Four (4) types of diagnostic tests

Hello everyone!

In this blog, I always talk about the importance of lifestyle to health and wellness.  However, an apple a day doesn’t always keep the doctor away.  We still need to visit the doctor and sometimes go through medical procedures.   

In this post, I want to talk about diagnostic tests; what each exam is for and what to expect during the procedure.  Going through any diagnostic test would make any person anxious.  It is perfectly normal to feel nervous when your physician orders an exam to diagnose your condition.  However, learning about each exam can give you peace of mind.  

Here are four types of diagnostic tests that can be done at facilities such as Middletown Medical Imaging.

Open MRI Scan

If you are worried about a traditional MRI scanner, you can ask your physician about an open MRI scanner.  It features an open design that brings you mental and physical comfort during the procedure.  You may need an MRI for your heart, blood vessels, brain or spinal cord.

Digital X-Ray

A digital X-ray is a procedure in which you lie on an exam table or stand next to a cassette holder.  You need to hold still as your technician takes images of your body.  It only takes several seconds to take each image, and the entire procedure only takes up to 30 minutes.  Your physician may order a digital X-ray to check your joints, bones, soft tissues or abdominal area.

High-Resolution Ultrasound

A high-resolution ultrasound uses a transducer to send inaudible sound waves through your body.  The sound waves bounce back to show your physician information on your organs and soft tissues.  Your physician uses this information to diagnose your medical condition.  A high-resolution ultrasound identifies conditions in the heart, liver, pancreas and gallbladder.

16 Slice CT Scan

A 16 slice CT scan uses a rotating gantry to take images of the problem area.  The images are taken from different views and angles to give your physician an accurate reading.  You are going to lie on a table that moves through the gantry, but you do not have to worry about staying in the gantry for long.  A 16 slice CT scan is used to check areas such as your organs, blood vessels, bones and spinal cord.

Here are some tips to follow as you prepare for a diagnostic test:

1. Be mentally ready - With the right mindset, going through any test will be easier to handle.
2. Be physically ready – Follow the prep instructions given to you prior to the procedure.
3. Try not to worry too much! - A diagnostic test is simply that: a test.  Besides, creating needless stress and worry will certainly affect your test.

Whether you need a digital X-ray or open MRI scanner, it is important to schedule your diagnostic test shortly after receiving your referral.


I hope you found this information helpful.  

Have a great day!