Radiology

What Services are Offered?

Below you will find sections detailing the various services that we offer in our Radiology department. Within each section you will find information regarding the exam, as well as any associated forms. Please feel free to download and print these forms prior to your appointment and bring them with you on the day of your exam. These are the same forms that you will be required to fill out on exam day.

Please note that ALL exams to be performed by the Radiology Department require a written order from your physician beforehand. Please also note that all exams, other than Diagnostic X-rays, are required to be scheduled with the Radiology Department before being performed.

Diagnostic X-Rays

Diagnostic X-rays are one of the most common exams that our radiology department conducts. X-rays allow us to detect and diagnose bone fractures and breaks throughout the skeletal system. There is typically no pre-exam preparation for the patient prior to an X-ray.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Computerized tomography (CT scan) combines a series of X-ray views taken from many different angles and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside your body.

The resulting images can be compared to looking down at single slices of bread from a loaf. Your doctor will be able to look at each of these slices individually or perform additional visualization to view your body from different angles. In some cases, CT images can be combined to create 3-D images. CT scan images can provide much more information compared to plain X-rays. Because of this, a CT scan can be used to quickly visualize nearly all parts of the body.

Abdomen/Pelvis CT Scan

(WITH and WITHOUT status only pertains to the IV contrast!! All Abd/Pelvis CT scans will be given the ORAL contrast which requires the 2 hour time wait, except for RENAL PROTOCOL CTs and they have NEITHER the ORAL or the IV contrast, because they will both mask the presence of a stone.)

Drink clear liquids only for 8 hours prior to the exam.

If the exam requires an oral contrast you will need to come to the hospital to drink it 2 hours prior to the exam. During this 2 hour wait time you will be free to leave and return for your scan; however, you may not eat or drink anything between the time of consuming the contrast and completing your CT Scan.

For Abdomen CT scans there is a one hour wait after drinking the contrast before the scan can be performed; two hours for Abdomen/Pelvis scans.

Download Abdomen/Pelvis CT Scan prep information: PDF .

You can print and fill out the Iodine Contrast Form prior to your exam: PDF .

Expecting Mothers must also fill out the CT Scan Pregnancy Consent Form: PDF .

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field to provide clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. Using highly specialized equipment, the MRI exam can be tailored to address particular medical questions being asked by you and your physician.

Before Your Exam

You will be required to complete an MRI screening form that your technologist will review prior to your exam. If you would like to complete this form before your appointment, you may do so via the following link - please bring your completed form(s) with you to your appointment.

Most implanted devices are considered safe for MRI screenings; however, there are a few devices that are not considered safe. If you have a pacemaker, defibrillator, or cerebral aneurysm clip, you will not be eligible for the exam. Please notify your physician if you have any of these devices. Additionally, devices implanted during surgery, such as cardiac stints, must be in place for at least 8 weeks prior to your MRI exam.

There are no fasting requirements for most MRI exams. You may eat, drink, and take your medications as prescribed.

Some MRI exams will require that you receive a contrast injection. If you are above the age of 60 or have had kidney problems, it may be necessary to have blood drawn in the lab prior to your MRI exam. A previous history of kidney failure, dialysis, or liver transplant will prohibit you from receiving the contrast injection. Please inform your physician and technologist of this prior to the exam. If you are claustrophobic and require sedation, you will need to make arrangements with your physician for the medication prior to your exam date. If you will be sedated, you must have a driver with you to take you home after the exam.

Day of Your Exam

During your exam, you will be positioned on a table that will travel into an open-ended tunnel where you will remain for the duration of the exam. The machine is very loud, thus you will be provided with hearing protection.

The MRI exam usually only lasts 25 minutes, but can last up to 45 minutes, depending on the type of exam you are receiving. We ask that you wear comfortable clothing with as little metal as possible.

Download MRI details and prep information: PDF .

You can print and fill out the MRI History Form prior to your exam: PDF .

