Diagnostic Imaging

While some diagnostic imaging tests are conducted at the Graziadio Radiology center located at the medical center's main campus, many of the diagnostic tests are are provided at the outpatient location, The Polak Imaging Pavilion

Barium Enema

What is a barium enema?

A barium enema is an X-ray examination of the large intestine (colon) using a contrast agent called barium.

How do I prepare for this exam?

You may obtain the prep kit from your doctor or pick it up at the Graziadio Radiology Center.

Essential medication may be taken with a sip of water. If you are diabetic, please consult you doctor before taking any medication on the morning of the exam.

What will the exam be like?

You will be taken to an X-ray room by a technologist. As you lie on your side a lubricated enema tube will be inserted into your rectum. When the radiologist arrives, the barium will be released as the radiologist watches the images of your intestine on a special television screen. At times, the radiologist will ask you to change your position and hold your breath so that films may be taken. As the barium fills your colon, you may feel like you need to move your bowels. Let the radiologist or technologist know if you are having trouble holding the barium.

After the exam is completed, you will be taken to the bathroom to expel the barium. You will then be asked to return to the X-ray room to have a film taken of your empty colon.

What happens after the exam?

You are free to return to normal activities and your usual diet, unless told otherwise by your doctor. It is normal for barium to give a whitish color to your stools for the next day or two. Drink plenty of liquids to avoid constipation from the barium.

How will I learn the results?

You should contact your doctor for the results, not the Graziadio Radiology Center.

Remember:

• Tell your doctor or the technologist if your are pregnant or think you may be.
• Tell your doctor or the technologist if you have any allergies.

Intravenous Pyelogram

What is an IVP?

An IVP or Intravenous Pyelogram is an X-ray of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. For your kidneys, ureters and bladder to show up on X-ray, a contrast agent or dye must be injected intravenously. As the dye passes through your bloodstream, it passes through your urinary system making it possible to take images of them.

How do I prepare for this exam?

Take 2-1/2 oz. of X-Prep at 4:00 p.m. on the day prior to your exam. Only clear liquids for dinner the evening prior to your exam. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, until after your exam.

You may obtain the X-Prep at your doctor's office or at the Graziadio Radiology Center.

Essential medication may be taken with a sip of water. If your are diabetic, please consult your doctor before taking any medication the morning of the exam.

What will the exam be like?

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. The technologist will take you into an X-ray room and a preliminary film of your abdomen will be taken to assure you are properly prepped for the exam.

As the exam begins, you will be given an intravenous injection of contrast or dye. This dye looks like water but shows up on X-ray as white. During the injection, you may feel warm; some patients notice a slight metallic taste in their mouths. These are normal reactions and will last only minute or so. Let the technologist know immediately if you begin to itch, feel any shortness of breath, or are otherwise uncomfortable in any way.

Following the injection, the technologist will take a number of films. You will be asked to hold your breath and change positions. After the radiologist has seen the bladder filled with dye, you will be asked to go to the bathroom and empty your bladder. Then a final film of your empty bladder will be taken.

What happens after the exam?

You will be free to return to normal activities and your usual diet, unless told otherwise by your doctor. The dye will be eliminated through your urine and will not normally discolor your urine.

How will I learn the results?

You should contact your doctor for the results, not the Graziadio Radiology Center.

Remember:

• Tell your doctor or the technologist if your are pregnant or think you may be.
• Tell your doctor or the technologist if you are allergic to iodine or have any other allergies.

MRI Scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

What is an MRI Scan?

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is the newest way to view the human body since the CT ("CAT") scanner was invented. Unlike CT scans, MRI does not use radiation in the conventional sense of the word, rather, it combines the use of a large magnet and radio waves. The hydrogen atoms in the patient's body react to the magnetic field, and a computer analyzes the results and makes pictures of the inside of your body.

How do you prepare for an MRI exam?

You may eat and drink as usual, unless you are to have a scan of your abdomen or pelvis. Only then should you have nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours before your test. You should, in all cases, continue to take your medication. When you arrive for your exam, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. Buttons, zippers, and other metal objects will affect the pictures. Please leave as much jewelry at home as possible. You should wear little or no eye make-up as this can affect the pictures also. All patients are interviewed prior to the exam over the telephone and/or at the time of the scheduled exam.

What happens in the scan room?

