The Radiology Department is a 24 -hour-a-day full service imaging facility. The department offers magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT scans, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, diagnostic X-rays, and S.P.E.C.T. nuclear medicine scans. The BMH ultrasound services are accredited by the American College of Radiology. In addition, two mammography units are available in a newly modernized suite. The mammography service is accredited by the American College of Radiology and certified by the FDA. Stereotactic breast biopsy is also now available at BMH, as is bone densitometry for the detection of osteoporosis. Appointments must be made upon referral by your physician, and are generally made by the physicians’ offices by calling 802-257-8895.
Radiology Tests
What is a CT Scan?
A CT Scan is also known as Computerized Axial Tomography. A CT Scan takes a picture of a specific part of your body, such as the head, chest, abdomen or spine. During the scan, a thin beam of x-ray is focused on this part. You will lie on a table and the part of your body that is to be scanned will be positioned in the middle of the large, doughnut-shaped scanner. The table will move a short distance to position you for the next scan. You will hear a clicking noise as the scanner moves around you to take your images. These images may detect conditions that do not show up on conventional x-ray. The results help determine the best course of treatment for you. This procedure may take up to 30 minutes.
What is the preparation?
Your physician’s office or hospital personnel will give you complete instructions prior to your examination. The preparations vary according to the area being imaged or the injection of contrast medium.
Any women who thinks she may be pregnant should inform her doctor before scheduling the procedure.
If a contrast medium is to be used, prior blood work may be required. The technologist will question you about your medical history and allergies and will ask you to sign an information/ consent form prior to using a contrast medium.
You may be asked to change into an x-ray gown for the procedure, depending upon the body part to be scanned. Jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses and dentures will be removed prior to a head scan.
What about after the procedure?
In the event that you were given barium to drink as part of your preparation, after the procedure you need to drink 6-8 glass of water during that day. You may resume normal activities.
What about the results?
Once the examination is completed, the x-rays will be studied by the radiologist and compared to any previous x-rays of the same area you may have had taken previously. A written report of the radiologist interpretation will be forwarded to your physician either by fax or mail. Please allow a few days before contacting your physician for the results.
Questions?
If you have any questions before or after your appointment, please call the Radiology Department at 802-257-8820.
What is an Intravenous Pyelogram?
An Intravenous Pyelogram, most often called IVP, is an examination of the urinary tract, which detects disease of the kidney ureters and bladder. To visualize these soft tissue structures an injection of contrast medium will be used. This is sometimes referred to as x-ray dye. The technologist performing the examination will ask you to complete a questionnaire/consent form that will ask questions of your medical history and any known allergies to medications. It is important to note that if you are a diabetic using a drug Glucophage (Chemical name Metformin), that drug mist be stopped two days prior to the administration of iodinated contrast and resumed two days after the administration of contrast. The procedure will take approximately 1 hour.
What preparation is needed?
You will be given instructions by your physician’s office or hospital. Your physician may require that you have lab work the day before the examination so that we may know the status of your renal functions.
Any woman who is pregnant should inform her doctor before scheduling this examination.
Please check with your health care provider about taking medications prior to your exam.
What is the exam like?
You will be asked to change into an x-ray gown and positioned on the x-ray table. The x-ray equipment will be above you. An x-ray will be taken of your abdomen and kidneys before you receive the contrast. The contrast will then be injected, usually in a vein in your arm, by the radiologist. If you feel any discomfort during or after the injection, please notify the technologist. Time-delayed x-rays will be taken as the contrast travels through your urinary system. Near the end of the examination, you may be asked to empty your bladder and another x-ray will be taken.
What about after the procedure?
Upon completion of your IVP exam, you may maintain your regular diet. Please drink water throughout the day to flush the contrast medium from your urinary tract. The contrast is clear and colorless and will be excreted in your urine within 12 hours. After this procedure you may resume normal activities.
What about the results?
Once the examination is completed, the x-rays will be studied by the radiologist and compared to any previous x-rays of the same area you may have had taken previously. A written report of the radiologist interpretation will be forwarded to your physician either by fax or mail. Please allow a few days before contacting your physician for the results.
