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Diagnostic Imaging

Ultrasounds

Ultrasound imaging, or sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the human body by using high frequency sound waves. As sound passes through the body, echoes are produced that identify how far away an object is, the size of the object, its shape and consistency (solid, fluid or mixed).

Ultrasound is a useful way of examining many of the body’s internal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, ovaries, thyroid and testicles. Because ultrasound provides real-time images, it is also useful as a guide for needle biopsies.

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Common MRI Exams

MRI Abdomen

MRI’s of the abdomen are commonly performed to detect issues in the liver, gallbladder, digestive tract, and other organs. It can also be used to evaluate the state of blood vessels and organs prior to a surgery or transplant.

MRI Pelvis

MRI’s of the pelvis are commonly performed to detect issues in the bladder, prostate, reproductive organs, lymph nodes, rectum, anus and pelvic bones.

MRI Breast

MRI’s of the breast are many times administered after an initial mammogram to further explore abnormalities. Breast MRI’s are ideal for patients with “dense” breast tissue, because MRI images show more detail allowing radiologists to see more than with a standard x-ray image.

MR-Guided Biopsy

Using an MRI machine to guide a biopsy is very efficient because the clear images help radiologists to accurately sample the abnormality.

MRI Extremities

MRI is frequently used to scan major joints in the body. Including shoulders, wrists, knees and hips. MRI can locate and identify the cause of pain, swelling, and bleeding in the tissues around joints and bones. The images can see tears and injuries to tendons, ligaments and muscles. MRI can also show arthritis and tumors involving bones and joints.

MRI Spine

MRI is frequently used to determine the causes of back pain, leg pain and numbness. The exam can detect a bulging, degenerated or herniated intervertebral disk. MRI can be done to help plan surgeries of the spine. MRI performed after surgery will show whether infection or post-op scarring is present. Patients that have had surgery of the spine may require an injection of contrast material.

MRI Brain

MRI of the brain is useful in detecting brain tumors, strokes and certain disorders such as multiple sclerosis. MRI can also detect abnormalities of the eyes or inner ear. Most exams of the brain will require an injection of contrast material to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. A small needle is placed into a vein of the hand or arm for the injection.

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

MRA provides detailed images of blood vessels with or without the use of contrast material. MRA can detect blocking or narrowing of arteries, and can also detect aneurysms, an enlarged artery. Commonly preformed MRA Exams include brain, carotids (neck) and renal arteries.

MR Enterography

Magnetic resonance (MR) enterography is used to diagnose inflammation, bleeding, obstructions and other problems in the small intestine. Patients ingest a barium contrast medium before their scan that highlights certain parts of the digestive tract in the images.

MRI Machine Types

3T High-Definition MRI

AMI is the only outpatient center in Lincoln equipped with the most advanced MRI that provides highly detailed images, faster. The large bore design is made for patient comfort and is ideal for and larger patients.

HERO 3T

Advanced Medical Imaging is the first location in the entire midwest to install a HERO 3T with the latest technology. Scan times are reduced by 50% using Air Recon DL.

1.5T Standard MRI

The most common of MRI machines is used the most often and has many benefits. There is more signal than the 1T open MRI providing a faster and better image. Less signal than the 3T MRI means less noise and heat than the stronger machine.

1T High-field Open MRI

The only high-field Open MRI in Lincoln, allows for three times the amount of patient space than cylindrical MRIs. The open design perfect for claustrophobic and bariatric patients.

Procedure Process

The steps you will take to prepare for an ultrasound will depend on the area or organ that is being examined.

You may need to fast for eight to 12 hours before your ultrasound, especially if your abdomen is being examined. Undigested food can block the sound waves, making it difficult for the technician to get a clear picture.

For an examination of the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, or spleen, you may be told to eat a fat-free meal the evening before your test and then to fast until the procedure. However, you can continue to drink water and take any medications as instructed. For other examinations, you may be asked to drink a lot of water and to hold your urine so that your bladder is full and better visualized.

The AMI sonographer, will apply a special lubricating jelly to your skin. This prevents friction so they can rub the ultrasound transducer on your skin. The transducer has a similar appearance to a microphone. The jelly also helps transmit the sound waves.

The transducer sends high-frequency sound waves through your body. The waves echo as they hit a dense object, such as an organ or bone. Those echoes are then reflected back into a computer. The sound waves are at too high of a pitch for the human ear to hear. They form a picture that can be interpreted by the doctor.

Depending on the area being examined, you may need to change positions so the technician can have better access.

After the procedure, the gel will be cleaned off of your skin. The whole procedure typically lasts less than 30 minutes, depending on the area being examined. You will be free to go about your normal activities after the procedure has finished.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions about our services, please contact our friendly staff.

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Is an ultrasound safe?

Yes. Most ultrasound procedures are reasonably safe and considered non-invasive (i.e. no injections, needles or incisions are normally used in the procedure). Unlike other imaging procedures, ultrasounds do not involve radiation exposure, and instead make use of low-power sound waves.

Does a breast ultrasound show more than a mammogram?

Mammography is still the best way to image the entire breast. Ultrasound is used to target certain areas in question on the mammogram, as well as lumps and painful areas that the patient or physician is concerned about. Ultrasound is also used as a screening tool for people with dense breasts who have already had a mammogram.

What is an ultrasound-guided procedure?

An ultrasound-guided procedure may consist of a biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue from inside your body is obtained using the ultrasound machine for guidance. This technique often eliminates the need for an operation to get the same piece of tissue. A radiofrequency ablation is a separate procedure, which is performed to treat a tumor.

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