The MRI scanner consists of a large, donut-shaped magnet with a scanning table. The technologist (the person who takes the pictures) will position you on the table, and then move the table so that the area of interest is in the center of the machine's "tube." This tube remains open on the end; you are not "closed in." During the exam, you will hear a series of loud knocking sounds. You must remain very still at this time, as this is when the pictures are being taken. Ear plugs will be supplied at the time of your exam or you may request piped in music for your personal comfort.

Will it hurt?

No. MRI is a painless exam. You will hear loud noises, however, so you may want to wear ear-plugs or headphones, which we can provide.

What should you do if you are claustrophobic?

The answer to this depends on to what degree a small space makes you feel uncomfortable. If you have difficulty getting on an elevator, or dislike being in a room without windows, then you should inform us when we contact you. The Graziadio Radiology Center MRI unit features an enlarged scanner opening which helps patients feel less confined. Department personnel will help decide what is the best method for you to take the MRI exam. If you have any doubts about this test, please call us between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, at (310) 517-4608. We have many options available to help make this as pleasant a situation as possible.

How long will it take?

Each test is specifically tailored to your needs. Several pictures may be needed to complete the exam. Each picture can take anywhere from a few seconds to fifteen minutes. A full exam could take anywhere from twenty minutes to an hour. The length of the exam depends on the area being tested.

No metal, please!

The presence of metal objects may affect the picture. Please be sure to inform the technologist or the radiologist if you have had any metal objects within or on your body, such as pacemakers, aneurysm clips, or a prosthesis, including hearing aides. If you have any questions, please call the Graziadio Radiology Center.

How to get your results

First the films will be viewed by a radiologist, who is a doctor specializing in analyzing these exams. Then the radiologist will send a report to your own doctor. You should ask your doctor to discuss the results with you. If you need a copy of your films, inform the technologist at the time of your exam.

Directions

Your appointment is on the first floor in the radiology department. Enter the Graziadio Radiology Center entrance and proceed to the Graziadio Radiology Center reception desk between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Evenings (after 6 p.m.) and weekends enter through the Registration entrance and a volunteer will direct you to the Graziadio Radiology Center reception desk.

Upper G.I. Series

What is a G.I. Series?

An Upper G.I. series is an examination of the stomach, esophagus, and sometimes the small bowel. You are required to drink a liquid called barium for this exam.

How do I prepare for this exam?

You are to have nothing to eat or drink after midnight prior to your exam. Also, do not eat or drink anything the morning of your exam. If your stomach is not empty, the study will not be satisfactory or may be canceled.

Essential medication may be taken with a sip of water. If your are diabetic, please consult your doctor before taking any medication on the morning of your exam.

What will the exam be like?

You will be asked to change from your clothes to a hospital gown. A preliminary film will be taken of your abdomen to assure that you are properly prepared.

You will be taken to an X-ray room by a technologist. When the radiologist arrives, you will be asked to drink the barium. The barium fills your stomach and small bowel so they can be seen on X-rays. The radiologist will watch this on a special screen, periodically, films will be taken and you will be asked to change your position and hold your breath.

How will I learn the results?

You should contact your doctor for the results, not the Radiology Department.

When may I eat?

You may eat as soon as the exam is over. You should drink plenty of fluids to avoid constipation from the barium.

Remember:

• Tell your doctor or the technologist if your are pregnant or think you may be.
• Tell your doctor or the technologist if you have any allergies.

Ultrasound

An ultrasound exam is a safe diagnostic procedure that uses very high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of many of the internal structures of the body. Originally developed in the late 1950s, over the years ultrasound machines have become better and better, resulting in images of outstanding detail and clarity.

Why have an ultrasound exam instead of an X-ray or CT scan?

Ultrasound uses sound waves, not X-rays. Multiple studies have shown that these sound waves are harmless and may be used with complete safety, even on pregnant women, where CT or X-rays would be inappropriate. In some other cases, either CT or ultrasound could be used to establish a diagnosis, but ultrasound exams are typically quicker and less expensive. Your physician will order the best kind of exam for your situation.

What's special about the ultrasound services at Torrance Memorial Medical Center?

At Torrance Memorial Medical Center, we're extremely proud of our facilities, which offer...

• Top-of-the-line equipment / Acuson
• Dedicated and proficient staff of technologists and physicians
• Accredited Ultrasound Department by the American College of Radiology

The results of ultrasound waves are very much dependent on the skill of the operator. For this reason, Torrance Memorial Medical Center employs technologists and radiologists with extensive ultrasound training to perform these exams.

