Diagnostic Imaging Services
A joint venture between Charlotte Radiology and Atrium Health, Carolinas Imaging Services (CIS) provides outpatient imaging like X-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound for Charlotte and surrounding communities. With the latest technology and the same subspecialized radiologists who read scans for area hospitals, CIS provides an alternative to hospital imaging that is more convenient and often less expensive, depending on insurance coverage and deductibles.
CT (Computed Tomography)
Computed Tomography (CT) produces a sequence of detailed cross-sectional images of the body. Also known as Computerized Tomography or Computed Axial Tomography (CAT), it’s an advanced X-ray technology that is often used to generate interior images of the head, spine, chest or abdomen. CT technology uses computer guidance to rotate a focused X-ray beam around the patient, which helps radiologists to view multiple angles of the same part of the body.
Imaging studies with CT technology:
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces images of the body’s internal structures. Radio waves pass through a powerful magnetic field, and a computer converts them into digital images. MRI is especially useful for imaging soft tissues in the body, including the brain, nerves, muscles and organs.
Imaging studies with MRI technology:
X-Ray
X-rays, or radiographs, are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. These procedures produce images of the body’s internal structures to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. During an X-ray, X-ray beams pass through the body to create black, white and gray photos. Dense materials like bone and metal show up as white on X-rays, while air is black, and fat and muscle appear as shades of gray. X-rays are particularly useful for imaging bones and teeth.
Imaging studies with X-ray technology:
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is one of the most widely used diagnostic tools in modern medicine. It produces real-time images of soft tissues and organs by using sound waves. While commonly used to visualize a fetus during pregnancy, Charlotte Radiology uses ultrasound to look at muscles, tendons and internal organs. It can detect diseased or damaged tissues, locate abnormal growths and help in the diagnosis of a variety of conditions.
Imaging studies with ultrasound technology:
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy produces real-time images of the body, much like an X-ray “movie,” allowing radiologists to study internal organs at work. A continuous X-ray beam passes through the body, generating moving images on a computer monitor. Fluoroscopy can be used to evaluate the anatomy and function of skeletal, digestive, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems. But physicians also use it for visual guidance during procedures, as they place tubes, catheters or other devices inside the body.
Imaging studies with fluoroscopy technology:
Nuclear Medicine Imaging
Nuclear Medicine imaging allows doctors an inner look at the body’s anatomy and function. Patients are given a radioactive substance, either by mouth, IV, or inhaling it into the lungs. Radiologists then study images that show how the substance has distributed in the body. This helps them in diagnosing a list of conditions and diseases, like infections and tumors.
Imaging studies with nuclear medicine technology:
- PET Imaging
- Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan
- Diamox Scan
- Gallium Whole Body Scan
- Gastric Emptying
- Hepatobiliary Scan
- Meckel’s Scan
- Parathyroid Scan
- Stress Gated Heart Scan
- Shunt Studies
- Thallium Cardiac Scan
- Thyroid Scan
Pediatric Imaging
We understand the anxiety parents face when a doctor orders imaging for a child. Rest assured that our pediatric radiologists are subspecialty-trained to provide exceptional care specifically for children. Charlotte Radiology participates in the "Image Gently" campaign, highlighting our commitment to utilize the lowest radiation dose possible for pediatric imaging.
Pediatric imaging studies are available using CT, MRI, X-ray, Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy and Nuclear Medicine technologies. Please talk to your referring doctor to understand which imaging study would be appropriate for your child. You can learn more about the imaging studies offered at Charlotte Radiology through the links above.
