A barium enema or lower gastrointestinal exam is an X-ray study of the large intestine (colon and rectum). The patient lies on a table while a preliminary X-ray is taken. The patient is then given an enema of contrast material, containing barium, which enables the large intestine to be seen on an X-ray. The radiologist observes the flow of barium through the colon on a fluoroscope monitor. The patient is asked to move into different positions, and the table may be slightly tilted, to help the barium move through the colon.

X-rays are taken from different angles. The test is performed by a state licensed, ARRT (American Registry of Radiological Technologists) certified technologist.

There are two kinds of barium enema.

• Single contrast study - The colon is filled with barium, outlining the intestine and showing large abnormalities of the colon and rectum

• Double contrast or "air -contrast" study - The colon is filled with barium, then drained, leaving a thin coating of barium on the wall of the colon. The colon is then filled with air, providing a more detailed look at the inner surface of the colon. This makes it easier to see polyps, tumors, or inflammation.

A single contrast study may be preferable for medical reasons, or for people who may be unable to tolerate a double contrast study.

A barium enema is used to help diagnose diseases and other problems that affect the large intestine.

• 1:00pm - Drink 8 ounces of water.

• 3:00pm - Drink 8 ounces of water.

• 5:00-6:00pm - Eat a light supper consisting of clear soups, clear fluids, and jello (no solid food)

• 7:00pm - Drink 8 ounces of water

• 8:00pm - Drink 1 whole bottle of citrate magnesia and take 4 tablets of Dulcolax.

• 7am - Drink 12 ounces of water or clear fluids, and take 1 dulcolax suppository.

Please see "Esophogram".

Bone Denistometry is a painless, non-invasive test that utilizes very low levels of radiation to measure the bone mineral density in a particular area of the bones. This measurement is used to determine the strength or density of the bones.

The patient lies on a table while a moveable arm passes slowly over the area of the body to be studied (neck, spine, hip). The test is performed by a state licensed, ARRT (American Registry of Radiological Technologists) certified technologist.

The measurement obtained from the bone densitometry is compared with a reference population whose age, sex, and racial background are similar to the patient’s. This information will help the referring physician determine if treatment is required to protect or improve the density of the patient’s bones.

If the referring physician requests it, a vertebral fracture analysis can be done at the same time, on the same equipment. This analysis takes only 10 seconds longer than a conventional Bone Densitometry exam, and delivers far less radiation than a traditional X-ray. The data obtained from this analysis will indicate if the patient has any asymptomatic vertebral fractures.

There is no special preparation for a Bone Density Test. However, the patient should wear loose comfortable clothing, preferably without metal buttons, buckles, and zippers.

A computed tomography scan (CT) or computerized axial tomography scan (CAT scan) is a specialized type of X-ray that produces 3-dimensional images of a cross section of the body. The test is painless, and is designed to obtain the maximum amount of information with the least amount of exposure to radiation. A CT scan produces more detailed images of internal organs and other body structures than regular X-rays, and is therefore better for diagnosing some conditions.

The patient lies on an examination table, which moves slowly into the CT scanner until the area of the body to be studied is positioned correctly. An X-ray tube focuses a narrow beam of X-rays through the body. The tube rotates around the body, taking thousands of readings, which are analyzed by a computer to produce 3-dimensional images of a cross section or slice of the body. The test is performed by a state licensed, ARRT (American Registry of Radiological Technologists) certified technologist. Although the technologist is in another room during the study, he or she can see the patient through a window, and is in contact with the patient throughout the study.

In order to make blood vessels and certain structures inside the body more visible on the images, a special dye or contrast agent may be administered through a vein in the arm. When an abdominal CT scan is done, the patient is usually given a contrast agent to drink. Although reactions to contrast materials are rare, please make certain that you inform the technologist if you have allergies, or have had a previous reaction to contrast.

A CT scan is an important tool that can assist a physician in making an accurate diagnosis of a patient’s condition, allowing the patient to be treated with greater success.

• The patient must come to our office at least one day before the exam to pick up oral contrast.

• The oral contrast is to be consumed at home the evening before the exam.

• The patient must arrive 60 minutes prior to the exam for additional oral preparation.

• Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to the examination.

• Normal medications, that need to be taken within this 4 hour period, should be taken with a small amount of water.

• Diabetics should have nothing to eat or drink for 3 hours prior to the exam.

