Ascension Columbia St. Mary's - Columbia West Imaging

CT scans use an X-ray generating device that rotates around your body and a powerful computer to create cross-sectional images. When you arrive for your test, you will change into a gown and lie on a table that slides in and out of a large tube called a CT. It is a painless imaging test that takes only minutes to complete. 

We also provide low-dose CT lung screenings. Getting a low-dose CT scan may help find lung nodules or cancer early, when it is most treatable. 

We also provide calcium-scoring CT heart scans. This screening test evaluates the amount of hard plaque in your coronary arteries. A heart scan is not for someone who has already experienced a cardiac event. After your heart scan, we share this information with your doctor.

DEXA scans are most commonly used to diagnose bone thinning, such as osteoporosis. Loss of bone density may be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, eating disorders, aging and having cancer treatment. They may also be used to measure your overall body composition, including fat and lean tissue. Before the scan, you will be asked to wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes or change into a gown. During the scan, you will lay flat and still on a table. The scan typically lasts about 15-20 minutes.

An esophagram, also known as a barium swallow test, is an X-ray video of your esophagus. It may be used to diagnose swallowing disorders, acid reflux, esophageal cancer, and other digestive health disorders. Before the test you will fast and then during the test, you will drink a barium liquid that allows the X-ray video to show abnormalities in your esophagus.

A digital mammogram is a low-dose X-ray system that takes electronic pictures of the breasts to screen for disease and diagnose cysts and breast cancer.

On the day of your mammogram, do not use deodorant, powder or lotions. We also recommended wearing a top that is easy to remove, since you will be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a gown. During the procedure, the technologist will position your breast to get the clearest test results. Then, each of your breasts will be compressed one at a time. This helps get a high-quality X-ray image. Your breasts will be repositioned to get at least two separate views of each breast. The entire procedure is about 20 minutes, but the actual breast compression is only a few seconds.

An MRI uses strong magnetic fields to create detailed images of organs and other structures in your body. During your appointment, you will be asked to change into a gown and remove all jewelry, glasses, and hearing aids. You will lie flat in a tube that is open on both ends. The tube then slides into the MRI machine. For some MRI tests, a contrast dye is inserted through an IV. The scan may last anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on what images are needed.

Nuclear medicine tests are used to diagnose, monitor and treat various conditions. These tests produce images by detecting small amounts of radiation in the body after radioactive tracers are injected into a vein or given orally. There are many different types of nuclear imaging tests, including brain scans, nuclear cardiology heart studies, lung scans, and liver studies. We take the time to explain how to prepare for your test and what to expect during it.

PET scans are used to diagnose and monitor many types of conditions, including cancer, neurological (brain) disease, and heart and vascular disease These scans show how organs are functioning in real time. Sometimes, a doctor will order a PET and a CT to be performed at the same time (PET/CT).

We take the time to explain how to prepare for your test. You may be told to fast and avoid caffeine. During the test, you will receive a radioactive tracer that is injected through an IV. If you’re having a PET/CT, you may also receive a dye through your IV. Once the substance(s) have moved through your body, you will then lie still while the scan is taking place. The scan typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce sonogram pictures or videos of structures inside of your body. There are several different types of ultrasounds. Your care team will explain how to prepare for your ultrasound and what to expect during it.

X-rays are used to produce images of bones, organs and other tissues in the body. There are many different types of X-rays. Your doctor will order the type of X-ray that is right for you. We take the time to explain how to prepare for your X-ray. Most do not require any preparation.