Diagnostic Testing & Radiology

Diagnostic Imaging is the department at Eastside Medical Center that performs numerous varieties of  diagnostic tests. These tests use x-rays, ultrasound or sonography, tomography, magnetic resonance, and so forth to create images on a florescent screen, videotape or photographic film showing the body's organs, tissues and structures. The areas of testing within the Diagnostic Imaging Department are:

• CT
• MRI
• Non-invasive Vascular
• Nuclear Medicine
• PET
• Radiology
• Special Procedures
• Ultrasound

Where: To schedule testing in any of these areas, you will need physician's orders. You may call Central Scheduling Department at 770-736-6666 to schedule your tests. You will check in at the admissions area, as you are instructed.

What to bring: physician's written orders

How to prepare for the procedure: Follow all instructions given to you by your physician and/or the person with whom you schedule the tests. Sometimes fasting or laxatives and enemas are required. Sometimes special medication or dyes need to be taken by drinking a liquid or taking a pill. Be sure to follow directions exactly.

For more information on the latest Diagnostic Imaging technology, click here.

Angiography

The definition of “angiography”, according to Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary-Tenth Edition, is “the roentgenographic visualization of the blood vessels after injection of a radiopaque substance”. 

In simple language, this is a very special procedure done in combination with certain x-rays and an injected, dye-like substance that allows the blood vessels to be seen and recorded on film, for interpretation by the radiologist.

• Where: Come to the Main Campus. Check in at Admissions. Procedure done at Diagnostic Imaging/Radiology Dept.
• What to bring: Will need to have someone bring you. You will not be able to drive yourself home. Bring physicians orders with you.
• How to prepare for the procedure: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day before the procedure.

Bone Densitometry

Bone Densitometry is a non-invasive procedure that measures the density or porosity of bones. In other words, with aging and some types of bone disease, bones can become porous or have holes or pockets almost like swiss cheese. This makes the bones more fragile or easily broken. This painless and quick test will tell the physician if you have osteoporosis or other disease of "thinning" of the bone.

• Where: This test is performed in the Eastside Physicians Center, in the Breast and Diagnostic Center, Suite 100.
• What to bring: Bring the physicians orders with you.
• How to prepare for the procedure: If you wear clothing without large metal buttons or metal zippers, there will be no need to change into a hospital gown.

Breast & Diagnostic Center

Our newly remodeled and updated Breast and Diagnostic Center is open! There are additional waiting room areas and registration offices, with focused attention on patient comfort and privacy. Most of the art work of oils, watercolors and pastels was done by Annie Kramer, a breast cancer survivor and former patient of Eastside. Her skill and beautiful work testifies to the ability to live a quality life despite a breast cancer diagnosis.

Our Center has always received kudos for our wonderful Medical Director, Dr. Beth Kruse, the friendly and capable mammographers, and the followup given to our patients. These new process changes and the sparkling environment make the oft-dreaded, yet necessary procedures so much more pleasant. If it's time for your mammogram, give us a call at 770-736-6666 to schedule an appointment.

CT Scan

CT (or CAT scan, as it used to be known) is a type of diagnostic testing that allows the physician to see views of the body's organs or systems using computerized tomography. Tomography is a noninvasive (painless and non-surgical) technique that shows detailed imaes of structures in a selected plane of tissue by blurring images of structures in all other planes. In simple language, the image looks like a "slice" of the 3-dimensional structure being imaged.

• Where: Come to the Main Campus. Check in at Radiology Admissions. Procedure is done in Diagnostic Imaging/Radiology Department.
• What to bring: Physicians orders
• How to prepare for the procedure: Will need to follow all directions given to you by the doctor ordering the test. Sometimes you need to fast or drink a liquid or take certain medication to prepare for this test. All these directions will need to be followed closely.

Electrocardiography

Electrocardiography is diagnostic testing that creates a graphic record of the electrical activity of the heart or electrical currents originating in the heart. This is also called EKG or ECG.

• Where: Come to the Admissions entrance at Eastside Medical Center for check-in
• What to bring: physician's written orders
• How to prepare for the procedure: Do not put lotion or bath powder on the chest prior to this test.

