Imaging and Diagnostic Services

Computed Axial Tomography — more commonly known as CT or CAT scan — combines X-rays and computerized imagery to make detailed images of the body, including bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans provide vital information for diagnosing medical conditions and developing treatment plans, and are often used to support surgical procedures.  

All CT technologists at Cumberland Medical Center are registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT), with an advanced registry in Computed Tomography.

Learn more about our CT scanning capabilities. 

An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is one of the simplest and fastest tests used to evaluate the heart. 

An EKG records impulses to show how fast the heart is beating, its rhythm, and the strength and timing of the electrical impulses as they move through different parts of the heart. 

Learn more about electrocardiograms at Cumberland Medical Center. 

This subspecialty of radiology involves minimally invasive procedures that are performed using image guidance. The concept behind IR is to diagnose or treat pathology with the most minimally invasive techniques possible. 

IR procedures can reduce infection rates, recovery times, and shorten hospital stays. As a result, many IR procedures are performed with conscious sedation. General anesthesia is not usually necessary. Most IR procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and some may require a very short hospital stay.

All IR technologists at Cumberland Medical Center are registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® or American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography®, and nurses are Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certified.

Learn more about our special procedures (interventional radiology) at Cumberland Medical Center.

Our laboratory helps draw blood for the routine and specialized blood testing your physician may order.

In addition to the above imaging and diagnostic capabilities, Cumberland Medical Center also uses the Picture Archival & Communication System (PACS) to ensure your diagnostic images are shared quickly, privately and seamlessly. 

This technology allows images to be electronically captured, stored and transmitted – all without film.

PACS makes high-quality MRI, CT, X-ray and ultrasound pictures immediately available by computer. Doctors can readily view any images the patient has had taken at Cumberland Medical Center and other locations in the Covenant Health system.

Patients no longer need to carry X-rays from place to place. In addition, PACS delivers clear images that can result in a better, more accurate diagnosis.

Mammography is the best screening tool for evaluating breast health and early detection of breast cancer. Cumberland Medical Center’s Breast Center has earned the American College of Radiology’s prestigious Breast Imaging Center of Excellence designation and offers a full range of diagnostic services to serve your breast health needs.

Learn more about our Breast Center.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the body. Unlike conventional radiography and CT, no radiation is used. 

Cumberland Medical Center’s MRI capabilities feature a large-bore unit, which better accommodates the physical needs of all patients, including bariatric patients. The table weight limit is 550 pounds. 

All MRI technologists at Cumberland Medical Center are American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® with advanced registry in MRI.

Learn more about our MRI services at Cumberland Medical Center.

Nuclear Medicine specialists use radioactive material to access the function of organs or systems within the body. Nuclear Medicine uses small quantities of radioactive materials, called isotopes, that are targeted to specific organ systems or tissues within the body. 

Depending on the type of nuclear medicine exam you are undergoing, the radiotracer is either injected into a vein, swallowed, or inhaled as a gas. It eventually accumulates in the organ or area of your body being examined. A small amount of radiation is then detected with the use of a nuclear medicine gamma camera. 

This safe and painless technique often spots abnormalities early in disease progression. It also provides a way to gather information that otherwise would be unavailable or require surgery or more expensive diagnostic tests.

All Nuclear Medicine technologists at Cumberland Medical Center are American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT) and/or Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT) registered.

Learn more about our nuclear medicine services at Cumberland Medical Center. 

PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography) combines the functional information of a PET scan with the anatomical information of a CT (Computed Tomography) scan. 

PET scans can detect changes in cellular function, such as: how your cells are utilizing nutrients like sugar and oxygen (this is called metabolic changes). This can pinpoint metabolic activity in cells. CT scans capture cross-sectional images of the body. 

Once the PET and CT are combined, the CT provides more anatomical details of the body to see where the metabolic changes are occurring. This safe and painless technique can provide information for your physician to make an early diagnosis.

All PET/CT technologists at Cumberland Medical Center are registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT) and/or Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT).

Learn more about PET scans at Cumberland Medical Center. 

Ultrasound imaging, also called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of the inside of the body. 

Benefits of ultrasound include more comprehensive and reliable exam data, faster tests, and improved patient comfort. Ultrasound exams do not use radiation. 

All sonographers at Cumberland Medical Center are American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography® (ARDMS) registered.

Learn more about ultrasound services at Cumberland Medical Center.

X-ray imaging uses electromagnetic radiation to create pictures of the inside of your body. In the hospital setting, X-rays are emitted as individual particles that pass through the body and then create an image. Radiation protection and minimization of patient exposure is always considered for patient safety.

Fluoroscopy is a technique for obtaining real-time X-ray images of a patient. A dye that shows up on X-rays can be injected or swallowed to outline blood vessels or organs as it moves through the body. 

This process allows the physician to see images from inside the body on a TV monitor. Fluoroscopy is often used to see the digestive tract. It also can help doctors locate a foreign object in the body, position a catheter or needle for a procedure, or set a broken bone.

All radiologic technologists at Cumberland Medical Center are American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® registered.

Learn more about x-ray services at Cumberland Medical Center.