West Plains Imaging: Specialists in Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology

	About MRI/MRA West Plains Imaging features the General Electric 1.5T Signa Excite 8 Channel Magnetic Resonance Imaging System, a state of the art, high definition scanner that allows us to capture dramatic and highly detailed images to help evaluate a wide range of medical conditions. It offers outstanding image quality for a more confident diagnosis, and less likelihood of rescans, even in the most challenging circumstances. Our high definition MR scanner is designed to handle the types of studies that are becoming increasingly important in the diagnosis of disease. We get more diagnostic information while patients experience a shorter, more comfortable exam. We offer the most comprehensive breadth of MR procedures in the West Plains area, providing optimal diagnostic capabilities for the assessment of the brain, spine, sports related injuries and joint conditions such as those affecting the shoulder, knee, wrist, hip, elbow and ankle. MRI Frequently Asked Questions What is an MRI? Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is an advanced, state-of-the-art method, which produces clear, sharp pictures of the human body without the use of X-rays. MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves, an antenna and a computer to produce these images. What can you expect? When you arrive at West Plains Imaging, the receptionist will help you with your paperwork and show you where to leave your personal belongings during the exam. When it's time for your MRI, the technologist will ask you to simply lie down on a cushioned table, which will automatically move into the magnet after you have been comfortably positioned for scanning. The technologist will leave the magnet room, but you will be in constant contact with him or her throughout the entire exam. When the MRI begins, you will hear a muffled thumping sound, which will last for several minutes. Just relax and try to lie as still as possible, since any movement will distort and blur the images. The diagnostic quality of some MRI exams is improved with the use of an intravenous contrast agent. Once the MRI is complete, the technologist will return and assist you off the table. How do you prepare for your MRI? No special preparation is necessary before having an MRI. Metallic objects, or items containing metal, often compromise the image quality, so please do not wear: Jewelry Eyeglasses Any removable dental work Watches Hearing aids To ensure that you are able to lie quietly and still during your MRI, you may want to avoid drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages prior to your exam. How long will the exam take? Your entire exam will take from 30-90 minutes, depending on the type of study your doctor has ordered. Are there any restrictions? Metallic items within the body may cause some people to be excluded from having an MRI. On the day of your exam, make sure the staff at West Plains Imaging knows if you have: A pacemaker A metal plate, pin or other metallic implant Aneurysm clips An artificial heart valve An intrauterine device (IUD) Also, be sure to let the staff know if you are pregnant, if you have ever been a metal worker or if you have been wounded during military service. When will you know the results? Once your MRI exam is complete, a board-certified radiologist at West Plains Imaging will look at the images. The radiologist will interpret the scans and will send your doctor a written report within 24 to 48 hours. If you have any additional questions, please talk to you doctor.
	About CT/CTA Computed Tomography (CT) is a sophisticated imaging technique in which an x-ray source rotates around the patient producing a cross sectional slice or image, similar to the slices of a loaf of bread. These images are far superior in showing body parts than standard x-rays and greatly enhance diagnosis. West Plains Imaging features the state of the art General Electric LightSpeed 16 CT scanner which obtains multiple images with each rotation and allows large sections of the body to be scanned in a few seconds. A scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis can be performed in a single breath-hold. A fast scan, with less risk of blurring due to patient motion, results in clearer diagnostic images. Conversely, small body parts can be scanned at sub millimeter slice thickness resulting in images of exquisite detail. Imaging data from large or small body parts can be reconstructed or reformatted into a variety of planes or three dimensional displays; this greatly enhances the evaluation of anatomy and pathologic conditions. CT has many applications, including searching for cancers or tumors, brain and spine imaging, diagnosing infections, detecting kidney stones, evaluating the effects of trauma, and many other head and neck, chest, abdominal and pelvic conditions. CT Angiography With our new GE LightSpeed 16 CT scanner, West Plains Imaging now offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional angiography. CT Angiography (CTA) combines the rapid acquisition of images obtained by our multi-slice scanner and combines them with 3D reformation techniques to generate pictures of the arteries of the body. Where previously this information required an invasive catheter angiogram procedure, now both large and small arteries of the body can be imaged with precision. CT Angiography allows us to painlessly visualize the aorta, carotid, renal and peripheral arteries and to diagnose and measure