FAQs

Magnetic resonace imaging is a method of diagnosis which uses a static magnetic field, radiowaves and a computer to obtain signals from the body to create an image.

There is no radiation or x-rays used. This technology is important because MRI illustrates to your doctor more clearly then ever before possible the differences between healthy and diseased tissues.

An MRI provides detailed images of the body in any plane. Unlike CT, it uses no radiation, but uses a powerful magnetic field to align the magnetization of the hydrogen atoms in the body. Radio waves are then used to alter the alignment of the magnetization, causing the hydrogen atoms to produce rotating magnetic field detectable by the scanner. There are no side effects produced by this and the atoms return to normal when exiting the magnetic field. Small devices called “coils” may be placed around the head, arm, leg or other areas that are to be studied. These devices help to send and receive the radiowaves. The images can be viewed on a computer, on CD or printed on film. The machine produces loud sounds during the procedure. Ear plugs are usually given to help reduce the noise. Upon completion of the exam, you may resume normal activities

The scan is completed as an outpatient procedure, which means that the patient can go home after the test. During the scan it is important to lie completely still. A sedative is sometimes recommended to children or adults that may have a difficult time being still. It is important to arrange for appropriate transportation home in these cases.

MRI shows muscle, tissue, diseased tissue, tumors, bone, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons. X-rays only show bone.

With an MRI scan it is possible to take pictures from almost every angle, whereas a CT scan only shows pictures horizontally. There is no ionizing radiation (X-rays) involved in producing an MRI scan and the images can be more detailed, too. The difference between normal and abnormal tissue is often clearer on the MRI than on the CT scan.

There are no known dangers or side effects connected to an MRI scan. The test is not painful; you cannot feel it. Since radiation is not used, the procedure can be repeated without problems. Scans are not performed on pregnant women during early pregnancy due to a small theoretical risk to the fetus in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

No side effects are associated with an MRI.

The procedure time varies from 15 to 45 minutes depending on what body part is being scanned.

You may take a friend or family member into the scan room. They will also need to remove any metal and be screened for metal implants, just like the patient.

Any metal that can be removed, should be. Depending on what/where the implanted metal is and/or how long it has been in the body also will be asked. Normally, the wait time is 6 weeks after surgery for an MRI to safely be performed. Remember patients with pacemakers, defibrillators and certain types of aneurysm clips can NEVER be scanned. Our staff will ask you a series of “pre-screening” questions when your appointment is made.

MRA is magnetic resonance angiography. This looks at the blood flow in arteries, veins and can detect narrowing or stenosis. It is performed the same way as an MRI and may require a contrast injection.

Mammography

WNY Womens Imaging offers both screening and diagnostic mammography using state-of-the-art imaging equipment.  This includes full-field digital mammography.  Every screening mammogram is read using Computer Aided Detection Technology (CAD) .  This computer aided scanning of the mammogram helps the physicians provide a more accurate reading.

Every exam is tailored to the needs of each patient.  This includes previous surgeries, implants, tissue type and any physical limitations.  Not only do we strive to provide the most accurate reading of your mammogram but we also provide this in a comfortable more personal setting.

A screening mammogram, must be 1 year or more since last screening mammogram.

Day of the Exam:

No Perfume
No Powder
No Deodorant

Bone Densitometry

Bone densitometry is simple accurate test to evaluate overall bone mass.  It can diagnose osteopenia and osteoporosis.  WNY  Women’s Imaging offers bone densitometry to all patients that meet the recommended guidelines for screening. The test is quick and painless.  NOTE: You should not take any Calcium on the day of the test.

Stop calcium supplements 3 days before the exam.

IF a patient has had an IV injection or has had barium, the patient must wait 2 weeks before they have this exam.

Digital Motion X-Ray is a low dose fluoroscopic study of the cervical spine. This evaluation is used to diagnose ligament instability, common after motor vehicle accidents or neck injuries, that are not detected by standard x-rays. This is a painless exam that takes about 10-15 minutes. You will be standing for the x-ray and asked to move your neck in various directions (nodding, side to side) while the doctor takes the images. This x-ray is taken with the neck in motion and results in a video image that can be put onto a DVD.

Ultrasound imaging is a non invasive (no needles) medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.  Ultrasound imaging involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body.  Ultrasound exams do not use radiation (as used in xrays).  Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of an ultrasound examination.   This is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood velocity as it flows through a blood vessel.

PET  (Positron Emission Tomography) is an important non-invasive imaging technology that provides diagnostic imformation that other tests (MRI, CT, Ultrasound) may not.  This state-of-the-art technology uses PET and Computed Tomography (CT) combined in a single imaging session.  To obtain a PET/CT image, a sugar-Glucose is linked to a radioactive tracer Florine-18 (FDG).   There are no side effects or adverse reactions from this.  After receiving the dose, the patient relaxes comfortably for one hour.  The PET/CT scan takes approximately 20 minutes.

A Cardiac Score is a non-invasive way of obtaining information about the location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, (the vessels that supply oxygen containing blood to the heart wall). The computer program measures the calcium in the coronary arteries.

CT Angiography is used to examine blood vessels in key areas of the body including the brain, kidneys, legs, lungs, heart and neck. During this exam you will be injected with x-ray contrast and the whole exam should be about fifteen minutes.

CTA (Coronary CT Angiography) is a heart imaging test that takes high resolution 3 dimensional pictures of the moving heart and great vessels to determine if either fatty or calcium deposits have built up in the coronary arteries. During this test you will be hooked up to an EKG monitor which will record when your heart is in the resting stage, which is the best time for the CT scans to be taken

Fluoroscopy is a procedure performed by a radiologist using a machine called the fluoroscope. The fluoroscope has the abililty to capture continuous x-ray and motion during the exam and sends the information to a computer. You will be asked to drink a barium liquid before the exam. The Radiologist is able to view the barium as it travels through your digestive system. When the Radiologist has completed their portion of the test, the technologist will take some additional pictures to complete the exam.

For most of our studies an appointment is required. We can usually schedule you within 24 - 36 hours.

X-ray procedures are still on a walk in basis.

We don't have the space or staffing available to properly attend your child. However, we will be happy to reschedule your appointment to a more convenient time for you.