• Patients taking glucophage should discontinue it on the day of the exam, and for 2 days after. The patient must have a stat blood test, to check renal functions, before resuming glucophage.

   

• No preparation.

PREPARATIONS MAY NEED TO BE MODIFIED DEPENDING ON THE PATIENT’S DIAGNOSIS.

An esophagram is that portion of an upper gastrointestinal series that examines the throat and esophagus. The patient is given a mixture of barium and water to drink. The radiologist follows the movement of the barium through the throat and esophagus using fluoroscopy, and a state licensed, ARRT (American Registry of Radiological Technologists) certified technologist takes a series of X-rays.

A barium swallow is used to help diagnose diseases and other problems that affect the throat and esophagus.

• Nothing to eat or drink (not even water) after midnight the night before the test and the morning of the test.

Fluoroscopy is a diagnostic test that uses a continuous beam of X-rays to follow movement in the body. The images resulting from fluoroscopy are displayed on a video monitor.

Fluoroscopy is often used to observe the digestive tract.

Please see "Barium Enema", "Barium Swallow ", "Esophagram", "Hystersosalpingogram", "Small Bowel Series", and "Upper Gastrointestinal Series".

Please refer to the preparations listed under Barium Enema, Barium Swallow, Esophagram, Hysterosalpingogram, Small Bowel Series and Upper Gastrointestinal Series.

A Hysterosalpingogram is a type of X-ray that examines the uterus and the fallopian tubes. It is generally done on women who are unable to become pregnant (infertile).

The patient lies on a table while a special dye or contrast material is injected through a thin tube inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. The radiologist uses fluoroscopy to observe the movement of the contrast through the uterus and fallopian tubes, while a state licensed, ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) certified technologist takes X-rays. The images can show injuries, abnormalities and blockages in the uterus or fallopian tubes that could cause infertility.

The patient should call our office at (914) 633-3841 for instructions.

An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an X-ray study that provides images of the urinary tract including the kidneys, the bladder, the ureters, and the urethra.

The patient lies on a table while a special dye or contrast agent is injected through a vein in the arm. The contrast agent makes the urinary tract more visible on the images. Although reactions to contrast material are rare, please inform the technologist if you have allergies or if you have had a previous reaction to contrast. A state licensed, ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) certified technologist takes a series of images, over a period of time, as the contrast passes through the urinary tract. The images show the size, shape and position of the structures of the urinary tract, and evaluate the collecting system of the kidneys.

An intravenous pyelogram is used to diagnose certain diseases and abnormalities of the urinary tract.

• Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to the examination.

• Normal medications, that need to be taken within this 4 hour period, should be taken with a small amount of water.

• Diabetics should have nothing to eat or drink for 3 hours prior to the exam.

THE PREPARATION MAY NEED TO BE MODIFIED ACCORDING TO THE PATIENT’S DIAGNOSIS.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI is a safe and painless test that utilizes a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of the soft tissues of the body. An MRI can often provide information that is not available from X-ray tests, and because the pictures an MRI produces are so exact, the test may eliminate the need for certain types of diagnostic surgeries.

The patient lies on a scanning table that slides slowly into a large cylindrical magnet, open at both ends. A surface coil may be attached to the part of the body being scanned. A magnetic field surrounds the body, and radio waves are turned on and off while the images are being taken. The patient is able to listen to music during the test, which is performed by state licensed, ARRT (American Registry of Radiological Technologists) certified technologist. Although the technologist is in another room while the test is being performed, he or she can see the patient through a window, and is in contact with the patient throughout the study. New Rochelle Radiology’s MRI has the shortest and widest, high field strength magnet currently on the market.

Sometimes the use of a contrast agent is necessary to better visualize the different structures of the body. If the referring physician or the radiologist determines that a contrast agent is needed, it will be administered through a vein in the arm. Although reactions to the contrast agent are extremely rare, please inform the technologist if you have allergies, or have had a previous reaction to a contrast agent.

The detailed pictures that an MRI produces can assist a physician in making an accurate diagnosis, enabling the patient to be treated with greater success.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) is a type of Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan that takes pictures of the blood vessels inside the body. The images are so detailed that they may eliminate the need for certain types of invasive procedures.

• Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to the exam.

• Normal medications, that need to be taken within this 4 hour period, should be taken with a small amount of water.

   

• No preparation.

Mammography is a low dose X-ray of the breast, which produces a detailed image that can detect breast abnormalities or problems even before they can be felt. The image produced is called a mammogram.

