Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology

At Astria Health, we use Hologic genius 3-D mammography technology. 3-D mammography increases the cancer detection rate for invasive breast cancer by over 40 percent. 3-D mammography is more accurate and precise when compared to traditional 2-D mammography. Call 509.837.1627 to schedule an appointment.

To determine whether a growth is cancerous, a biopsy (tissue sample) is extracted for further testing. Biopsies are often used in diagnosing cancer when a mass is found during a screening exam.

Biopsy procedures are guided by imaging technology, such as MRI, ultrasound or other methods, and can be performed by:

• Needle: Fine-needle and core-needle biopsies are used to extract cells or a small core of tissue.
• Stereotactic: Computer and imaging technology are used to guide a needle to a precise spot where a tissue sample can be collected.
• Open or surgical: A sample of the growth, or entire growth, is taken by making a small incision in the skin.

Bone densitometry (DEXA) scans are an enhanced form of x-ray that is used to measure bone density or bone loss to determine if you have osteoporosis. A bone density scan enhances the accuracy of calculating your risk of osteoporosis so you can be treated early.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women. We provide helpful services to educate women on breast health and encourage self-exams and routine screenings. We utilize highly sophisticated imaging technology that can detect breast cancer at the earliest stages when treatment can be most effective. The combination of highly trained, caring technologists and the latest imaging technology allows us to deliver the highest quality of care.

A digital 3D mammogram is an x-ray exam used to screen for or diagnose breast cancer. 

A breast ultrasound is often used to further evaluate an abnormality found during a mammogram. Ultrasound allows doctors to see the area closest to the chest wall, which can be difficult to see using mammography. This technology also helps doctors determine whether a breast lump is filled with fluid (a cyst) or is a solid mass.

A breast MRI is also used to further evaluate an abnormality found on a mammogram or ultrasound. 

Call 509.837.1627 to schedule an appointment.

A CT or CAT (computed tomography) scan combines x-ray and computer technology to show highly detailed, 3-D images of any part of the body, including bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels. Scans can also be performed using a contrast solution (either swallowed or injected) to make tissues and vessels more visible.

We also provide a range of advanced CT-guided techniques that doctors use in both diagnosis and interventional radiology treatments, including:

• Biopsies and abscess drainages
• CT angiography/arteriography
• CT radiation therapy planning
• Image-guided surgeries and presurgical planning
• Myelography (spine imaging with contrast solution)

An echocardiogram (echo) is an ultrasound test that uses high-frequency sound waves to take pictures of your heart. The test is also called echocardiography or diagnostic cardiac ultrasound. Pediatric Echocardiogarphy is also available.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a diagnostic procedure that combines a powerful magnet, radio waves, and computer technology to provide detailed images of tissues, muscles, nerves, and bones. Because MRI uses magnetic force and radio waves to create images, there is no radiation exposure during the procedure. MRI is often used instead of CT to study soft tissues or organs because bones do not obscure them with CT imaging.

Nuclear medicine scans use radiopharmaceuticals introduced into your body by injection or swallowing. The nuclear medicine camera then detects the radiation emitted by the radiopharmaceutical showing the physician different parts of your body where there could be disease or an abnormality. Nuclear medicine is used to:

• Scan organs for abnormalities
• Evaluate the spread of cancer
• Locate infection
• Identify blood clots in the lungs

Astria Health's nuclear medicine technologists utilize advanced technology that delivers results quickly so doctors can begin treatment as soon as possible. We offer a wide range of diagnostic imaging services, including:

• Brain scans
• Breast scans
• Heart scans, including myocardial perfusion scans
• Red cell mass studies, to diagnose blood diseases or evaluate blood loss
• Renal scans, to examine kidney function
• Thyroid uptake scans
• Tumor imaging
• Whole-body bone scans

A CT scan uses a low dose of radioactive isotope injected into the bloodstream to show how body tissue and organs are functioning. Because it can detect changes at the cellular level, a CT scan can help doctors monitor areas of concern or evaluate and adjust treatments.

Ultrasound (or sonography) uses reflected sound waves to create real-time images of soft tissues, including muscles, blood vessels and organs. Because sound waves are used, there is no radiation exposure during this procedure.

Although most commonly used to examine the fetus during pregnancy, it is also an effective tool for monitoring blood flow using Doppler technology. Ultrasound can be used to discover abnormalities in organs and detect narrowed arteries, clotted veins or growths such as tumors and cysts.

Astria Health offers a variety of ultrasound procedures, including:

• Obstetric and breast ultrasound exams
• Ultrasound-guided biopsies of the breast, kidney, liver and thyroid
• Paracentesis and thorocentesis

Call 509.837.1627 to schedule an appointment.

X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs on film or digital media. Standard x-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries. X-ray technology is used in many types of diagnostic procedures, such as arteriograms, computed tomography (CT) scans and fluoroscopy.

During an x-ray, different parts of the body allow varying amounts of x-ray beams to pass through:

• Soft tissues in the body (such as blood, skin, fat and muscle) allow most of the x-ray to pass through and appear dark gray on the film or digital media.
• A bone or a tumor, which is denser than soft tissue, allows only a few of the x-rays to pass through and appears white on the x-ray. At a break in a bone, the x-ray beam passes through the broken area and appears as a dark line in the white bone.

Fluoroscopy is a form of x-ray used to show real-time moving images of your internal organs. It is most commonly used for evaluating the digestive tract.