|
Diagnostic X-ray
Diagnostic x-ray is often a first exam ordered by a doctor. It can visualize many different parts of the body, allowing more accurate testing and diagnosis. Basic x-rays use a small amount of radiation to view the chest, abdomen, spine, skull, arms, or legs. More specialized x-rays use a contrast material, which is taken orally or injected, to better define the spine, kidneys, stomach, colon, or bladder.
Please register in Admitting/Registration 15 minutes prior to your Radiology appointment.
- Most x-ray examinations require no preparation.
- Always notify the technologist if you are pregnant.
- The following exams require you to have nothing by mouth after midnight prior to the exam: upper gastrointestinal (UGI), barium swallow, and esophagus; voidingcystourethrogram (VCUG) is 2 hours prior.
- Certain examinations such as colon, and limited intravenouspyelogram (IVP), require a preparation kit to be picked up in the Radiology Department, preferably between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.
The x-ray equipment in the MDH Radiology Department was upgraded in June of 2009 and features the best in imaging technology. The Kodak Directview Digital Radiography (DR) 7500 offers improved image quality, versatility and speed, and reduces patient exposure to radiation for general radiography exams. An auto-positioning feature enables the equipment to automatically move into position when a technologist selects a preprogrammed exam. This technology allows MDH to continue its conversion from film-based imaging to digital radiography. Digital images can be viewed by clinicians electronically in varied locations using the Picture Archiving Computer System (PACS).
|
