Procedures

We perform a wide variety of imaging studies at Arroyo Grande Community Hospital or our local outpatient facilities, using the most advanced diagnostic imaging technology available. The following are brief descriptions of some of the studies your physician may order for you:  

CT Scans (Computed Tomography)

A CT Scan produces cross-sectional images of selected body parts, giving physicians an unobstructed look at organs and bones not seen clearly on conventional x-rays.

Nuclear Medicine

In nuclear medicine imaging, radiopharmaceuticals are taken internally, for example, intravenously or orally. Then, external detectors capture and form images from the radiation emitted by the radiopharmaceuticals. This process is unlike a diagnostic X-ray, where external radiation is passed through the body to form an image.

Nuclear medicine tests differ from most other imaging modalities in that diagnostic tests primarily show the physiological function of the system being investigated as opposed to traditional anatomical imaging such as CT or MRI. Nuclear medicine imaging studies are generally more organ- or tissue-specific (e.g.: lungs scan, heart scan, bone scan, brain scan, etc.) than those in conventional radiology imaging, which focus on a particular section of the body.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI) uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, rapidly changing magnetic fields, as a way of obtaining very detailed images of organs and tissues throughout the body without the need for x-rays or radiation. An MRI creates images that show whether or not there is an injury, disease process, or if an abnormal condition present.

Breast MRI

Breast MRI is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the breast and surrounding tissue. This scan does not use radiation (x-rays).

Mammography

Mammography is low-dose x-ray procedure, and the most reliable method available for the detection of breast cancer.

Stereotactic Biopsy

Our stereotactic equipment provides a non-surgical detection of breast disease. It is highly accurate and a significant advance in the ease and accuracy of diagnosing breast disorders.

Ultrasound and 4-D Ultrasound

A procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to show what is inside your body. Each time the sound wave hits tissue, an echo is sent back. These echoes create a picture of your internal organs.