Diagnostic Medical Imaging Services

by Kevin Smith Author

There are many different types of injuries that require medical imaging, and many different medical imaging types. So much so that it can all get overwhelming when you’re already feeling down about being injured. Understanding the different types of imaging before you’re faced with an injury or illness is key to keeping the process more bearable. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of some of the available diagnostic medical imaging in Long Island, NY, along with what it’s typically used for and how the process is performed.

X-Ray

The medical imaging process that many people are most familiar with is the x-ray. These are done so commonly, even when you visit the dentist, that they don’t even phase people anymore. Basically, a picture is taken either digitally or with a film of whatever part of your body that, they’re trying to view. In order to minimize the radiation that your body gets, they’ll point the camera directly on that body part, be it tooth, leg or arm, and cover the rest of you in a weighted lead apron. X-rays are painless and can give doctors a look at things like broken bones, cracked teeth or fractures.

MRI

An MRI, which stands for magnetic resonance imaging, uses a magnet and radio waves to take scans of your anatomy and some of the physiological activity in your body. They can view your brain, cardiovascular or muscular systems in detail using this technology. Typically, you are either laying down and slowly moved into a tube where the magnet will spin around you, or you can opt for an open MRI which is less likely to induce claustrophobic feelings. It is critical that you don’t have any metal on when getting an MRI as it could cause severe damage with the use of the magnetic force.

CT Scans

A CT scan is, in its most basic form, a series of x-rays put together to form an overall view of a certain section of your body. They are typically used to image things like your head, lungs, and abdominal areas. Because this process uses x-rays, the risk of issues associated with radiation exposure is there, so this procedure should not be used often.

These are just a few of the available diagnostic medical imaging services in Long Island, NY. As always, your doctor will help you make the right decision as to which is right to treat your injury, but ensuring your safety and recovery should be a top priority.