Imaging services

A modified barium swallow (MBS) test uses X-ray imaging to diagnose patients experiencing problems with swallowing. During the test, varying levels of barium are added to different foods and liquids. The X-ray records your mouth and throat as you swallow and allows the doctors to view any blockages.

CT is a specialized type of X-ray that generates a detailed view of the structure of organs and tissues in the body. A CT scan can show the dimension of vessels, lymph nodes and organ systems.

CT scans are often helpful in providing a quick examination of people who may have internal injuries or trauma. They can also determine if biopsies are necessary and help doctors plan medical, surgical or radiation treatment.

A cystogram can help you with a diagnosis for bladder conditions and diseases. This procedure is a type of X-ray that creates images of your bladder. A variation of it is called a cystourethrography, which is an X-ray of both the bladder and urethra. Another variation is a voiding cystourethrography, in which imaging is completed while emptying your bladder. We offer these procedures as part of our urologic programs to better help you on your path toward healing.

Bone scans are used to help diagnose and track several types of bone disease. If you are experiencing continued skeletal pain, your physician may order a bone scan to verify whether an infection or injury (that can't be viewed with a standard X-ray) is present.

Heart screening and imaging tools are used to help identify heart and circulatory conditions. Our providers offer coronary calcium scans, cardiac stress tests, transesophageal echocardiograms and noninvasive vascular imaging.

MRI is a noninvasive medical test that uses magnetic fields to produce images of internal body parts, including organs, soft tissues and bones. This type of testing is used to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Pictures produced from an MRI scan are extremely useful in diagnosing and treating a broad range of conditions, such as:

• Bleeding in the brain
• Cerebrovascular accident (stroke)
• Disorders of the eye and inner ear
• Heart disease
• Spinal cord or nerve injuries
• Tumors

We offer mammograms as part of our breast health programs. Mammogram screenings use low-dose X-rays to examine breast tissue. Our hospitals use mammography to diagnose breast cancer and breast tissue abnormalities, such as tumors and other breast diseases.

Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty where small amounts of radioactive materials are used to treat or determine the severity of a disease.

Types of nuclear medicine scans we offer include:

• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan — A PET scan is a type of imaging in which positron radioactive tracers are injected into the body and absorbed by the bloodstream. This process shows how organs and tissues are functioning.
• Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan — Similar to a PET scan, SPECT scans uses gamma radioactive tracers to create images used to diagnose a variety of conditions.

Ultrasound imaging produces live pictures of soft tissues in the body, using high-frequency waves that reflect back as echoes when they reach solid surfaces. Ultrasounds are used in numerous medical specialties, including cardiology and obstetrics.

During an X-ray, electromagnetic waves are used to obtain images of bones and the chest and abdominal areas to detect disease or injury.

In addition to our commonly used imaging technologies, we also offer access to specialty imaging services, including:

• Brain imaging
• Catheter-directed thrombolysis
• Conventional radiography
• Coronary angiography
• Endovascular embolization
• Fluoroscopy
• Hysterosalpingography
• Intravenous pyelogram
• Radiography
• Renal scan
• Urography services

If your child requires a CT scan, Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children (RMHC) offers access to advanced technology that provides fast, high-quality images with less radiation, contrast dye and anesthesia. This makes the experience much safer for children than traditional CT scans. As a leading provider of pediatric care, RMHC’s imaging center was the first facility in Colorado to offer this technology.

When performing imaging procedures, your safety is a top priority. Our radiologists aim to minimize your exposure to radiation whenever possible.

We will always consider all testing options for patients. However, in cases where radiation procedures are necessary, our imaging centers offer advanced technology that provides high-quality images using low levels of radiation.