aneurysms or areas of arterial narrowing more accurately and safely than costly, invasive angiography procedures. In addition, CTA is now the exam of choice for diagnosing pulmonary embolism, a common and potentially life-threatening condition where blood clots travel through the heart to lodge in the arteries to the lungs. CT Frequently Asked Questions What is CT? Computed Tomography (CT) is a diagnostic procedure that combines X-rays with computer technology to create accurate, detailed diagnostic images. CT testing is non-invasive, painless and relatively fast. What can you expect? When you arrive at West Plains Imaging Center, the receptionist will help you with your paperwork and show you where to leave your personal belongings. When it's time for your CT, the technologist will ask you to simply lie down on a cushioned table. During the scan, it is extremely important that you remain still and quiet. The scan itself is painless. Because the scanner is open, you will be able to communicate with the technologist at all times. What about radiation exposure? Radiation exposure is minimized with our advanced CT. The scanner is capable of altering the radiation emitted, depending on the thickness of the body part being scanned. How do you prepare for a CT? You may be asked to drink a flavored liquid contrast, which highlights the intestine and helps to differentiate the intestine from other internal organs. The diagnostic quality of most CT scans is also improved by the intravenous injection of an iodine based contrast. We suggest you not eat solid food four hours prior to intravenous contrast injections. As in any medical procedure, if you are pregnant be sure to inform your physician and the staff at West Plains Imaging prior to your exam. How long does the exam take? The multi-slice CT scan is very fast. Once you are on the CT table, most scans are performed during one or two breath-holds. For many newer types of CT scans, the computers will process many hundreds of single images to one or more 3D volumes of your body. When will you know the results? Once your exam is complete, a board-certified radiologist at West Plains Imaging will look at the images. The radiologist will interpret the scans and will have a report available to your doctor within 24 to 48 hours. If you have any additional questions, please talk to you doctor.
	About Ultrasound Ultrasound is a safe, radiation-free imaging procedure that utilizes the transmission of sound waves into the body with their returning echoes to visualize organs and fluid containing structures. West Plains Imaging has a state of the art Siemens Acuson Sequoia 512 S8.0 Paragon Ultrasound imaging unit giving high resolution images in a warm, comfortable environment. Our scanner incorporates Native Tissue Harmonics Imaging, a technical advance that permits higher resolution and more precise anatomic evaluation of the deep pelvic and abdominal anatomy, including the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, bladder, uterus, ovaries and testicles. This technique is especially helpful in large body patients who have been difficult to examine with traditional ultrasound scanners. It is also used to evaluate fetal development, certain breast conditions and the thyroid gland. A modified ultrasound technique, known as color flow Doppler, captures moving blood flow images of the large blood vessels and assesses the blood flow to normal and abnormal body parts. Ultrasound Frequently Asked Questions What is ultrasound? Ultrasound is a simple, safe, painless diagnostic procedure that bounces high-frequency sound waves off parts of the body and captures the returning "echoes" as images. What areas are examined? West Plains Imaging features a state-of-the-art ultrasound imaging unit, in which high-resolution scanning can be performed, not only of the abdominal and pelvic organs, but also of the vascular system. What can you expect? When you arrive at West Plains Imaging, the receptionist will help you with your paperwork and show you where to leave your personal belongings during the exam. When it's time for your exam, the technologist will take you into the comfortable ultrasound suite. Is the exam safe? Ultrasound is extremely safe. There is no injection or radiation exposure involved. How do you prepare for your exam? Please note the specific study your doctor has ordered and follow the appropriate instructions. Abdomen: No food or water 6-8 hours prior to exam. Aorta: No food 6-8 hours prior to exam. Breast: No preparation required. Carotid Arterial: No preparation required. Doppler: No preparation required. (Venous/Arterial) OB, under 15 weeks: Drink 32 oz. of water 1 hour prior to exam. Do not use the bathroom. Pelvic: Drink 32 oz. of water 1 hour prior to exam. Do not use the bathroom. Renal: No food 4 hours prior to exam. Drink 32 oz. of water 1 hour prior to exam. Do not use the bathroom. Scrotum: No preparation required. Soft tissue: No preparation required. (Head, Neck, Thyroid) Thyroid: No preparation required. Trans-vaginal: No preparation required. How long will the exam take? Your entire ultrasound exam will take from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the type of study your doctor has ordered. When will you know the results? Once your exam is complete, a board-certified radiologist at West Plains Imaging will look at the images. The radiologist will interpret the scans and will send your doctor a written report within 24 to 48 hours. If you have any additional questions, please talk to you doctor.