The test is performed by a state licensed female technologist, with ARRT (American Registry of Radiological Technologists) certification. In order to obtain the best pictures, the breast is compressed for a short period of time, which can cause some discomfort.

A mammogram is used to detect or screen for breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer, through mammography, gives the patient the opportunity to be treated early in the course of the disease.

• Do not use deodorant or powder on the underarms or breasts on the day of the exam.

   

   

Nuclear Medicine is a form of imaging that uses a very small dose of radioactive material, called an isotope or radiopharmaceutical, to diagnose and sometimes treat disease. Radiopharmaceuticals or isotopes are materials that are attracted to specific organs, bones, or tissues. They are administered to the patient by IV injection, capsule, special tubing or inhalation. Those used in nuclear medicine give off gamma rays that can be detected by special types of cameras. These cameras work with computers to form images that provide information about the area of the body being imaged. A nuclear medicine test is painless, and the exposure to radiation is about the same as that of a diagnostic X-ray.

During the exam, the patient lies on an examination table that slides slowly into the nuclear camera until the area of the body to be studied is correctly positioned. The test is performed by a nuclear technologist certified by the NMTCB (The Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board).

Nuclear medicine can be used for the early detection of a wide variety of diseases. The earlier a problem is discovered, the better the chance for successful treatment and cure.

• No preparation.

• Please call our office at (914) 633-7700 for special instructions.

• Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours before the test.

• Normal medications, that need to be taken within this 4 hour period, should be taken with a small amount of water.

• If the patient takes any medication, please call our office at (914) 633-7700 for special instructions.

• Please call our office at (914) 633-7700 for special instructions.

   

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine study that detects changes in how the cells of the body function and metabolize nutrients such as sugar and oxygen. Changes in cellular function often occur before physical changes, therefore, PET may detect tissue abnormalities long before they are evident in other anatomic imaging exams such at CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), and Ultrasound.

Computed Tomography (CT) is a 3-dimensional, cross-sectional imaging study that detects changes in the size and structure of the body's internal organs.

PET/CT Fusion Imaging is an imaging study that blends the technology of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and the technology of Computed Tomography (CT) into one comprehensive study. The data obtained from the fusion of images is far superior to that obtained from either study alone, allowing the physician to rapidly identify and locate diseased areas in the body.

PET/CT Fusion Imaging is a safe and painless exam. The patient is given an intravenous injection of a radiopharmaceutical that is similar to glucose and has been tagged with a radioactive tracer. Because the radiopharmaceutical behaves similarly to glucose, it collects in abnormal cells that are metabolically active. Although all cells utilize glucose, abnormal cells accumulate it at a much higher rate than normal cells.

For most studies, the patient must wait for the radiopharmaceutical to move through the body, generally 30 minutes to an hour, before the scan can be done. During this time, the patient is able to relax.

The patient lies on a comfortable table that moves slowly through the ring-like PET/CT scanner while the scanner gathers data that is used to generate diagnostic images. The study is performed by a state licensed ARRT (American Registry of Radiological Technologists) technologist, certified in Nuclear Medicine together with a state licensed ARRT technologist trained in Computed Tomography (CT). Although the technologists are in another room during the study, they can see the patient through a window, and are in contact with the patient throughout the study.

A PET/CT not only provides key information for diagnosis, but also for the management of disease. Data from a PET/CT study can be used as a guide in surgical treatment, as well as to quickly determine the effectiveness of a treatment regimen. PET/CT is currently used in the areas of oncology, cardiology and neurology, with more clinical applications anticipated.

The day before the test:

• No physical activity (the patient should remain as calm and quiet as possible)
• Drink plenty of water

The day of the test:

• No physical activity (the patient should remain as calm and quiet as possible)
• One hour before the test, drink one, eight ounce glass of water
• Nothing else to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to the test

Radiation oncology or radiation therapy is the use of high energy X-rays to destroy or damage cancer cells by preventing them from dividing and growing. Although radiation therapy damages normal cells as well as cancer cells, normal cells are able to regenerate. Because cancer cells grow and divide more rapidly than the healthy cells surrounding them, radiation therapy is effective in treating many forms of cancer, and is often used in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Radiation therapy may be used alone, prior to surgery or chemotherapy in order to shrink a tumor, and after surgery or chemotherapy to kill any cancer cells that remain. It is used to treat more than half of cancer cases, and is the primary treatment for certain types of cancers.

