What is the difference between Interventional Radiology and Diagnostic Radiology?
Interventional Radiology involves the treatment of medical problems. Diagnostic Radiology involves identifying potential health problems by using various types of imaging.
Should I be concerned about the radiation I will be receiving from an X-ray, CT scan, or other diagnostic procedure?
Generally, the benefit of a Diagnostic Radiology procedure outweighs the potential risk posed by radiation. The procedures we perform at our practice can be crucial to your health because they allow us to correctly diagnose your medical problem so you can receive proper treatment. However, it is still important for you to be educated about the procedure you will be receiving and understand the amount of radiation you will be exposed to. Before undergoing a diagnostic procedure, you should weigh the risks and benefits of the test.
Radiation is a natural part of our environment. Everyday, we receive certain levels of exposure to naturally occurring radiation. The scientific unit of measurement for radiation dose is the millisievert (mSv). The average person in the U.S. receives about 3 mSv per year from radioactive materials in the environment and radiation from outer space. In comparison, a chest X-ray will give off a radiation dose of about 0.1 mSv, a mammogram will give a dose of about 0.7 mSv, and a CT scan of the body will give a dose of 10 mSv.
Our practice takes every precaution possible to limit your exposure to radiation and minimize your risks. Using the most modern equipment and techniques, we are able to give patients a much smaller dose of radiation than was required in the early days of Radiology. Our practice also takes precautions to limit radiation to only the part of the body that is being imaged.
Will receiving an ultrasound harm my unborn baby?
Receiving an ultrasound is safe for your fetus because it does not involve any radiation. For standard diagnostic ultrasound procedures, there are no known harmful effects to humans.
Is there any specific information I should know about the diagnostic test I am receiving?
For all tests, you should leave valuable personal belongings (including jewelry, money, and credit cards) at home, as you may be asked to remove them before the test. For most diagnostic tests, you will be capable of driving home after your exam. However, you will need to have someone drive you home following an angiogram because of the medications you may be given. For specific information, please refer to the guidelines below:
Screening:
Please let you doctor or technologist know if you have any of the following:
Cardiac pacemaker or artificial heart valve
Metal plate, pin, or other metallic implant
Intrauterine device
Insulin pump or other infusion pump
Aneurysm clips
Previous gunshot wound
Inner ear implant
Pregnancy:
Please tell the doctor if you are (or may be) pregnant. Your doctor will determine if you can take the MRI test safely.
Medication:
Please check with your doctor to see if you will need to follow any special medication instructions for the day of the test. This includes instructions for any over-the-counter medications you may be taking.
Diet:
Generally, there are no diet restrictions. Please check with your doctor to see if you should follow any special instructions for the day of the test.
Restrictions:
Before receiving an X-ray, please inform the technologist if you have any of the following:
Allergies, especially to seafood or iodine related products
Body weight in excess of 300 pounds
Pregnancy:
Please tell the doctor if you are (or may be) pregnant. Your doctor will determine if you can safely have an X-ray.
Medication:
Generally, there are no medication restrictions for X-ray testing. If your doctor gives you special instructions, please follow them carefully.
Diet:
Generally, there are no diet restrictions for X-ray testing. However, some tests may require that you do not eat or drink anything immediately before testing. Please check with your doctor for special instructions.
Screening:
You will be asked to fill out a history form so we can determine if factors such as the medications you take and your history of allergies could interfere with the test.
Pregnancy:
Please tell the doctor if you are (or may be) pregnant. Your doctor will determine if you can safely have an angiogram.
Medication:
Ask your doctor about your medication schedule for the day of the test, especially if you are diabetic or take heart or blood pressure medications.
Ask your doctor about when you can safely resume each of your medications after the angiogram is over.
Ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter medications on the day of the angiogram.
Diet:
You may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking anywhere from 4 to 8 hours before the test. Please ask your doctor for special instructions.
Screening:
There are usually no restrictions for ultrasound procedure.
Pregnancy:
There are no restrictions for ultrasound testing.
Medication:
Generally there are no medication restrictions for ultrasound procedures.
Diet:
Generally there are no diet restrictions for most ultrasound procedures
For ultrasound tests involving the abdomen or gall bladder, patients will be asked to refrain from eating and drinking for at least six to eight hours before the test.
For some tests, you may be asked to have a full bladder for the test period.
Screening:
Please let your doctor know if any of the following apply to you:
Age 35 or younger
Currently breast feeding
Taking blood thinners or aspirin (for breast biopsy procedures)
Pregnancy:
Please tell the doctor if you are (or may be) pregnant. Your doctor will determine if you can safely have a mammogram.
Medication:
Generally, there are no restrictions for mammograms. However, if you are undergoing a breast biopsy procedure, you may have to temporarily stop taking blood thinners or daily aspirin.
Diet:
Generally there are no diet restrictions for this test.
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