Electroencephalography (EEG)

The recording of the brain's electrical activity is called an electroencephalogram or EEG. Electrodes are placed on the scalp with a conducting gel or paste that looks similar to toothpaste. The patient is asked to relax, close the eyes and lie very still. The machine will then record the "brain waves" or electrical activity. The physician specialist who will interpret these tests is a neurologist.

• Where: Come to the Main Campus. Check in at Admissions. Procedure is done in EEG Department.
• What to bring: Will need to bring physicians written orders with you.
• How to prepare for the procedure: Since the EEG tech will need to place electrodes or leads on the scalp, it would be useful to not have hairpins clips or other materials in the hair that would obstruct the scalp.

Electromyography (EMG or Nerve Conduction)

Electromyography is the study of the contraction of a muscle as a result of electrical stimulation by the corresponding nerve. In other words, EMG is the diagnostic test which records this electrical activity in the muscle for interpretation by a neurologist- the medical doctor who specializes in this branch of medicine. This test is also called a nerve conduction study.

• Where: Come to the Main Campus. Check in at Admissions. Procedure done at the Cardiopulmonary Department.
• What to bring: physician's written orders
• How to prepare for the procedure: Follow all directions given to you by your doctor. It is preferred that you wear loose clothing that can be easily removed.

Laboratory Services

Laboratory Services at Eastside Medical Center is a department whose function is to test, research or perform clinical studies on materials, fluids or tissues obtained from patients.

• Where: Come to the Main Campus. Enter through the Admissions entrance. The laboratory draw stations are in the Outpatient area. Call Central Scheduling Department to make an appointment at 770-736-6666.
• What to bring: You will need to bring a physician's written orders with you. No lab testing can be done without written orders.
• How to prepare for the procedure: Carefully follow all directions given to you by your physician. Some lab tests require fasting or taking special medications for preparation.

Lithotripsy

Lithotripsy is a procedure which crushes a stone (called a calculus) in the urinary bladder or urethra. The procedure uses sound waves to cause the dissolving or breaking up of these stones.

• Where: Eastside Medical Center offers Lithotripsy Services by appointment only. Your physician, usually a urologist, will make an appointment for this procedure.
• What to bring: Your physician's office will give you necessary paperwork to bring.
• How to prepare for the procedure: All patients over 45 years old will have an EKG and chest x-ray prior to this procedure. Your physician will inform you concerning any other necessary tests required prior to lithotripsy.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, abbreviated MRI, is a diagnostic imaging procedure that is valuable in providing images of the heart, large blood vessels, brain, other organs and soft tissues. It does not involve exposure to radiation. It does require the patient lying still for a lengthy period of time. This procedure is not performed on patients with cardiac pacemakers, ferromagnetic pins, clips, metal shrapnel or plates in the body, or those who are severely claustrophobic. Due to the confined space of this device, a patient's height and weight must be considered.

• Where: Come to the Main Campus. Check in at Admissions. Procedure will be done in the Diagnostic Imaging Department.
• What to bring: Bring physician's written orders with you. No procedure can be performed without written orders.
• How to prepare for the procedure: Follow all instructions given to you by your physician. Try to wear clothing without metal buttons, zippers, etc. Leave all jewelry at home. For procedures done on the head or face, the patient should not wear eye makeup. If a patient has ever done welding, special facial x-rays will be done prior to the MRI, to check for the presence of metal shrapnel. Notify your phyician of this prior to coming for the procedure.

Mammography

Mammography is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses x-ray technology to diagnose breast cancer. This procedure has increased the rate of early detection. We promote a screening mammogram annually after age 40.

Every woman should discuss her family history and risk factors with her physician.Breast self-exams should be performed monthly. An annual breast exam by your physician is also recommended.

