We use various imaging technologies and techniques to ensure your provider reaches an accurate diagnosis quickly. Our staff is devoted to making our patients’ radiology experience as comfortable as possible. We do our best to ensure that our patients are never rushed, and our staff gives their full attention to all the patients’ questions and needs. We believe the patient’s time is important and we work hard to keep to our schedule and minimize patient waiting time.
It is best to wear comfortable clothing and remove all jewelry prior to the exam. You may be asked to wear a gown for the procedure. If prep is required for your exam, our schedulers will guide you through what is necessary at the time of scheduling.
We use cutting edge technology with digital radiography to acquire images to assist your provider in your diagnosis. X-rays are the foundation of all imaging procedures. X-rays are used to look at bones, lungs and other organs. Usually, these exams are not scheduled, and you are able to come whenever you are available. Most exams take less than 10 minutes, but some of the more specialized exams that involve fluoroscopy (motion images) can take longer. The technologist will ask that you remain very still during the exam, and you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds to help reduce movement.
Our CT uses the latest technology to acquire cross-sectional images giving detailed visualization of internal anatomy. The machine looks like a very big doughnut with a small table that moves into the center of the machine. Each exam takes 15-30 minutes. The exam usually requires the CT technologist to start an IV and inject a small amount of X-ray dye, sometimes called contrast (a clear liquid with a small amount of iodine), into your body. This dye goes directly into the blood vessels so that the physician can interpret the blood flow into different organs in your body. Specific CT scans also may use a type of contrast that you drink before the exam. You will be given specific prep for your exam at the time of scheduling your exam. CT technology gives our radiologist clear details for diagnosis of a broad spectrum of conditions. CT technology is constantly improving, and we are dedicated to staying up with this technology to bring the most detailed images available.
MRI uses radio transmitters and a large magnet to produce detailed images of soft tissue structures that would not be detected by other imaging tools. The patient is asked to lie still for 15-60 minutes, depending on the area of the body to be imaged. While MRI is among the best diagnostic imaging tools available, it cannot be used on everyone. Patients with automatic defibrillators or pacemakers generally cannot have an MRI because MRI can cause damage to specific implanted devices that are not MRI-compatible. Our schedulers and technologists will do a complete screening prior to scheduling your exam to ensure you are a candidate for MRI.
Ultrasound utilizes high frequency sound waves to view the inside of the body. The images are captured in real time and thus show movement of the body’s organs as well as blood flowing through the vessels. The exam usually takes 30-60 minutes. Our technologists will apply warm gel to the specified area they scan for the sound waves to travel from skin to the transducer so the computer can capture the images. Ultrasound imaging is extremely safe and does not use radiation. Ultrasound scanning gives a clear picture of soft tissues that do not show up well on X-ray images.
Nuclear medicine is a vital part of diagnostic imaging and uses a radioactive material inside the body to visualize how organs or tissue function in ways that cannot be done with any other type of medical imaging. This exam is a two-step process. One step is the radionuclide being injected and the next is acquiring images of parts of the body where the radionuclide is absorbed. Your exam may be scheduled for two different times and may be on two different days. Our state-of-the-art nuclear medicine camera allows for imaging of a wider variety of patients and the ability to image patients in their hospital beds or on gurneys—eliminating the need to transfer patients who are immobile or in severe pain.
We are a Mammography Accredited Facility. Our state-of-the-art technology produces detailed 3D images to better assist the radiologist in cancer detection without increasing the X-ray dose. This special machine squeezes the breast tissue so that the radiation that is needed is quite small, but the images that are created are very detailed. This exam usually takes 15-30 minutes. All our mammography technologists have passed advanced courses in mammography and are all registered by the state or national boards. Mammograms show abnormalities that are too small to be felt by you or your physician. It is recommended that every woman over the age of 40 have an annual mammogram. If your previous mammogram was performed at another facility, please inform our scheduling staff so that a copy of your last mammogram can be received for our radiologist to compare.
Our DEXA machine measures the thickness and strength of bones using a low energy X-ray beam usually through the hip and spine. This exam allows your provider to assess the density of your bones and determine your future fracture risk. Before the exam, you will be asked to refrain from taking calcium supplements two days prior to the exam and not have a CT scan or an exam that uses Barium for at least one week before. The exam will take approximately 15-20 minutes.
Fairchild Medical Center
444 Bruce Street
Yreka, CA 96097
