Imaging & Diagnostic Services

State-of-the-Art Technology to Diagnose Medical Issues

At Carson Valley Health, we perform a variety of diagnostic imaging procedures using advanced technology. Our Imaging Center staff is trained to explain these imaging test procedures and respect patient privacy and comfort as you have your imaging tests taken. The imaging tests are read by radiologists, who are available for imaging services at the hospital 24 hours a day.

MRI

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.MR imaging uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses, and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor, printed, or copied to CD. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (X-rays). The purpose of an MRI is to evaluate the internal organs and blood vessels to detect or monitor treatment for various conditions.

CT Scans

• CT imaging combines special X-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed. Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Ultrasound

• This noninvasive medical test helps physicians diagnose and evaluate symptoms such as pain, swelling, and infection. Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, 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 ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays). 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.

Nuclear Medicine

• This medical imaging test uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of cancers, heart disease, and certain other abnormalities within the body. CVH utilizes the latest nuclear medicine equipment available.

Mammogram

• CVH offers the most sophisticated digital 3D mammography equipment in the industry, which provides a high-quality image to the radiologist for an accurate diagnosis. Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases in women. We offer different types of mammograms to give patients their best chance for early, accurate diagnosis.

3D Mammography | Diagnostics | Carson Valley Health

How to prepare for your 3D Mammo at CVH

X-Ray Technology

X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. Taking X-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body to help doctors arrive at a diagnosis so a customized treatment plan can be made.

Learn more about our imaging X-ray procedures, which include:

• Bone X-rays: These X-rays make images of any bone in the body, including the hand, wrist, arm, foot, ankle, knee, leg, or spine. Most bone x-rays require no special preparation.
• Chest X-rays: This is the most commonly performed diagnostic x-ray examination. A chest x-ray makes images of the heart, lungs, airways, blood vessels, and the bones of the spine and chest. A chest x-ray requires no special preparation.
• Joint X-rays (arthrography): Conventional arthrography is the X-ray examination of a joint that uses a particular form of x-ray called fluoroscopy and a contrast material containing iodine. These noninvasive medical tests help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions affecting the body’s joints.
• Lower and Upper GI X-rays (barium enema and esophagaram): These noninvasive X-rays examine the intestines to diagnose and treat medical conditions that affect this part of the body. Lower GI -rays can detect benign or cancer tumors and other signs of intestinal illness, such as irritable bowel syndrome. An upper GI examination helps evaluate digestive function to detect conditions such as ulcer, tumors, hiatal hernias, scarring, blockage, and more
• Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): This X-ray examination of the kidneys, ureters, and urinary bladder uses iodinated contrast material injected into veins. An IVP allows the radiologist to view and assess the anatomy and function of the urinary system, as well as how quickly and efficiently the patient’s system is able to handle waste. It can detect programs resulting from kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or urinary tract tumors.

The CVH Medical Imaging Department is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. Our limited Saturday services -include CT, MRI or X-Ray, but radiologists and technicians are available 24/7 to serve our hospital and emergency patients.