- What Is A Radiologist?
- How Do I Schedule An Appointment For A Radiology Procedure?
- What Other Professionals Work In The Radiology Department?
- Why is this test important?
- Will it hurt?
- Will I feel anything?
- Does the machine use x-rays?
- Will I fit?
- Will my head stick out of the machine?
- Will I be claustrophobic?
- Will I be alone?
- Does the machine make a lot of noise?
- Do I have to hold still the whole time? How long will the exam take?
- Are there things that will prevent me from being scanned?
- What is Computer Axial Tomography (CT Scan)?
- Are CT scans safe?
- What is Ultrasound (US)?
- What is Nuclear Medicine?
- What is Angiography/Interventional Radiology (Angio or IR)?
- What is Fluoroscopy (Fluoro)?
- How is Fluoroscopy used?
- What is General Radiography (X-ray)?
What Is A Radiologist?
A radiologist matches x–ray findings with other examinations and tests, recommends further examinations or treatments, and confers with referring physicians (the doctors who send patients to the radiology department or clinic for testing).
Like other physicians, the radiologist must have graduated from an accredited medical school, passed a licensing examination, and completed at least 4 years of graduate medical education (residency). The radiologist must also be board certified, that is, approved to practice in the field by either the American Board of Radiology (for a medical doctor) or the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (for an osteopath).
How Do I Schedule An Appointment For A Radiology Procedure?
Scheduling is done through our radiology department. You may call 714-378-7572 to schedule your appointment. The scheduler will want you to read the name of the exam that your doctor has written on your prescription. Please have your prescription and insurance information ready for the scheduler at the time of your call.
What Other Professionals Work In The Radiology Department?
- Radiologic Technologists
Technicians take the films that are ordered by your doctor. They are required to have state certifications. Technologists have completed extensive training courses in the area of diagnostic radiology. Our cat scan technologists are radiologic technologists who have had additional training in their respective fields. - Nuclear Medicine Technologists
These technicians inject the isotopes and take the films required for your Nuclear Medicine procedures. They have state and national certifications and have completed extensive training in all facets of nuclear medicine imaging. - Ultrasound Technologists
Our ultrasound technologists are board certified by the ARDMS (national board of certification for Ultrasound Technologists).
MRI FAQ's
Why is this test important?
MRI allows doctors to see images of your internal organs and structures in great detail and from many angles. This gives them information quickly and in many cases more accurately than past tests and exploratory surgeries.
Will it hurt?
No. Since MRI is "non-invasive,” the exam is painless. However, your doctor may utilize a contrast agent to better visualize a part of your anatomy. If this is the case, you may receive a simple shot prior to or during the exam.
Will I feel anything?
No, but you will hear a loud knocking or buzzing sound at various intervals throughout your exam. Other than that, you won't feel a thing.
Does the machine use x-rays?
No. MRI uses a powerful magnet in conjunction with radio-frequency waves to generate images of your internal organs and structures. There is no ionizing (x-Ray) radiation.
Will I fit?
There are very few patients who cannot be comfortably accommodated for an MRI exam. Our equipment has one of the largest openings in the industry at nearly two feet wide.
Will my head stick out of the machine?
That will depend on your height and what part of your body is being scanned. The part that is being imaged needs to be in the middle of the magnet. For example, if your ankle is being scanned, your head will be outside of the MRI scanner. If it is your head, neck, or chest being scanned, your head will be inside of the scanner.
Will I be claustrophobic?
Most people do not experience such a reaction. However, if you have had claustrophobic reactions to enclosed spaces before, you should let the technologist know. Even if you are uncomfortable in small spaces, staff members can help you comfortably complete the study.
Will I be alone?
You will be in contact with a technologist at all times. Even when he or she is not in the MRI room, you will be able to talk to him or her by intercom. The technologist is always able to see you through a large patient viewing window. In some cases a friend or family member may stay in the scan room with you during your exam. Please consult the Imaging Department at Orange Coast for more information.
Does the machine make a lot of noise?
The magnet makes a knocking sound as images are being taken. In between scans the machine is quiet. Ear plugs are available to you for your exam and their use will not prevent you from hearing the technologist if he or she speaks to you during the exam.
Do I have to hold still the whole time? How long will the exam take?
You do have to remain as still as possible, but the time passes quickly. Moving during the procedure may require repeating parts of the exam so it is best to try to remain as still as possible for the best exam results. The amount of time needed for the exam is dependant on what is being studied. A typical exam lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. You should always allow extra time in case the exam lasts longer than expected.
Are there things that will prevent me from being scanned?
Some patients with metal implants cannot be safely scanned in the MRI environment. People with pacemakers, aneurysm clips, especially in the brain; and neurostimulators generally cannot be scanned. Anyone with surgical pins, shrapnel, plates or other types of metal implants should notify the technologist. You will be required to provide a health history when you arrive for your exam that explains any metallic implants you may have. A doctor will determine if a particular metal implant is approved to be in an MRI environment.