Questions?
If you have any questions before or after your appointment, please call the Radiology Department at 802-257-8820.
Preparing For Your MRI – What To Do
We want your MRI procedure to be as pleasant and comfortable as possible.
Here’s what you need to do or bring:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers or snaps. Lockers are available to store personal items.
- Continue to take your daily medications.
- Eat and drink normally prior to your MRI.
- Bring your MRI referral from your doctor.
- Arrive well ahead of time to complete any necessary paperwork.
- If you need to take medication to relax, please bring someone to drive you home.
Please Notify Us –
Some conditions may prevent you from having an MRI. If you have any of the following, please tell your doctor or MRI technologist, or let the imaging facility personnel know when you schedule your appointment:
- Cardiac pacemaker
- Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD)
- Cochlear implants
- Prosthesis within your body
- Aneurysm clips (magnetic)
- Metal filings/fragments in your eyes or body
- Body piercings or tattoos
- Pregnancy
During Your MRI- We’re Here For You
If anything worries or bothers you during your MRI, just tell us. A two-way microphone system will let you talk to your MRI technologist at any time, if necessary. Here’s what you need to do during your MRI:
- Relax! Your MRI is non-invasive and is over in 30-50 minutes.
- Your MRI technologist will help you lie down and get comfortable on the cushioned table, which will automatically move into place for the scanning and imaging.
- Pillows and blankets are provided for your comfort, as the room needs to be cool in order for the computer system to operate properly.
- It’s important to stay as calm and still as possible, since any movement can blur the pictures.
- You may hear “thumping or knocking,” and will be given earplugs to help eliminate the sounds from the MRI equipment.
Your MRI- What To Expect
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the most accurate and advanced imaging tests available today. Here’s what you need to know if your doctor prescribed an MRI for you:
- It’s a non-invasive way to take dozens of pictures inside your body in only 30-50 minutes.
- The images are much clearer and more detailed than x-rays and can help your doctor give you a better, more complete diagnosis.
- The MRI technology uses a magnetic field and a computer to construct your images.
- Sometimes your doctor will prescribe an intravenous contrast “dye” to be given to you during your MRI to enhance the visibility of your blood vessels or tissues.
After Your MRI-
After 30-50 minutes, your MRI technologist will help you off the table when the scanning is complete. Here’s what happens next:
- Our MRI technologist prepares your images for the radiologist to evaluate.
- The radiologist interprets your results and writes a report.
- The report is sent to your doctor.
- Your doctor will talk with you about your MRI results and next steps.
Pre-Mammography instructions:
On the day of your exam, please do not use deodorant of powder. Tiny flecks of these substances may appear on the mammography film and interfere with the interpretation.
If you have breast implants, be sure to notify the Radiology Department prior to your appointment. We allow a longer appointment time for imaging breast implants.
Importance of compression:
Compression is the key to good mammography. The following explains the value of compression:
- Reduces radiation dosage
- Provides several technical improvements in image quality
- Immobilization of the breast reduces blurring caused by motion
- Localization of structures in the breast are brought closer to the image receptor, which reduces geometric blurring
- The breast tissue is more uniform, which results in more even penetration and less difference in radiographic density
- Reduction of the breast thickness, which reduces the ratio of scatter to primary radiation, thereby better subject contrast
- The spreading of breast tissue enables suspicious areas to be more easily identified.
Post-Mammography Instructions:
We regret any discomfort you may have experienced from compression during your mammogram. Do not be alarmed if, as a result of compression, there is some temporary skin discoloration involving one or both breasts. Occasionally there will be a mild aching as a result of compression. If the aching persists, you may contact your physician.
Compression allows clearer pictures of you breasts. It is important for you to understand that: 1) Compression is not dangerous – it does not damage breast tissue and 2) it produces no long-term discomfort. With compression we obtain the best possible view of your breast with the least amount of radiation.
Scheduling:
Please report to the Admitting Office 15 minutes prior to your appointment. Should you have any questions about your appointment, call the Radiology Department at 802-257-8895.
What is an upper GI Series?
