Types of Imaging Techniques
At Optima Diagnostic Imaging Center, our team focuses on providing patients with the highest quality medical imaging services in Los Angeles. We know that getting the best possible image of an injury or condition within your body is incredibly important for diagnosis and a successful medical treatment. Our medical imaging service staff of board certified radiologists and licensed technologists are fully accredited by the American College of Radiology.
Our physicians and staff are here and ready to answer all your questions or concerns. Your health and safety are our top priority. We use the most technologically sophisticated imaging technology available. The advanced medical imaging technology we employ includes:
Computed Tomography (CT)
One of the most modern of diagnostic imaging techniques, Computed Tomography (CT) – popularly known as a CAT scan – combines multiple X-ray projections from different angles to create images. The CT procedure employs a series of X-ray beams that produce a cross-section of images the Computed Tomography scanner constructs into detailed 3-D pictures. CT can diagnose medical abnormalities such as tumors, cysts, bone calcification, internal bleeding and many different types of cancer. CT scans are commonly used to evaluate the following:
- Broken bones
- Cardiovascular disease
- Colon health (colonography)
- Heart tissue
- Internal organs
- Pulmonary embolism
- Size and location of tumors
- Traumatic injury
Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT)
Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) in an imaging procedure which combines the best of PET and CT imaging to create exceptionally detailed images. Our highly sensitive PET scan is available at our state-of-the-art Los Angeles facility and detects the metabolic signal of actively growing cancer cells in the body. Combined with the CT scan, we create a detailed picture of the internal anatomy that will reveal the location, size and shape of most abnormal cancerous growths. PET/CT scans are commonly used to evaluate the following:
- Tumors, Shapes and Sizes
- Myocardial Infarctions
- Broken bones
- Heart Tissue
- Prostate
- Breast Tissue
- Internal Organs
- Aneurysms
- Embolisms
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging procedure that employs radio waves and a magnetic field to produce detailed pictures of internal body structures, including organs and tissue. MRI is a highly effective tool in diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions such as tumors, orthopedic injuries, neurological problems and other medical issues. MRI imaging does not use radiation to produce the image.
When receiving an MRI, a patient lies comfortably on a bed which is then inserted into an MRI scanner. The scanner is a large circular magnet that creates a magnetic field strong enough to align protons in hydrogen atoms inside a patient’s body. Then, patients are exposed to a radio wave. Much like an ultrasound, the radio wave bounces back and is interpreted by the MRI scanner as an image. MRI is often used to evaluate the following:
- Abdominal organs
- Abnormal tissue
- Blood vessels
- Bones and joints
- Breasts
- Brain
- Ligament and tendon tears
- Muscles and tendons
- Spinal injuries
X-Ray
Discovered over 100 years ago, the most commonly used form of medical imaging is X-ray technology. X-rays utilize ionizing radiation to create images of structures inside the body. This is accomplished through the emission of X-ray beams into the body which are absorbed in differently by the varied densities of material inside the body. For example, in an X-ray a bone or a foreign object inside your body will be visible, but muscle or tissue is not. X-rays are used to diagnose a wide variety of medical conditions. X-rays are typically used to evaluate the following:
- Broken bones
- Teeth cavities
- Breasts (mammography)
- Swallowed objects
- Lung condition
- Condition of blood vessels
Ultrasound
Otherwise known as medical sonography, diagnostic ultrasound employs high frequency sound waves to provide images of the body. An ultrasound works by sending sound waves directly into the body. When these sound waves bounce back, the ultrasound machine interprets these sound waves into an image. Unlike an X-ray, an ultrasound does not use radiation to produce a diagnostic image. This makes ultrasound medical imaging not only painless, but safe. Ultrasound is commonly used to evaluate the following:
- Pregnancy
- Heart abnormalities
- Blood vessel abnormalities
- Abdominal organs
- Areas of infection, pain or swelling
Contact Us Today
Optima Diagnostic Imaging Center is committed to providing patients and medical professionals with the most advanced imaging services throughout the Los Angeles area. We use the most cutting-edge imaging techniques, and offer professional services, comfort and convenience to our patients.