Imaging and Radiology

Maybe you need an X-ray or it’s time for your mammogram. You may need special testing, like a CT scan or MRI, to help with a diagnosis.   Imaging studies use different techniques to show bones, organs and other structures in the body. The type of imaging study that’s right for you depends on your medical needs.

St. Joseph’s Health offers a full range of imaging services, backed by the expertise of a team of board-certified radiologists, to help point the way to the right diagnosis and treatment plan. We are committed to providing the highest levels of imaging excellence and patient safety. We are accredited by the American College of Radiology for excellence in Mammography, MRI, CT, and Ultrasound.  Our advanced technology ensures accurate results while using the lowest possible radiation for your safety.  Our team performs over 200,000 imaging exams each year. 

We make it easy to get a test and get on with your day. At St. Joseph’s Health, you can choose from a variety of appointment options, including evening and weekend times, at multiple locations throughout the area. Once here, you’ll find a warm and welcoming environment, with supportive team members who focus on your individual needs and comfort.

Bone density scan:   The test uses X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are in the bones. It is used to determine if you have osteoporosis — a disorder characterized by bones that are more fragile and more likely to break.

Breast biopsy:   This is a procedure that involves using a biopsy needle or surgery to remove a sample of your breast tissue so that a pathologist can examine it for breast cancer or other conditions.

Breast MRI:   Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses radio waves and strong magnets to make detailed pictures of the inside of the breast.  It is often used as a supplement for mammography or ultrasound imaging to detect and stage breast cancer and other breast abnormalities.

Cardiac MRI:  Cardiac MRI creates both still and moving pictures of your heart and major blood vessels. It is used to get pictures of the beating heart and to look at its structure and function to determine heart health issues.

Coronary calcium scan:  This is a CT (computed tomography) scan that looks at how much calcium is in your coronary arteries.  The results are used to evaluate potential problems, including the buildup of calcium in arterial plaque, before the onset of symptoms.

CT (Computed Tomography) Scan:  This is an imaging test that helps detect diseases and injuries. It uses a series of X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of your bones, muscles, organs, or blood vessels. A CT scan is painless and noninvasive.

CT Coronary Angiography (CTA):  This is an imaging test that looks at the arteries that supply blood to the heart. A CT coronary angiogram uses a powerful X-ray machine to produce images of the heart and its blood vessels. The test is used to help determine if there are blockages and diagnose a variety of heart conditions.

Interventional radiology. Interventional radiology is a sub-specialty of radiology that uses imaging to guide minimally-invasive procedures that diagnose and treat many conditions.  Interventional radiologists use image guidance, including fluoroscopy, ultrasound, CT or magnetic resonance imaging, to perform minimally invasive procedures that would otherwise be unavailable or would require open surgery.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):  This is a noninvasive and painless test that creates clear images of the structures inside your body using a large magnet, radio waves and a computer. It is used to evaluate, diagnose and monitor several different medical conditions.

Mammogram: A mammogram is an X-ray image of your breasts. It can show abnormal (usually noncancerous, or benign) areas or tissues in your breast and can help detect cancer before you have symptom. A mammogram is the most effective screening tool for early detection of breast cancer.

Nuclear Medicine:  Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive material inside the body to see how organs or tissue are functioning or to target and destroy damaged or diseased organs or tissue.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan: This is an imaging exam that creates pictures of metabolic activity inside your body.  It uses a radioactive substance to find for disease in the body and see how organs and tissues are working.

Ultrasound (sonography):  Ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure which produces pictures of the inside of the body using high-frequency sound waves.

X-ray:  X-ray, the most common form of diagnostic imaging, uses a low dose of radiation to take digital images of anatomical structures.