The Radiology Department at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation (PAMF) offers a full range of services to all our patients, both adults and children. PAMF is committed to keep up-to-date with the most current medical techniques and technological advances in order to provide our patients with the best care possible.

Listed below are some of the services we provide, what you can expect from the procedure and how you can prepare for them.

*Note, please follow the specific instructions given to you by your doctor or the imaging location you are visiting. Procedures and equipment available vary between locations.

• CT (Computed Aided Tomography)
• Digital Mammography
• G.I. (Gastrointestinal) Scans
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• Ultrasound
• X-Rays (Radiographs)

CT (Computed Aided Tomography)

CT scans, also know as CAT scans, use special x-ray equipment to obtain cross-section images of the body and organs. This is a scheduled procedure which may or may not come with a prep kit. You may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking anything for a few hours before your appointment.

Some assessments require drinking liquid material called barium the night before and one hour before your appointment time. Please be sure to follow all instructions to prevent any rescheduling. The duration of the appointment ranges from 20 to 40 minutes.
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Digital Mammography

Mammography is a method used to examine the human breast and screen for breast cancer. Read more about PAMF’s innovative digital mammography procedure.
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G.I. (Gastrointestinal) Scans

Upper G.I. scans are performed with the assistance of barium. During an Upper G.I. procedure, which includes the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine, you will be asked to drink contrast material called barium, an element that appears bright white on x-rays. This is a scheduled procedure which will include fasting after midnight prior to your appointment. The duration of this procedure ranges from 30 to 40 minutes, but the time may be extended depending on the findings.

Studies of the large intestine, usually called barium enema procedures, are scheduled with a prep kit which will help prepare you for your appointment. During this procedure, liquid barium and/or air is introduced into the colon with a rectal tube. The barium coats the inside of the rectum and lower intestines, and produces a sharp, well-defined x-ray image. The duration of this procedure ranges from 20 to 30 minutes.
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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a technique used to produce high contrast images of organs, bones and soft tissues. MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency fields and a computer to create detailed pictures of all internal structures of the body.

MRI exams vary, thus, guidelines about eating and drinking may differ for each procedure. Follow any specific instruction given to you; otherwise, you may follow your normal daily routine. Please provide your radiologist or technologist of any allergies, past surgeries, serious health issues and/or medical or electronic devices in your body.

Although MRIs are noninvasive, the more information you provide, the better the team can assess which procedures are best. They strive to keep patients safe and make sure nothing interferes with the exam.

During the exam, you will be positioned on an examination table (straps may be used to help you stay still and maintain your position) and moved into the magnet of the MRI machine. If needed, a contrast material may be intravenously (an injection to the vein in your arm) or orally given. The procedure usually lasts for 45 minutes.
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Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging, also called sonography, is a method of obtaining images from inside the body through the use of high frequency sound waves. This is a scheduled procedure that may or may not come with a prep kit. For some scans, you may be instructed not to eat or drink anything for as many as 12 hours prior to your appointment. The duration of the appointment ranges from 15 to 30 minutes.
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X-Rays (Radiographs)

With the assistance of a radiologic technologist (x-ray tech), you will be asked to change into a gown in one of the dressing rooms located close to the exam rooms. Once you have changed, an x-ray tech will take you to an exam room and explain your procedure to you. The duration of the procedure ranges from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of x-ray or number of films ordered by your physician. This time frame includes the procedure, plus the developing and processing of the films taken.
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