The upper GI stands for the upper gastrointestinal area. It can be referred to as a barium swallow when the exam is performed for the pharynx or esophagus. This is a common procedure used to visualize the stomach and small intestines. The upper GI series can identify and locate ulcers, obstructions, polyps, and other inflammatory diseases of the stomach and small intestines. An upper GI examination takes less than 1 hour. The small bowel examination immediately follows the upper GI to watch the flow of barium throughout the small intestine until it reaches you colon (large intestine). Time-delayed pictures are taken and checked with the radiologist. A small bowel examination can last from 1 to 4 hours.
What is the preparation?
In order to adequately prepare you stomach for an upper GI you may not eat or drink 10 hours prior to you examination time, including the morning of your exam.
What is the examination like?
You will be asked to remove your clothing and put on an x-ray gown. You will stand against the x-ray table and the x-ray equipment will be positioned in front of you. You will be given a carbonated beverage and a barium drink to swallow when instructed by the radiologist. You may be given thick barium as well as thin barium. Barium is a liquid contrast medium that looks like a milkshake and may be flavored. When you swallow this liquid, it coats the throat and stomach so the radiologist can see the soft tissue structure. The radiologist will watch as you drink the barium contrast and will take x-ray images. The x-ray table will be moved to a lying down position. You will be asked to turn from side to side and more images will be taken. If you are having a small bowel examination, the Radiologic Technologist will take images every 15-30 minutes to watch the progression of the barium through your small intestines until it reaches your large intestine. After this procedure you may resume normal activities.
What do you need to do after the procedure?
It is very important to maintain your regular diet and drink lots of water throughout the day – 6 to 8 glasses. This will allow your intestinal tract to be sufficiently cleansed of the barium and to avoid constipation.
What about the results?
Once the exam is completed, the x-rays will be studied by the radiologist and compared to any available prior x-rays of the same area. A written report of the findings will be forwarded to your physician either by fax or mail. Please allow a few days before contacting your physician for the results.
Questions?
If you have any questions before or after your appointment, please call the Radiology Department at 802-257-8820.
Radiology Tests - Stress
IMPORTANT TESTING INSTRUCTIONS:
- DO NOT EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE SIX HOURS BEFORE THE TEST
- Allow approximately three hours for the test
- Wear or bring comfortable, loose fitting clothing and rubber-soled walking shoes. Sneakers and a short sleeve button down shirt are ideal. A changing area is provided for your convenience.
- If you are currently taking any heart or blood pressure medicine check with your Cardiologist. He may ask you to stop taking certain medication a day or two before the test.
- If you are a diabetic taking insulin, notify your doctor for possible dosage adjustments.
- Before the test, you will be given an explanation of the test and you will be asked to sign a consent form. Feel free to ask any questions.
What is a Cardiolite Stress Test?
A Cardiolite Stress Test helps diagnose coronary artery disease or identifies areas of the heart that lack an adequate blood supply due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Coronary arteries are located on the outside of the heart and bring oxygen rich blood to the heart muscle. While walking on a treadmill Cardiolite is injected at peak exercise through an I.V. in the arm. Cardiolite (a radioactive substance known as a tracer) travels in the blood stream to the heart where it is picked up by the heart muscle cells. Areas of the heart muscle that lack an adequate blood supply pick up the tracer very slowly or not at all. After exercising you will be asked to report to the Radiology Department for the imaging session. The tracer emits a small amount of radioactivity that will be detected by a special scanning camera one hour later in Radiology. This session will last about 30 minutes. If the heart muscle receives less blood supply than the rest of the heart muscle because of narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, this scan will show less tracer in that area of the heart muscle. The scan helps the physician determine areas of the heart muscle that do not receive enough blood supply. An additional resting scan is needed to determine what the heart looks like at rest. This test may be done before the exercise portion of the test. Allow three hours for this scan and remember to fast and avoid cigarettes, chewing tobacco and pipe tobacco six hours prior to the scheduled appointment. The Cardiologist will read the test and serious concerns will be reported to your physician immediately. Test results will be mailed to your physician.
What Happens During the Test?