• Where: Come to the Breast and Diagnostic Center at Eastside Physicians Center, beside the hospital on the main campus. We are on the ground floor in Suite 100. You must call Central Scheduling Department at 770-736-6666 to make an appointment.
• What to bring: You must bring physician's written orders with you. No procedure may be done without written orders. If your prior mammograms were performed at another facility, you should bring those previous films with you for comparison.
• How to prepare for the procedure: The day of your mammogram, please do not use lotion, powders or perfumes in the breast area. You may wear underarm deodorant.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine is a diagnostic imaging tool and branch of medicine concerned with the diagnostic, therapeutic and investigative process using radionuclides. In other words, radioisotopes are injected or taken orally, and are used to help define certain organs and body structures for diagnosis of disease or malfunction. PET scans (Positron Emission Tomography) is a special type of nuclear medicine imaging, and you can learn more by going to our special PET page.

• Where: Come to the Main Campus. Enter and check in at the Admissions Department. Procedure is done in Nuclear Medicine Department.
• What to bring: You will need to bring physician's written orders with you. No procedure can be done without written orders. You may call Central Scheduling Department to make an appointment, at 770-736-6666
• How to prepare for the procedure: Follow all directions given to you by the physician. For some procedures, you will need to have two separate appointment times. This will all be explained to you, if this is appropriate for your special procedure.

Osteoporosis Screening

Osteoporosis Screening is a procedure offered at Eastside Medical Center. This test is also referred to as bone densitometry or bone density testing. Osteoporosis is a general term for describing any disease that results in the reduction in the mass of bone per unit of volume. The reduction is sufficient to interfere with the mechanical support function of bone.

• Where: Come to the Breast and Diagnostic Center in the Eastside Physicians Center building. Check in at Suite 100A, on the ground floor.
• What to bring: Bring physician's written orders with you. This procedure cannot be performed without physician's written orders.
• How to prepare for the procedure: Many times you will not need to change into a hospital gown for this procedure if you wear clothing without metal buttons, zippers or large metal decorations on them. Please leave jewelry at home.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a diagnostic imaging procedure used mainly to determine the presence and severity of cancers, neurological disease and cardiovascular disease. Radioactive isotopes are used to visualize specific body organs and tumors or nodules within these organs. Eastside Medical Center offers PET scanning by appointment, with physician's written orders. Call Central Scheduling Department at 770-736-6666 to make an appointment.

Patients are told to have nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day prior to the procedure. The PET technologist will draw a blood specimen checking the blood sugar level of the patient before administering a radioactive glucose.

The PET procedure usually takes about two hours from start to finish. The patient receives an injection and is instructed to wait for an hour before the actual scan begins. The scanning time is approximately one hour. To learn more about PET procedures, click here.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound or sonography is the department at Eastside Medical Center that uses inaudible sound waves to diagnose various disorders and diseases of the body. These waves provide imaging of the shapes of various tissues and organs. Ultrasound is part of the Diagnostic Imaging Department and each ultrasound technician or sonographer has specialized training in ultrasonography.

For information about the SonoCine Automated Whole-Breast Ultrasound procedure, click here.

• Where: When scheduling an ultrasound procedure, be sure to find out where the test will be performed. Ultrasound procedures are done in the main hospital, as well as in Eastside Physicians Center, Suite 100, in our Breast and Diagnostic Center. Check -in will be either in Diagnostic Imaging/Radiology Department for procedures done on the main campus or in Suite 100  at the Eastside Physicians Center for procedures done there.
• What to bring: Will need to bring physicians written ordes with you. Procedures will not be performed without written orders.
• How to prepare for the procedure: Be sure to follow all instructions given to you for the preparation to the testing. Some tests require fasting, while others require a full bladder or other prep. Tests must be scheduled. You can call Central Scheduling at Eastside to schedule your tests by calling 770-736-6666.

Vascular Services

Vascular Services at Eastside Medical Center primarily diagnoses problems with the arteries and veins of the body. Using ultrasound technology, the specially-trained technologists look for blockages, decreased blood flow and abnormal blood pressures in the blood vessels of the arms, legs and neck. These procedures are painless and require no special preparations.

• Where: These procedures are performed on the main campus. Registration and admissions are done in the Diagnostic Imaging/Radiology Department.
• What to bring: You must bring written physicians orders. No procedures are performed without written orders.
• How to prepare for the procedure: No special prep is required. You must have an appointment. You can make your appointment by calling Central Scheduling at Eastside Medical Center at 770-736-6666.