Frequently Asked Questions

Wide-bore MRI is 16% wider than traditional systems, measuring approximately 70cm in diameter compared to 60cm. This extra space reduces claustrophobia and accommodates larger patients — up to 500 pounds versus typical 300-350 pound limits. The wider opening doesn't compromise image quality but significantly improves comfort during longer scans.

Silent Scan reduces MRI noise from the typical 110 decibels — comparable to a chainsaw — to near-conversational levels around 70 decibels. It modifies gradient coil operation to eliminate the loud banging sounds caused by rapidly switching magnetic fields. This matters most for pediatric patients, anxious individuals, and scans requiring extended imaging time.

Tomosynthesis captures multiple thin-slice images of breast tissue rather than a single flat image, allowing radiologists to see through overlapping tissue layers. This increases cancer detection rates by 20-65% while reducing false positives that lead to unnecessary callbacks. Dense breast tissue benefits most since 3D imaging separates normal tissue from potential masses more clearly.

SmartCurve uses a flexible curved compression surface instead of traditional flat paddles, conforming to natural breast shape. This distributes pressure more evenly across tissue, reducing discomfort while maintaining the compression necessary for accurate imaging. Most patients report significantly less pain compared to conventional mammography systems.

Low-dose CT reduces radiation exposure by 30-50% compared to conventional protocols and works well for lung screenings, sinus imaging, and follow-up scans where previous studies establish baseline anatomy. Standard-dose CT remains necessary when maximum image detail is required for initial diagnosis of complex conditions or surgical planning.

MRI accommodates patients up to 500 pounds, CT scanning up to 450 pounds, and DEXA bone density scanning up to 350 pounds. These limits are determined by table mechanics and bore diameter, not image quality concerns. Patients exceeding these limits require specialized open MRI or facility transfers to bariatric imaging centers.

PET imaging detects metabolic activity using radioactive glucose tracers that cancer cells absorb at higher rates than normal tissue. CT provides anatomical structure. Superimposing both reveals exactly where abnormal metabolic activity occurs, detecting tumors as small as 5-7mm and distinguishing active cancer from scar tissue after treatment.

Specialized musculoskeletal ultrasound detects joint inflammation and early erosive changes before they appear on X-rays, often 6-12 months earlier. It visualizes synovial thickening, fluid accumulation, and blood flow increases that indicate active disease. This guides treatment decisions and monitors therapy effectiveness without radiation exposure during frequent follow-ups.

Screening eligibility requires age 50-80, current smoker or quit within past 15 years, and 20+ pack-year smoking history — calculated as packs per day multiplied by years smoked. One pack daily for 20 years or two packs daily for 10 years both equal 20 pack-years and meet criteria.

ABVS supplements mammography specifically for women with heterogeneously or extremely dense breast tissue, where traditional mammography detects only 30-48% of cancers. The 3D ultrasound scans entire breast volume systematically, finding cancers hidden by dense tissue. It's screening, not diagnostic — abnormal findings still require targeted ultrasound or biopsy confirmation.

Stereotactic biopsy uses mammography to target calcifications or masses visible on X-ray but not ultrasound, positioning the needle using 3D coordinates. Ultrasound-guided biopsy visualizes the needle in real-time for masses detectable on ultrasound. Calcifications typically require stereotactic approach, while palpable or ultrasound-visible masses use ultrasound guidance for faster, more comfortable procedures.

DEXA uses two different X-ray energy beams to measure bone mineral density at hip and spine — sites most prone to osteoporotic fractures. It calculates a T-score comparing your density to healthy 30-year-old bone mass. T-scores below -2.5 indicate osteoporosis, -1.0 to -2.5 shows osteopenia, and above -1.0 is normal density.