Radiation therapy can be administered externally or internally. External radiation is delivered by equipment that directs high energy X-rays at the cancer while the patient lies on an exam table. The treatments are painless, and are administered by state licensed, ARRT (American Registry of Radiological Technologists) certified technologists. Internal radiation is administered by a radioactive source that is implanted into or near the tumor. Internal radiation is called brachytherapy or implant therapy, and is used to treat many different types of cancers, including those of the prostate, uterus and cervix. All treatment is administered under the direction of a board certified radiation oncologist, and a board certified physicist and medical dosimetrist are on staff.

• No preparation.

Please see "Radiation Oncology".

A small bowel series is that portion of an upper gastrointestinal series that examines the small bowel or small intestine. It is only done in conjunction with an upper gastrointestinal series when specifically ordered by the referring physician.

The patient is given a mixture of barium and water to drink. Once the barium has reached the small intestine, the patient lies on a table, while the radiologist monitors the movement of the barium on a fluoroscopy monitor. A state licensed, ARRT (American Registry of Radiological Technologists) certified technologist takes images at timed intervals.

A small bowel series can take anywhere from 45 minutes to several hours, depending on the rate at which the barium moves through the patient’s system.

A small bowel series is used to diagnose disorders and diseases that affect the small bowel.

• 1:00pm - Drink 8 ounces of water

• 3:00pm - Drink 8 ounces of water

• 5:00-6:00pm - Eat a light supper consisting of clear soups, clear fluids, and jello (no solid food).

• 7:00pm - Drink 8 ounces of water.

• 8:00pm - Drink 1 whole bottle of citrate magnesia and take 4 tablets of Dulcolax.

Nothing to eat or drink (not even water) after midnight the night before the test and the morning of the test.

THIS PREPARATION MAY NEED TO BE MODIFIED BY THE PATIENT’S PHYSICIAN.

Please see "Ultrasound".

An ultrasound or sonogram is a safe and painless test done with sound waves that are used to produce images of the internal structures of the body.

A clear, non-staining gel is applied to the skin, and the sound waves are transmitted and received by a transducer (a hand held probe) that a certified sonographer moves back and forth over the area being examined. A computer analyzes the sound waves, and converts them into images that are displayed on a video monitor.

Ultrasound can be used to examine various parts of the body including the abdomen, pelvis, breast, prostate, scrotum, thyroid, parathyroid and vascular system. It is frequently used to evaluate fetal growth and movement during pregnancy, and to determine the due date of the baby.

• Nothing to eat or drink (including water) after midnight the night preceding the test and the morning of the test.

• Empty bladder before beginning preparation.

• Drink 6, 8 ounce glasses of liquid (a total of 48 ounces) one hour before the test.

• Complete the drinking in 20 minutes.

• Do not empty bladder.

• Empty bladder before beginning preparation.

• Drink the following amounts one hour before the test, and do not empty bladder:

6 - 15 weeks: 5, 8 ounce glasses of liquid (a total of 40 ounces).

16 - 20 weeks: 2, 8 ounce glasses of liquid (a total of 16 ounces).

Over 20 weeks: No preparation

• No preparation

An upper gastrointestinal series (Upper GI Series) is a painless X-ray study of the upper and middle sections of the gastrointestinal tract, sometimes followed by X-rays of the small bowel, called a small bowel series.

The patient is given gas producing crystals, followed by a mixture of barium and water to drink. While the patient lies on a table, the radiologist monitors the movement of the barium through the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine using fluoroscopy. The patient is asked to move into different positions to help distribute the barium. Several X-rays are taken at different times and from different directions by a state licensed, ARRT (American Registry of Radiological Technologists) certified technologist.

An upper gastrointestinal series is used to help diagnose diseases and other problems that affect the gastrointestinal tract.

• Nothing to eat or drink (not even water) after midnight the night before the examination, and the morning of the examination.

   

An X-ray is a painless diagnostic procedure that uses a low dose of radiation to produce images of the inner anatomy of the body.

The patient is positioned to best visualize the area of the body being imaged, and multiple views may be taken. A lead apron may be draped over part of the patient’s body in order to shield it from unnecessary radiation. The test is performed by a state licensed, ARRT (American Registry of Radiological Technologists) certified technologist.

A physician will order an X-ray exam for health screening, to diagnose a fracture, or disease.

• No preparation.