	Digital Mammography Digital Mammography is the newest x-ray technique to screen for the early detection of breast cancer. Our state of the art Hologic Digital Mammographic unit uses a detector to generate a computer based image of the breasts in place of traditional x-ray film. The resulting images are of superior quality to film, can be obtained at lower radiation doses, and require less breast compression. Your mammographic images are never "lost" and can always be made available for outside consultation or comparison. Digital Mammogram FAQs What is Digital Mammography? Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose X-ray system for examination of the breasts. At West Plains Imaging, we use the latest, most advanced digital mammography equipment. Why is a Digital Mammogram superior to a traditional mammogram? Compared to conventional film, digital images give better visibility of the breast, particularly near the skin line and chest wall. They're ideal for women with implants. For women with dense breast tissue, digital is far superior and may involve less radiation than a standard mammogram. What can you expect? When you arrive at West Plains Imaging, the receptionist will help you with your paperwork and show you where to leave your personal belongings during the exam. You will be asked to remove all jewelry and clothing above the waist, and you will be given a gown that opens in the front. When it's time for your exam, the technologist will position you to image your breast. The breast is first placed on a special platform and compressed with a paddle. The breast is then exposed to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of internal breast tissue. The image of the breast is produced as a result of some of the X-rays being absorbed, while others pass through the breast to expose a digital image receptor. The image is then stored digitally. You will be asked to change positions slightly between images. The process is repeated for the other breast. When should you schedule a mammogram? The best time to schedule a mammogram is one week following your period. Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. Always inform your doctor of any breast problems, prior surgeries, hormone use, family or personal history of breast cancer, and if there is a possibility you are pregnant. How do you prepare for a mammogram? On the day of your mammogram, please do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts. These can blur or distort the images. How long will the exam take? The examination process takes about a half an hour. When will you know the results? Once your exam is complete, a board-certified radiologist at West Plains Imaging will look at the images. The radiologist will interpret the scans and will have a report available to your doctor within 24 to 48 hours. Why are some women called back? About one in 10 women who have undergone a screening mammogram will be asked to return for additional views and/or an ultrasound exam. This does not mean you have breast cancer or will necessarily need a breast biopsy. The purpose of additional imaging is to see certain areas in your breast more clearly. If you have any additional questions, please talk to you doctor.
	Computed Radiography and Fluoroscopy Computed Radiography (CR) system uses the General Electric Precision 500D system combined with Fuji Smart CR as the latest method of generating images of the body in place of traditional x-ray films. In this technique, a part of the body, such as the chest, is exposed to a small amount of radiation. Instead of the chest image being printed on film, the image is transferred to a high resolution computer monitor, where it can be manipulated or altered as needed for better evaluation. In addition to evaluation of the chest, computed radiography is applied wherever traditional x-ray was used in the past, and has widespread applications including spine, bone and joint disorders and injuries, evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys and bladder. All CR images, like those from our other imaging modalities, are stored in our RIS/PACS system, can never be lost and can be made available for consultation through a variety of means. Fluoroscopy is a real time x-ray exam. It is used for a variety of procedures involving contrast agents necessary in evaluation of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems as well as the spine.
	Special Imaging Procedures At West Plains Imaging, we commonly perform a number of diagnostic procedures that involve the ingestion, injection, or instillation of a contrast agent into a body part to enhance the diagnosis of certain conditions affecting it. In addition, we are also experienced in performing a number of imaging directed biopsies of various organs as requested by an individual patient's referring physician. Special procedures are generally accomplished with little risk and minimal to no discomfort to the patient.