Expecting Mothers must also fill out the MRI Pregnancy Consent Form: PDF .

Ultrasound

Sonograms

Physicians utilize ultrasound imaging as a tool to diagnose a wide variety of conditions that can affect organs and soft tissues within the body. Testing can be performed for obstetrics, cardiology, blood vessels, abdominal structures, neck and joints. Heart of Texas Healthcare System offers ultrasound services Monday through Friday. Your physician will order the exam and the radiology department will call you to schedule your appointment. Please make sure to follow the proper preparation requirements prior to your exam.

Depending on the type of ultrasound imaging that you will be receiving, there are varying levels of pre-exam preparation that must be completed. Additional preparation details for specific exams are listed below.

NPO (Nothing by mouth - No Food or Drink) for 8 hours prior to the exam:<br> Abdominal, Gallbladder, Renal, Aorta, Liver

No Prep:<br> Thyroid, Vascular (Arterial or Venous), Echo, Breast

Download prep information for the Sonograms listed above: PDF .

Echocardiogram

• An Echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the Heart. There is no prep required for an Echocardiogram; however, the patient should expect this exam to last at least one hour.

Download Echocardiogram prep information: PDF .

Abdominal Sonograms

• (Includes Abdominal Complete Sonograms, Abdominal Limited Sonograms, Gallbladder Sonograms, Liver Sonograms, and Aorta Sonograms.)

• Patient must be NPO (Nothing by mouth - No Food or Drink) after midnight the night before the exam and up until the exam has been completed.

Download Abdominal Sonogram prep information: PDF .

Pelvic Sonogram

• Drink 5-8 8 oz. glasses of water, coffee, or tea beginning 1 ½ hours prior to examination. This means that you must be finished drinking 1 hour prior to the exam.

• Do NOT empty your bladder until after the examination is completed.

Download Pelvic Sonogram prep information: PDF .

Renal Sonogram

• Drink at least four (4) 8oz. glasses of water prior to examination.

• Patient may empty their bladder as needed.

• Patient needs to be NPO (Nothing by mouth - No Food or Drink) after midnight the night before the exam, other than water in order to remain hydrated.

Download Renal Sonogram prep information: PDF .

Mammography

For the year of 2013, the Heart of Texas Healthcare System Mammography Department received a perfect score on the Quality Standards inspection regulated by Congress and the FDA.

Since 2013 we have offered Digital Mammography on a state-of-the-art Hologic Selenia machine. Use of this machine requires a written order from your physician before we can perform your mammogram.

Unlike any other parts of the body, the breast is composed mainly of soft tissue. When breast tissue is x-rayed, it creates an image that looks something like a smoky haze, making it difficult to see tiny “spots,” called microcalcifications, and other subtle signs of early cancer.

With digital mammography, the radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast, using special high-resolution monitors. The physician can adjust the brightness, change contrast, and zoom in for close ups of specific areas in question. Being able to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital technology.

Another convenience of digital mammography versus film-based systems is the reduction in retakes due to over exposure or under exposure. This saves time and reduces your exposure to x-rays.

Because the images are electronic, digital mammography information can be transmitted quickly across a network. Digital images can also be easily stored, copied without any loss of information, transmitted, and received in a streamlined manner, eliminating dependence on one set of “original” films.

Preparation For Your Mammogram

• Please refrain from wearing any lotion or deodorants when coming in for your mammogram.

Download Mammogram details and prep information: PDF.

You can print and fill out the Mammogram History Form prior to your exam: PDF.

Feel free to download our Mammography brochures:

Contact

Radiology Department Phone: 325.792.3535 Fax: 325.597.2981

DEXA (Bone Density)

Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is a type of radiological exam conducted to determine bone density. DEXA scans are crucial in our effort to diagnose and treat Osteoporosis in our patients. In addition, DEXA scans are also useful for measuring skeletal maturity and body mass and fat composition throughout the body.