. By exploiting the way a patient's body handles a substance‐that is either injected or consumed‐nuclear medicine technologists can determine if there is a disease present. For instance, a patient undergoing a renal study would be injected with a substance that would fill the kidney(s), and then receive a follow-up injection stimulating them to drain, allowing nuclear medicine technologists to monitor how well the organ is actually working. This differs from a static image such as an x-ray or MRI which would show the shape and size but not the process of the organ.

Some of the tests provided on-site at Yakima Valley Memorial include:

• Cardiac stress test
• Renal study
• Biliary scan (also known as a Hida Scan)
• Lung scan
• Gastric empty study
• Thyroid uptake and scan/thyroid scan
• Brain scan