Imaging services

CT scans use X-ray technology to produce cross-sectional images, also called "slices," of the interior of the body. These noninvasive, fast and painless imaging procedures are used to detect cancer, blood clots, broken bones and signs of internal bleeding.

We also use CT scans to guide biopsies and to monitor the effectiveness of tumor treatments.

During this type of CT scan, X-ray beams scan the patient's body in a spiral path, creating 3D, stackable "slice" images. These procedures can be conducted quickly, and you only need to hold your breath once during the process.

To diagnose heart diseases or disorders and abnormalities, our technicians use an array of diagnostic heart screening and imaging procedures.

Some of these services include:

• Angiography
• Cardiac catheterization
• Echocardiogram
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Electrophysiology (EP) studies
• Holter monitoring
• Stress tests

Interventional radiology uses imaging guidance (such as CT, fluoroscopy and ultrasound) during minimally invasive procedures. These exams can be performed to both diagnose and treat health conditions.

Lymph nodes, or lymph glands, are small, bean-shaped organs found throughout the body. The lymphatic system helps fight infection and disease.

In patients who have tumors, the sentinel node is the closest lymph node that is most likely to also contain metastatic disease or cancer. We use lymphatic mapping to find this node. This imaging technique consists of injecting a dye or other radioactive substance in the area near the site of the tumor.

You may have this procedure performed if you have melanoma or breast cancer so your physician can see if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

MRIs are used to diagnose a wide range of health conditions and internal injuries. Our radiologists use high-definition MRIs to view intricate structures within the body. MRIs use a magnetic field to produce images in multiple planes.

Scan times for these minimally invasive procedures are typically shorter than other imaging procedures.

The Breast Care Center at our hospital offers comprehensive breast health services. The breast imaging and diagnostic procedures we offer include:

• Breast biopsy
• Breast ultrasound
• Breast MRI
• Bone density screening
• Digital mammography

Mammograms are imaging tests used to examine breasts for detection of abnormalities or cancer. You can schedule a screening mammography appointment for yourself, but remember to bring your doctor’s prescription for insurance purposes.

For an appointment or information, call the Breast Care Center at (727) 588-0700.

Neurodiagnostics is the branch of diagnostic imaging which records electrical activity from the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is one of the most common neurodiagnostic procedures. An EEG records electrical activity within the brain. Our neurologists use EEG results to diagnose brain disorders and abnormal brain activity.

Nuclear medicine imaging pinpoints molecular-level activity in the body using small amounts of radioactive substances. With nuclear medicine, our physicians can measure biological processes in real time. This helps detect diseases early — before the diseases cause structural changes that are visible on MRI or CT scans.

Nuclear medicine is used to diagnose bone abnormalities, cancer, heart disease and other diseases. Therapeutic uses of nuclear medicine include pain alleviation, reduction of tumor size and elimination of cancerous tissues.

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to produce video of soft-tissue structures and organs within the body. This noninvasive imaging method is usually painless and takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete.

General diagnostic X-rays use electromagnetic energy beams to produce images. Our doctors analyze the images, which help detect tumors, infections, arthritis and bone and joint injuries.

Fluoroscopy uses X-ray imaging to create real-time, moving images of the area of the body being examined.