Several electrodes (adhesive patches) will be placed on your chest to record heart activity during exercise. You will be shown how to properly use the treadmill with support railings or a stationary bicycle. The treadmill will start slowly, and the speed and incline will increase gradually. The exercise portion usually lasts about 9-12 minutes. You will be instructed to report any symptoms such as chest discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath or leg fatigue. When you have completed the test, you will rest for another five -10 minutes while your blood pressure and electrocardiogram are monitored. You will be asked to report for the second scanning session, which last about 30 minutes.
Is the Cardiolite Stress Test Safe?
The radiation exposure during the test is small (less than a chest X-ray), and the doses are safe. The scanning camera detects the Cardiolite; it does not take x-rays. However, if you are pregnant, suspect you may be or are a nursing mother, discuss the test with your doctor. The exercise test is generally safe. A small amount of risk exists with any test that stresses the heart. Possible rare complications include abnormal heart rhythm or heart attack. Experienced personnel are available to handle any emergency.
Cardio-Respiratory Care – 257-8218
Nuclear Medicine – 257-8256
IMPORTANT TESTING INSTRUCTIONS:
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke six hours before the test.
- Allow approximately two hours for the test.
- Be sure to mention to your doctor if you have glaucoma.
- A blood lab test will be ordered by your doctor and performed a few days prior to the dobutamine echo test.
- If you are currently taking any heart or blood pressure medicine, check with your doctor. He/she may ask you to stop taking certain medicine a day or two before the test.
What is a Dobutamine Stress Echo Test?
The dobutamine stress echo test involves taking a medication called dobutamine while you are closely monitored. The medication stimulates your heart, similar to what happens when exercising. The test is used to evaluate your heart and valve function if you are unable to exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike. The test is also used to determine how well your heart tolerates activity, determine your likelihood of having coronary artery disease (blocked arteries) and evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan.
What Happens During the Test?
An I.V. catheter will be placed in your arm before the exam. Several electrodes (adhesive patches) will be placed on your chest to record heart activity during the test. While lying on a bed, Dobutamine will be given through a vein in your arm by the Cardiologist. An echocardiogram will be performed by placing a transducer on your chest and measuring sound waves that will show Ultrasound images of heart chambers and valves. Your blood pressure will also be monitored during this time. The “Echo” will take approximately 15-30 minutes.
Cardio-Respiratory Care – 257-8218
Ultrasound – 257-8820
IMPORTANT TESTING INSTRUCTIONS:
- DO NOT EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE SIX HOURS BEFORE THE TEST
- Allow approximately three hours for the test
- Be sure to mention to the doctor if you have asthma or lung disease before the test is scheduled
- If you take any medications that contain xanthine, such as Theodur, Theophylline, Slo-bid, Respid or Trental, be sure to check with your doctor. He/she may ask you to stop taking it two or three days before the test.
- Do not drink coffee or soft drinks that contain caffeine, eat chocolate or take medications containing caffeine like Anacin, Excedrin, No-Doz, Darvon, Caffregot or Fiorinal, 24 hours prior to the test.
- If you are a diabetic taking insulin, notify your doctor for possible dosage adjustments.
- Bring a list of medications you routinely take.
- Before the test, you will be given an explanation of the test and you will be asked to sign a consent form. Feel free to ask any questions.
- Addition heart images will be required on another day. The Radiology Department will discuss this with you on the day of your test. Please allow three hours for the additional session.
What is a Persantine Cardiolite Stress Test?
A Persantine Cardiolite Stress Test helps diagnose coronary artery disease or identifies areas of the heart that lack an adequate blood supply due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Coronary arteries are located on the outside of the heart and bring oxygen rich blood to the heart muscle. Your physician has determined that you are unable to exercise adequately on a treadmill or a stationary bicycle. Persantine (Diprydamole) is a medication that dilates the coronary arteries to produce an effect similar to what happens when you exercise. Persantine and Cardiolite is infused (given over 4 minutes) through a vein in the arm while resting. Cardiolite (a radioactive tracer) travels in the blood stream to the heart where it is picked up by the heart muscle. Areas of the heart muscle that lack an adequate blood supply pick up the tracer very slowly or not at all. The tracer emits a small amount of radioactivity that will be detected by a special scanning camera one hour later in Radiology. This session will last about 30 minutes.
