Kimble Hospital Radiology

CAT Scan (CT)
CAT scans use radiation going in a circle around a person. After the information is gathered from the x-rays a computer then puts the image together for viewing. The physics of this technology allows the physician to see the body in slices. This kind of exam takes more radiation but the images allow a better look at things that can not be seen on regular diagnostic x-rays. CAT scans usually cost more because of the expensive technology, expertise of the operator, and work involved in doing a procedure. The computer allows the operator to manipulate the data in multiple ways so that different body parts can be looked at better by the physician. Many times a patient will already have finished and left before the procedure is done.

Diagnostic (X-rays)
Routine diagnostic exams use radiation aimed at a person with a film, or digital plate, behind them. The image is made by any x-rays making it all the way through the body without hitting anything. The resulting image is stored on film or computer so it can be reviewed by the physician.

Ultrasound (Sonogram)
Ultrasound uses sonic waves on a person like a submarine uses sonar in the ocean. The sonic waves go through the body and bounce back to the hand probe which can then create an image with that information. This technology is the safest to use since there is no radiation. Soft tissues are primarily looked at since the sonic signal travels well in tissues with the most water molecules. Contrast agents and exam preparation are techniques that help enhance the images so that a more sure diagnosis can be obtained.

Contrast
Barium is used to better look at the digestive tract on X-rays and CAT Scans by coating the walls of the stomach and intestine. Iodine based solutions (dye) are mostly used through an IV line or directly into a vein to help blood vessels show up on X-rays and CAT Scans. It is also good for looking at the urinary tract since the contrast leaves the blood through the kidneys.

Exam Preparation (When instructed by the Technologist)
NPO (Nothing By Mouth) means not to eat or drink for however long the technologist says. An Enema and Ducolax tablets are used to clean out the large intestine. Drinking water (6-8 tall glasses), without urinating, 1 hour before the exam will fill the bladder. Lab Test (BUN or Creatinine) are done to make sure the kidneys are working well so that the IV contrast can exit the body. Glucophage (Metformin) is a medication that you need to tell the technologist if taking. It will need to be stopped before the exam and monitored before resuming. The people working in the Radiology department are the Technologists and Radiologists.

Technologists
Technologists are workers who are commonly called X-ray Technicians. They are the ones that are seen in every exam making sure quality images are taken and achieved. The Technologists also provides radiation protection when needed and is a primary source of information for Radiology.

Radiologists
Radiologists are doctors who specialize in Radiology. They will perform the more complicated exams with the technologists helping. The Radiologist is the doctor who reads all Radiology exams and makes a report to the doctor who ordered it. They will bill for this service separate from the hospital.