Radiology & Imaging

Angiography is a type of x-ray. It lets your doctor see images of your blood vessels, including your heart, brain and kidneys. These images can tell whether blood vessels are diseased, narrowed, enlarged or blocked. There are three types of angiograms.

• Traditional angiography: Contrasting fluid is injected into your blood vessel through a small tube while x-rays are taken. Your doctor will order this type of angiogram if you have planned surgery to unblock a blood vessel or need a stent placed to keep a blood vessel open.
• Computed tomography angiography (CTA): Contrasting fluid is placed in your blood vessels via an IV, while pictures are taken with a CT scan.
• Magnetic Resonance angiography (MRA): Contrasting fluid is placed in your blood vessels via an IV, while pictures are taken with an MRI.

Bone density testing is a quick and painless exam similar to an x-ray. Loss of bone density may be an early sign of osteoporosis or other metabolic bone diseases. We use modern equipment that produces low doses of radiation. Images of the bones in your spine, hips and arms may be taken. Please bring a list of all medications you are taking and don’t wear clothes made of denim to your appointment. Testing takes about 20 minutes. A board-certified radiologist will provide your test results.

We offer a wide range of Computerized Tomography (CT) scans using state-of-the-art equipment. Our full-time technologists are highly skilled and registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Technologists are also CPR-certified and trained to place an IV. They must meet continuing education requirements of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the Radiation Control Program of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Radiology uses controlled radiation to produce images. We offer upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series, barium enemas, intravenous pyelograms (IVP) and arthrograms. Some procedures require a radiologist (a doctor specializing in diagnostic imaging) during testing. Emergency testing is available 24 hours per day through our emergency department.

We offer our patients the full range of MRI testing. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) evaluates abdominal, chest, neck, extremity and intracranial blood vessels. We provide imaging of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, spine and joints.

Nuclear imaging produces images of your bones and internal organs. A camera inside the imaging device collects information. Then, a computer creates an image of an organ in your body. We offer patients the full range of nuclear imaging services, including functional imaging of most internal organs.

PET scans study organ function. They detect both cancer and the effects of cancer treatment. PET images see the difference between diseased and healthy tissues, allowing doctors to find a tumor and assess its response to therapy. This type of imaging is essential in the evaluation of cancer patients. We offer our patients the option of receiving a PET scan on a mobile unit, like a mammography van.

Ultrasound examinations use high-frequency sound waves to create cross-sectional images of soft-tissue organs. There is no radiation involved in this test. Sonographers (especially trained technologists) produce images in the abdomen and pelvis as well as the breast, thyroid, testicles, the pregnant uterus, and the veins in the arms and legs.

All exams use gel during the evaluation. A small instrument placed on the skin generates images. Some exams require no preparation, while others require fasting or drinking a predetermined amount of water beforehand. Certain gynecologic ultrasounds require an internal scan. We will let you know how to prepare when you schedule your appointment. All sonographers at BID Plymouth are board-certified by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Abdomen and Obstetrics and Gynecology. The Diagnostic Imaging Department follows the standards established by the American College of Radiology, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, and state and federal regulatory agencies.

You will need a referral from your doctor before you make an appointment for an ultrasound.

X-rays utilize radiation to produce images. We offer several routine procedures including upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series, barium enemas, intravenous pyelograms (IVP) and arthrograms.

Certain procedures require an appointment and a radiologist to be present. Emergency procedures are available 24 hours per day through the BID Plymouth Emergency Department.