If the area of the heart muscle receives less blood supply than the rest of the heart muscle because of narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, the scan will show less tracer in that area of the heart muscle. The scan helps the physician determine areas of the heart muscle that do not receive enough blood supply.
What Happens During the Test?
Several electrodes (adhesive patches) will be placed on your chest to record heart activity during the test. While lying on a bed, Persantine is given through a vein in your arm for 4 minutes. You will be instructed to report any symptoms such as chest discomfort, headache, dizziness, nausea, facial flushing and shortness of breath. The radioactive tracer is given a few minutes later through the same vein. You will continue to rest for an additional 5 to 10 minutes while your blood pressure and electrocardiogram are monitored. After eating you will be asked to report to Radiology an hour later for the scanning session, which last about 30 minutes.
Is the Persantine Cardiolite Stress Test Safe?
The radiation exposure during the test is small (less than a chest X-ray), and the doses are safe. The scanning camera detects the Cardiolite; it does not take x-rays. However, if you are pregnant, suspect you may be or are a nursing mother. Discuss the test with your doctor. A small amount of risk exists with any test that stresses the heart. Possible rare complications include abnormal heart rhythm, low blood pressure or heart attack. Experienced personnel are available to handle any emergency.
Cardio-Respiratory Care – 257-8218
Nuclear Medicine – 257-8256
IMPORTANT TESTING INSTRUCTIONS:
- DO NOT EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE SIX HOURS BEFORE THE TEST. You may have water.
- Allow approximately two hours for the test.
- If you taking any heart or blood pressure medications check with your doctor. He/she may ask you to stop taking it two or three days before the test.
- Bring a list of medications you routinely take.
- Wear or bring comfortable, loose fitting clothing and rubber-soled walking shoes. Sweat pants or shorts and tennis shoes are ideal. A changing area is provided for your convenience.
- If you are a diabetic taking insulin, notify your doctor for possible dosage adjustments.
What is a Stress Echocardiogram?
A stress echocardiogram is a test that combines an ultrasound of the heart with an exercise test. The test allows your physician to learn how well your heart functions when it is made to work harder. It helps diagnose coronary artery disease or identifies areas of the heart that lack an adequate blood supply due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Coronary arteries are located on the outside of the heart and bring oxygen rich blood to the heart muscle. During an echocardiogram, a small device called a transducer is held against the chest. The transducer sends ultrasound waves that reflect (echo) off the heart. The echos are converted into moving images of the heart, which are displayed on a computer screen and recorded on videotape. The exercise test is done while you walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle. During the test, an electrocardiogram (EKG) records the electrical activity of the heart.
What Happens During the Test?
Several electrodes (adhesive patches) will be placed on your chest to record heart activity during exercise. You will be shown how to properly use the treadmill with support railings or a stationary bike. The treadmill will start slowly, and the speed and incline will increase gradually. The exercise portion usually lasts about 9-12 minutes. You will be instructed to report any symptoms such as chest discomfort dizziness, and shortness of breath or leg fatigue. After you have reached peak exercise the treadmill will be stopped and the echocardiogram will be performed. You will be asked to lie on your left side while the echocardiographer records sound waves and other measurements of your heart. A ” contrast” suspension may be needed to improve the quality of the study. If needed this will be administered by the cardiologist with a catheter needle placed in your arm. The “Echo” will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
Cardio-Respiratory Care – 257-8218
Ultrasound – 257-8820
You have been scheduled for a nuclear medicine imaging test of your heart using the radioactive tracer Sestamibi (MIBI). Please report to the Nuclear Medicine Department located in the Richards Building, ground floor, 15 minutes prior to your exam.
Please notify the Nuclear Medicine Department or your physician if:
- you could be pregnant or if you are currently breast feeding
- you are unable to walk on the treadmill
- you are claustrophobic (our CT/Spect camera used for imaging is open and most are able to go through the test without difficulty or medication
- you are unable to lie flat on your back
What is the preparation?
