Norton Diagnostic Center – Elizabethtown

This advanced form of MRI, also called a “3 tesla MRI” or “high-field MRI” uses a magnet that is twice as powerful as a traditional MRI machine. This allows for greater detail, precision and speed that replaces the need for some minimally invasive diagnostic procedures. You’ll probably spend less time in the scanner — some studies can be completed two to three times faster, and the increased precision makes it less likely you’ll have to return for a follow-up scan.
An MRI uses a powerful magnet to send radio waves through your body to deliver detailed pictures of bones, soft tissue, nerves, blood vessels and other structures. MRIs don’t use ionizing radiation like X-rays or CT (computed tomography) scans.
MRIs are especially useful at showing subtle differences between tissue in the brain, heart and other internal organs. An MRI also can help diagnose cartilage loss, joint inflammation, compressed nerves or tears in the tissue in and surrounding joints.
As with any MRI scan, you’ll have to stay as still as possible while you lie on a padded table that will move inside the MRI tube. When the magnet is working, there’ll be a banging noise. You’ll be given earplugs and headphones that will allow you to talk with your technologist from inside the tube.

We use advanced equipment for your regular screening mammogram. State-of-the-art 3D mammogram technology means it’s less likely you’ll need to come back for a second exam. The more accurate imaging is especially helpful if you have dense breast tissue or are at high risk of breast cancer.

Unlike a conventional mammogram, 3D mammograms allow your radiologist to scroll through the image from various angles. This makes it easier to see small cancers that may not be visible on a 2D image.

Your experience will be almost identical to a 2D mammogram. Capturing all the angles needed for a 3D image, however, may take a few seconds longer.

This test can help your physician diagnose a muscle or bone disorder, or find a tumor, infection, blood clot, internal injuries or bleeding. During a CT scan, special X-ray equipment takes pictures of the inside of your body from different angles. A computer then combines these pictures to form detailed, three-dimensional (3D) views of the area of your body being examined

You will lie on a table that will move through a large, doughnut-shaped scanner that takes the pictures. You must lie very still during the test so that the pictures are not blurry or unclear. Your technologist will operate the scanning machine from another room and will talk to you through an intercom.

The test itself lasts only about 15 minutes, but you will need to stay for a brief time afterward so your technologist can be sure the pictures are clear and do not need to be retaken.

A DEXA scan is a state-of-the art bone density test. Like an X-ray, this test is painless and noninvasive. It’s performed by technologists specifically trained in bone density scanning.

The test gives a good indication of bone strength and is part of determining whether treatment is necessary. A bone density test won’t necessarily predict whether you’ll experience a broken bone. Some people with low bone density never have a fracture, while others with healthy bones might experience a broken bone. Other factors, including whether you’ve broken a bone in a fall, can influence your risk of another fracture.

Prior to a DEXA scan, you’ll need to stop taking any calcium or vitamin D supplements for 48 hours before the exam. You’ll lie flat on your back and will need to stay still to prevent blurring the image. A scanning arm will pass over your body, typically the pelvis and lower spine. The scanner will send low-dose X-rays through your body to see how much isn’t absorbed by tissue such as bone. The scan takes less than a half hour, and you’ll go home afterward.

Ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive and painless procedure that uses sound waves to view the body’s organs. A warm gel is applied to the skin above the organ(s) to be scanned. This gel helps the hand-held transducer detect sound waves and display the images.

Your ultrasound may take as little as 30 minutes or as long as two hours, depending on the organs being examined.

Digital X-rays of the head, chest, abdomen, spine, or extremities provide high detail and reduce repeat exposures.

Before taking the picture, your technologist may protect certain areas of your body from X-rays with a lead apron. The technologist either will place you on an examination table or ask you to stand upright in a certain position, possibly using a pillow, sandbag or other device to help you hold the proper position.

You will need to remain very still and/or hold your breath for a few seconds while the picture is taken. This process might be repeated several times.

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For questions regarding a bill from Norton Healthcare or Norton Children’s, call customer service at (502) 479-6300 or (800) 874-3979.