Overview of Diagnostic Imaging

The medical imaging studies performed at Santa Fe Imaging are administered and interpreted by specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries using imaging technologies: X-Ray, Mammography, Computed Radiography (CT), Magnetic Resonance (MRI), Sonography /Ultrasound, Bone densitometry, and PET/CT. Each technology provides unique opportunities to “see” inside the body by building images that provide detail about internal structures that are not visible to the human eye.

Detailed information about SFI services, including what to expect in the exam; preparations that may be required; and other helpful data is available by selecting a study from the In This Section column.

X-ray exams use a form of electromagnetic radiation that passes through the body to produce a 2-dimension image that is particularly helpful in identifying bone or lung problems.

Mammograms are a specialized use of x-ray technologies used to identify unusual growths or other abnormalities in the breasts. Regular Screening mammograms offer the opportunity to catch cancers at an early stage when treatment offers better recovery options. Diagnostic mammograms involve more detailed and varied views of breasts when the physician or radiologist identifies a specific anomaly for evaluation.

CT (Computed Radiography) combines X-ray and computer technologies to create a series of images that are often called “slices” of the area being scanned. Computer technologies then format these “slices” into either 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional images that are used to evaluate a wide variety of injuries or potential problems throughout the body.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses a different set of technologies based on very powerful magnetic fields that create detailed images of organs, soft tissue, bones, and other body parts. MRI exams are especially useful in helping to diagnose nervous system, musculoskeletal, and cancer-related diseases or injury.

Ultrasound (Sonography) studies use yet another technology based on high-frequency sound waves paired with computer technologies to generate “real-time” images of the body. Ultrasound is especially useful in obstetric and breast imaging care.

Consultation on Vascular-Interventional Radiology Some of Santa Fe Radiology’s physicians are specialists in areas of Interventional Radiology, which uses medical imaging to guide minimally invasive, targeted treatments for a variety of conditions. Imaging studies using X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans allow these physicians to treat the sources of diseases in a less invasive way. These physicians treat vascular diseases utilizing endovascular techniques, including balloon angioplasty, stents, and atherectomy. While they perform interventional procedures elsewhere, our radiologists schedule consultations for vascular and interventional patients at SFI as part of their patient evaluations.

Virtual Colonoscopy is a CT technique that produces hundreds of images of the abdominal organs to assist in detecting changes or abnormalities in the colon and rectum. Like other imaging studies, virtual colonoscopies offer a non-invasive alternative to other forms of colon cancer screening.