- Do not eat any food or drink beverages containing caffeine or medications containing caffeine for 24 hours before your test.(Caffeine can be found in coffee, tea, chocolate, decaffeinated beverages, also some medications like Anacin, Excedrin, Theophylline and NODoz)
- You may have a light breakfast before your test.
- If you are diabetic, eat and take your diabetic medication as prescribed.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes (sneakers) for exercise. A short sleeved shirt without metal buttons or snaps is suggested.
Do I need to hold my medications for this test?
If you are taking a BETA BLOCKER MEDICATION you may be instructed by your physician to hold this medication prior to the test. (Such as: Acebutolol, Atenolol, Betaxolol, Bisoprolol fumarate, Carvedilol, Metoprolol tartrate, Metopolol succinate, Nadolol, Penbutolol sulfate, Pindolol, Propranolol hydrochloride, Timolol maleate)
Important – Please bring with you any held medications and a current list of your medications .
- Please refrain from wearing perfumes/lotions
- It is best to drink fluids and arrive well hydrated but remember no caffeine
- If you use aerosol bronchodilator inhalers take as prescribed and bring your inhaler with you
- We want your waiting time between tests to be as pleasant as possible, consider bringing a magazine, book or music player to help pass the time.
What is a nuclear stress test?
A stress test, sometimes called a treadmill test, helps your physician know how well the blood flow to the heart muscle works as well as structural information about the heart. Your physician has ordered a nuclear stress test that combines treadmill information with imaging information giving a better picture of your hearts perfusion (blood flow to the heart) and function (how well your heart contracts and pumps blood). The ultimate goal of the test is to see if your heart receives enough blood from the coronary arteries at rest and with increased demand at stress. A nuclear stress test consists of two phases: a stress phase and a resting phase.
What is the exam like?
Nuclear stress testing may be completed in 1 day or 2 separate days. The 1 day test takes 3-5 hours or if your test is done on 2 separate days it will take about 2 hours each day.
You will receive a small injection of a radioactive tracer for each phase of the nuclear stress test. This tracer is taken up by the heart muscle so the heart can be imaged with a special CT/SPECT gamma camera. There are no side effects from the injection tracer and to minimize the number of needle sticks while facilitating an injection during exercise you will receive and IV (intravenous line) for your test.
- Rest phase: You will receive a small injection of the imaging tracer intravenously. There will be an hour wait before imaging will take place and during this time you may be offered a small snack and drink. Rest imaging will follow the waiting period and will approximately take about 18-22 minutes to acquire. During imaging we will make you as comfortable as possible but we will ask for you to hold very still during the imaging process. The normal position is with your arms above your head; however adjustments can be made if this is difficult.
- Stress phase: You will be prepared for your exercise test by an exercise technologist and asked to sign an informed consent for the test. Instructions will be given about the exam and walking on the treadmill which is very similar to a treadmill used at a health club. A blood pressure cuff will be places on your arm to monitor your blood pressure before, during, and after exercise. ECG electrodes will be attached to your chest to allow monitoring of your heart rate before, during, and after exercise. This test will be performed by a Cardiologist who will be monitoring your progress throughout the entire exam. The exercise test with preparation and recovery takes 45-60 minutes. The actual exercise time is determined by you and the physician depending on your exercise capacity. At maximum exercise you will be given a 2nd small injection of imaging tracer. There will be a recovery period followed by stress imaging. Stress Imaging will be 18-22 minutes and you will again be asked to hold very still.
- Pharmacologic stress test: Some people, because of a disability, are unable to use the treadmill or exercise adequately to achieve target heart rate. Therefore, the stress test can be performed with the vasodilator regadenoson medication. This agent is used to simulate the effect of exercise on your heart. This drug can have some mild side effects but has a short half life and can be reversed with medication or caffeine. For this test you will have an hour wait after the stress test before your stress imaging
You may resume your normal activities there are no post test restrictions.
Your test will be read by a radiologist and cardiologist and a report sent to your physician who will review the results with you.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS CALL: BMH NUCLEAR MEDICINE DEPARTMENT at 802-257-8256.
