Imaging & Diagnostics

Our hospital-based imaging and diagnostic centers offer outpatient phlebotomy (blood draw) services for routine and specialized labs.

A blood screening, also known as a blood test or blood work, involves analyzing a sample of blood to evaluate your overall health. Blood tests can reveal diseases, general health status, hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, STIs and cancer risks. By regularly undergoing blood tests, you can detect potential health issues early, monitor existing conditions and take proactive steps to maintain and improve your health.

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A bone density test is also known as bone mass measurement or bone mineral density test. It measures the strength and density of your bones. It’s often done as a woman gets close to menopause. The test can be repeated later and help determine how quickly you are losing bone mass and density. These tests are painless, noninvasive, and safe. They compare your bone density with standards for what is expected in someone of your age, gender, and size, and to the best peak bone density of a healthy young adult of the same gender. Bone density testing can help to:

• Find low bone density before a fracture occurs.
• Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis if you have a fracture.
• Predict your chances of fracturing in the future.
• Determine your rate of bone loss or keep track of the effects of treatment if the test is conducted at intervals of a year or more.

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Computed Axial Tomography, also known as a CT or CAT scan, is an imaging test that uses X-rays and computerized imagery to make detailed images of the body, including bones, muscles, fat, organs and blood vessels. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays.

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

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Echocardiograms are a painless and non-invasive test where our skilled technicians use ultrasound waves to create detailed images of the size, shape and movement of the heart’s valve and chambers, as well as the blood flow through the heart. During the procedure, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard, which at certain locations and angles move through the skin and other body tissues to see the heart tissues. Echocardiograms may show such abnormalities as poorly functioning heart valves or damage to the heart tissue from a past heart attack.

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of the simplest and fastest tests used to evaluate the heart. An EKG records these impulses to show how fast the heart is beating, the rhythm of the heart beats (steady or irregular), and the strength and timing of the electrical impulses as they move through different parts of the heart. Additionally, they can sometimes detect heart muscle damage.

A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast tissue used to diagnose breast diseases, particularly breast cancer. Mammograms allow radiologists to see the internal structure of the breasts and can identify tumors that are too small to be felt in a breast exam.

Our centers offer digital mammography, and all offer tomosynthesis, a 3D process that provides more detailed images, even in women with dense breast tissue. This 3D mammography gives patients a 20 percent better image than standard digital mammography.

Screening mammograms are recommended by the American College of Radiology beginning at age 40 once a year, or earlier if you are at high risk. A screening mammogram is done when there are no problems detected.

Diagnostic mammograms are done when there is a problem identified. It involves an advanced mammogram and possibly an ultrasound.

We strive to enhance our patients’ quality of life through screening mammograms for early detection of breast cancer and other abnormalities. Early detection saves lives! We also understand that getting a mammogram can be stressful, so we are devoted to providing comprehensive, compassionate and personalized breast care. Through research and education, we also promote and encourage our patients to join us in taking an active role in their care.

Find a breast center near you or self-schedule a screening mammogram at select Covenant Health locations.

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Magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, is a non-invasive medical imaging test that creates detailed images of almost every internal structure in the human body, including the organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels. Unlike conventional radiography and CT scans, no radiation is used; instead, images are created using a large magnet and radio waves.

A physician’s referral is required for MRI imaging.

All MRI technologists at Covenant Health are registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® with advanced registry in MRI.

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Nuclear medicine specialists use safe, painless techniques to capture images of what is going on inside the body and to treat disease. Patients ingest small amounts of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals), then special cameras detect the images and send the pictures to a computer for reading and interpretation.

It is a safe and painless technique that often spots abnormalities early in a disease’s 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 Covenant Health are American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® and/or Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT) registered.

Ultrasound imaging, also called sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain images of the inside of the body. They allow healthcare providers to easily view organs and structures from outside the body. They may also be used to assess blood flow to organs.

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

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

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X-ray imaging is a non-invasive and painless scan that uses invisible electromagnetic energy to make images of the bones and surrounding soft tissues. Standard X-rays are done for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors, infections, foreign bodies, or bone injuries and are used for diagnostic purposes.

X-rays can be done to your extremities, your abdomen, or your head, neck and chest area. X-rays are emitted as individual particles that pass through body structures to create a visual image, similar to camera film. It makes a “negative” type picture. The more solid a structure is, the whiter it looks on the film. Instead of film, X-rays may also be made by using computers and digital media.

We also offer fluoroscopy, a technique for obtaining “live” 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. Radiation protection and minimization of patient exposure is always our top consideration for patient safety.

All radiologic technologists at Covenant Health are American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® registered.

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