No preparation is necessary for the following ultrasound exams:

• Breast
• Fetal (after fourteen weeks)
• Renal (Kidneys)
• Scrotal (Testicular)
• Thyroid (Neck)
• Paracentesis
• Thoracentesis

Directions

If you have an appointment at the Graziadio Radiology Center, enter the Medocal Centers Emergency Department lobby and proceed to the Graziadio Radiology Center reception desk adjacent that lobby. Hours are between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and evenings (after 6 p.m.)

Abdominal Ultrasound

Which parts of the body are examined by an abdominal ultrasound exam?

An abdominal ultrasound looks at the gallbladder, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and spleen. It also includes a view of the abdominal aorta.

What happens during the exam?

The patient lies on the table with the abdominal area exposed. The sonographer (technologist who performs the exam) will put a warm water-based gel on the skin surface. The gel helps to transmit sound waves by excluding air. An instrument called a transducer will be moved over the skin surface by the sonographer.

How do I prepare for this test?

Please do not eat solid food or drink anything but water for six to eight hours before the exam. Routine medications may be taken. If you are diabetic, consult with your physician.

How long will it take?

The exam will take approximately 20 minutes.

Will it hurt?

No.

How will I learn the results?

You may call your physician to discuss the results.

Obstetrical/Fetal Ultrasound

What is the purpose of an obstetrical ultrasound exam?

An obstetrical ultrasound exam looks at the uterus and ovaries, and at the fetus. The fetus is checked to be sure that its size is appropriate for its "age." The fetus is also checked to be sure the fetal anatomy is structurally normal.

What happens during the exam?

The patient lies on the table with the abdominal area exposed. The sonographer (technologist who performs the exam) will put a warm water-based gel on the skin surface. The gel helps to transmit sound waves by excluding air. An instrument called a transducer will be moved over the skin surface by the sonographer.

How do I prepare for this test?

You may eat regular meals prior to an obstetrical ultrasound exam.

You should have a full bladder. Please begin drinking 32 ounces (one quart) of water one hour before the exam is scheduled to begin, and do not urinate until the examination is over.

If you are scheduled for a Biophysical Profile, please eat a meal or snack one hour before the exam. A full bladder is not necessary.

How long will it take?

The exam will take approximately 35 minutes.

Will it hurt?

No.

How will I learn the results?

You may call your physician to discuss the results.

Pelvic Ultrasound

Which parts of the body are examined by a pelvic ultrasound exam?

A pelvic ultrasound in females looks primarily at the uterus and ovaries, but the bladder may also be visualized. In males, the pelvic ultrasound usually focuses on the bladder and the prostate gland.

What happens during the exam?

The patient lies on a table with the abdominal area exposed. The sonographer (technologist who performs the exam) will put a warm water-based gel on the skin surface. The gel helps to transmit sound waves by excluding air. An instrument called a transducer will be moved over the skin surface by the sonographer. Female exams frequently incorporate a vaginal probe (transducer) in addition, for a clearer look at the female organs.

How do I prepare for this test?

You may eat regular meals prior to the exam. The only special preparation is to have a full bladder at the time of the exam. Therefore, you should drink 32 ounces of water (four eight-ounce glasses, or one quart) before the exam. Start drinking it one hour before the exam, and finish drinking it one half hour before the exam. Do not urinate before the exam. Vaginal probe exams have no preparation required and may be performed if urinary bladder is not adequately filled.

How long will it take?

The exam will take approximately 20 minutes.

Will it hurt?

No.

How will I learn the results?

You may call your physician to discuss the results.

Vascular Ultrasound

What is the purpose of a vascular ultrasound exam?

A vascular ultrasound exam looks at the blood vessels to see whether there are any areas of narrowing or blockage. The vessels most frequently looked at are in the neck, arms, and legs.

The patient lies on a table. The sonographer (technologist who performs the exam) will put a warm water-based gel on the skin surface being examined. The gel helps to transmit sound waves by excluding air. An instrument called a transducer will be moved over the skin surface by the sonographer.

How do I prepare for this test?

No special preparation is necessary.

How long will it take?

The test will probably take about one half hour, depending on the area to be studied. In some cases, the exam may last up to one and one half hours.

Will it hurt?

No.

How will learn the results?

Your may call your physician to discuss the results.