Imaging

The IOH Imaging Centers provide patients with state-of-the-art imaging options.

Services

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Features a “short bore” magnet that allows patients who are sensitive to smaller spaces to see out of the top of the tube making the patient feel less claustrophobic. The MRI machine may scan patients up to 440 lbs. The equipment enables MRIs to be performed with and without contrast. The scanner also has coils that are designed especially for orthopaedic scans.

Non-orthopaedic scans available include:
• Head
• IAC
• Sella (Pituitary)
• Quiet Technology (at our South location)
• Large Windows (at our Northwest and South locations)

Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT Scan)
The 16 slice CT may scan patients up to 400 lbs and performs scans with and without contrast.

Scans available include:
• Head
• Metal check-orbit
• IAC, Sinus
• Spine
• Chest/Lung
• Chest PE
• Hi Res Chest
• Chest Nodule
• Abdomen
• Pancreas
• Kidneys
• Hips
• Pelvis
• Shoulder
• Elbow
• Wrist
• Knee
• Ankle/Foot
• CT stone protocol


Patient Questions
The following information contains frequently asked questions about our imaging services.

What can I expect when getting an MRI or CT scan?
The MRI, CT and radiology machines are not painful. Our MRI rooms have relaxing music available, including Sirius Satelite radio.

For slightly claustrophobic patients, the technician will provide special mirrored glasses that allow the patient to feel like they are at the opening of the scanner instead of the inside.

Although some scans may run longer, most scans take 30 minutes to perform.
For extremely claustrophobic patients, mild sedation can be given upon approval from your physician. This will need to be arranged when scheduling your appointment.

How do I prepare for the procedure?
Depending upon the type of scan, occasionally patients might need to fast for four to six hours prior to the scan. Our staff will also make you aware of metal or electronic device notifications and criteria for labs.

After signing in, the patient will be taken to the waiting area. We’ll take a brief medical history, ask you a few questions and answer your questions. A hospital gown or shorts will be provided, or you may be allowed to wear sweats or similar non-restrictive clothing without metal fasteners. Right before your scan, you’ll take out any removable dental work. Lockers are provided for your possessions.

What does the procedure entail?
When a scan is scheduled, the physician will send an order sheet. It gives some medical history and mentions what injury or condition the physician suspects. It is like a prescription for the scan. Our certified technologists complete the scans that the doctors need to evaluate your condition.

For an MRI, the patient lies on the narrow table that slides inside a large tunnel-like tube. For a CT, the patient lies on a table with a large “o” around it that you will slide through. A blanket and pillow will be provided. The patient will be asked to lie still, because movement can blur the images. The technician observes the pa¬tient throughout the procedure and talks with them. If there are “intermissions” between scans, the technician will tell the patient when they can cough, scratch their nose, etc.

When the scan is completed, the patient is free to go. Normal diet and activities may be resumed immediately. Unless a patient has been sedated, there’s no recovery required. If the patient was sedated, a licensed driver must take the patient home after assessment by a technologist.

What happens next?
A radiologist will review the test results and forward a report to the physician. This will be done quickly so decisions about the patient’s condition and treatment can be made as soon as possible. After evaluating the test results, the physician will contact the patient to go over the results or to schedule an appointment. Results are forwarded to appropriate parties promptly.

Remember, the equipment is intimidating, but the people are not. The professionals at IOH’s imaging centers take the time to make sure patients are comfortable with the imaging process.

IOH Imaging Centers are conveniently located to meet your imaging needs close to your home:

• IOH Northwest
• IOH South
• IOH West