Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center's mission is to provide unsurpassed patient care, the most advanced diagnostic imaging technology, and the highest standards of quality.
Has your doctor recommended a diagnostic imaging procedure? The different types of diagnostic scans can all seem so similar that it may be hard to keep track of the test you have scheduled. For example, MRI and CT scans both capture images of your internal organs and structures, but they go about that process in different ways. Talk to your physician to learn more about your imaging test, and read below for more information about the differences between an MRI and a CT scan.
What is an MRI?
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, and the procedure utilizes magnets to create images of your body. Patients are placed inside a tube that contains a large magnet, which works in conjunction with radio waves to form images of your body. These images are very detailed and are used to help doctors locate tumors, bleeding, inflammation, and spinal damage, among other abnormalities. Because an MRI uses powerful magnets, patients who have magnet-sensitive implants or metal implants should not have MRIs.
What is a CT Scan?
A CT scan, sometimes called a CAT scan, uses X-rays to capture images of your internal organs and bones. After taking x-ray images from many different angles and viewpoints, doctors can combine these images to create a 3D interpretation of your body. This scan can also help doctors to locate tumors, monitor progressive diseases, and detect internal injuries. During a CT scan, the patient is moved through the center of a doughnut-shaped imaging machine while lying down. Because CT scans use X-ray radiation to capture images, pregnant women should use an alternate form of diagnostic imaging.
How are they Different?
While CT scans and MRIs produce similar images, they do have some differences. CT scans work much faster, so they are preferred for taking images of moving organs, like the bowels, because there is less blurring. However, MRIs are better at picking up small details and give doctors more factors that they can adjust and control. The ionizing radiation in a CT scan can be a concern if you have had an accumulation of CT procedures, though both procedures are considered very safe.
For more information about the different types of diagnostic imaging tests, contact SWDIC today. Providing the highest standards of service and a patient-centered approach, Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center is a Dallas leader in diagnostic imaging and health screening. Visit us online to find a location near you, or call us today at (888) 530-1053.
While some people undergo diagnostic imaging after a sudden accident or injury, others may have existing or persisting conditions that require closer evaluation. A medical imaging test like an MRI or CT scan helps your doctor to look inside the body at any organs, bones and other structures for signs of damage, disease or abnormalities. Here are just a few reasons why your physician may recommend a screening for you.
An MRI can be performed to view various parts of your body, from your head and chest to your bones and joints. Your neurologist may schedule a brain MRI to check for tumors while your spine specialist may recommend the procedure to evaluate a damaged disc.
If you suffer from conditions like arthritis or spinal stenosis, or if you have experienced a sports-related injury to your muscles and tendons, your physician may schedule you a musculoskeletal MRI. This type of MRI examines the body’s joints, bones and soft tissues to detect for diseases.
Providing more clarity and detail than a traditional x-ray exam, CT scans can create cross-sectional images of the entire body. If your doctor suspects the presence of tumors, infections, blood clots or cancers, he or she may have you undergo a CT scan for further evaluation.
For more information about our medical imaging services, contact SWDIC today. Providing the highest standards of service and a patient-centered approach, Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center is a Dallas leader in diagnostic imaging and health screening. Visit us online to find a location near you, or call us today at (888) 530-1053.
Thank you for the review, J! We appreciate you choosing SWDIC for your care.
Providing the highest standards of service and a patient-centered approach, Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center is a Dallas leader in diagnostic imaging and health screening. Visit us online to find a location near you, or call us today at (888) 530-1053.
Radiology is a specific field of medicine that is used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and a radiologist uses imaging technologies like MRIs and CT scans to help diagnose and treat diseases. Trained to perform, analyze and act on diagnostic imaging scans, your radiologist can help to detect and make sense of internal abnormalities. In the video below, listen as a radiologist explains how and why an abdominal CT scan is performed and how to interpret the resulting images.
For more information about radiology and our medical imaging services, contact SWDIC today. Providing the highest standards of service and a patient-centered approach, Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center is a Dallas leader in diagnostic imaging and health screening. Visit us online to find a location near you, or call us today at (888) 530-1053.
If you have been scheduled for a medical imaging procedure at Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center, your scan will be overseen by a certified radiologist. Whether your reason for coming is to evaluate an accidental injury or to receive a yearly screening, your radiologist is ready to perform your procedure efficiently, professionally and with great care. Learn more about this vital member of your medical team and how he or she can help you stay safe and healthy.
What is a Radiologist? More than the men or women behind the equipment, radiologists are trained and certified medical doctors who diagnose and treat injuries using imaging procedures like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. Like other medical doctors, radiologists have gone to medical school, passed a licensing exam, and completed the necessary requirements in order to become a board-certified practitioner.
What Does a Radiologist Do? In addition to performing and interpreting radiography scans, radiologists also consult with referring physicians to make sure you get the proper care. Your radiologist will confer with your doctor about your test results and may recommend specific treatments. Many radiologists have extensive training in a certain specialty, such as mammography or nuclear medicine.
How is my Safety Ensured? When you arrive at the imaging center, you can be confident that our procedures are safe. Radiologists and radiology technologists are trained to ensure that you are protected throughout your imaging procedure. These experienced caregivers have received extensive training in radiation technology and its effects on the human body, and act accordingly to make sure that your procedures are safe, comfortable, and accurate.
For more information about radiology and our medical team, contact SWDIC today. Providing the highest standards of service and a patient-centered approach, Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center is a Dallas leader in diagnostic imaging and health screening. Visit us online to find a location near you, or call us today at (888) 530-1053.