More FAQ's
What is Computer Axial Tomography (CT Scan)?
Computer-axial tomography is a diagnostic tool which uses x-rays to generate detailed images of "slices" of the body. In a CT scan, the patient lies still on a table while the x-ray source and sensors/detectors rotate around the patient, and the table moves horizontally. Thus, x-ray data is collected from multiple angles. Computers process the x-ray data in order to generate detailed, composite images of the relevant “slices” of the body. At Orange Coast, a TAMS 16 multi-slice spiral CT unit is used to produce high-quality images.
Are CT scans safe?
The radiation dose for a brain CT scan is comparable to the dose used for dental x-rays.
Because CT scans reveal the exact shape and location of soft tissues as well as bone, computed tomography is useful in diagnosing a number of conditions.
CT scans can help diagnose:
- Tumors in internal organs, particularly brain tumors
- Brain hemorrhage
- Effects of head injury
- Infection of the brain, such as encephalitis
- Lung cancer
Ultrasound technology uses high-frequency sound waves to produce exceptionally high-quality moving images of the fetus, heart, abdominal organs and other soft tissues of the body. It can also be used for scanning other organs such as the liver, kidneys, uterus and ovaries. It is especially useful in the diagnosis of disease conditions in breasts, testicles and the thyroid. A handheld transducer functions as both a generator of sound (like a speaker) and a detector (like a microphone). When the transducer is pressed against the skin, it directs inaudible, high-frequency sound waves into the body. As the sound echoes from the body’s fluids and tissues, the transducer records the strength and character of the reflected waves. These echoes are instantly measured and displayed by a computer, which in turn creates a real-time picture on the monitor.
What is Nuclear Medicine?
A nuclear medicine scan is a procedure that combines the use of sugar, low-grade radioactive particles, and advanced x-ray methods to take pictures of active cells. This allows specially-trained radiologists to check for changes in a patient’s body cells. Nuclear medicine scans are unique because the exam evaluates how the body works. Isotopes are tagged with substances which are identified as specific to what a particular function is in the body and therefore the isotope travels in the same path as would the functioning substance produced or used within the body. The results show the uptake of radioactive material by the different tissues of the body.
What is Angiography/Interventional Radiology (Angio or IR):
Doctors can now do remarkable things from within the blood vessels of your body. Through tubes (catheters) no bigger than a string of spaghetti, they can take samples of tissue or expand constricted veins or arteries. They can place stents (small tubes) that will allow for return blood flow to the legs or brain. They can even place chemotherapy directly into a cancer tumor and increase the effectiveness of the medicine without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.
What is Fluoroscopy (Fluoro)?
During fluoro, multiple x-rays are taken in a series, giving the doctor a moving picture of what your body is doing. With fluoro, you can watch someone swallow, or even watch a heart beat. Fluoro is used in many different areas of imaging services. In some cases, there is nothing wrong with the tissue, but the problem is with the movement of the tissue. With fluoro, we can watch the tissue in action and observe the way it moves—normally or abnormally.
How is Fluoroscopy used?
Fluoroscopy is a form of diagnostic radiology enabling a radiologist, with the aid of a contrast agent, to visualize an organ or organ system. Contrast agents enable imaging to be viewed clearly on a television monitor or screen. Contrast agents (or "contrast media") may be introduced into the body through injection, swallowing, or enema.
Examples of Flouroscopic exams:
- Upper Gastrointestinal (G.I.) Series (evaluation of esophagus and stomach)
- Small Bowel Series (evaluation of the small intestine)
- Barium Enema (evaluation of the large intestine)
- Hystersalpingogram (evaluation of the fallopian tubes)
- Intravenous Pyelography (evaluations of the kidneys, ureter, and bladder)
- Arthrogram (evaluation of major joints - shoulder, elbow, knee, hip, wrist, ankle)
- Venogram (evaluation of veins in lower extremities)
- Sailogram (evaluation of the parotid gland for blockages)
What is General Radiography (x-ray)?
X-ray is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging used to diagnose conditions in the chest, bone, sinuses, skull, or spine. It is the fastest and easiest way for a physician to view and assess broken bones and can also be used to diagnose and monitor the progression of degenerative diseases.
Unlike most forms of radiation, x-rays can pass through body tissue, making it possible to provide images of internal structures without performing surgery. During the procedure, electormagnetic radiation passes through the body onto film. Dense structures such as bone absorb most of the radiation and appear white on developed film. Structures that are less dense appear in lighter shades of gray and black.
There is little reason to worry about the small amount of radiation you will be exposed to when you receive an x-ray. However, if you are pregnant or suspect that you may be, you should tell your physician or technologist before the test is performed, as special precautions may need to be taken.
