What is Computed Tomography?

If you have been advised to have a CT, you may be wondering just exactly what CT is.

Q. So,what exactly is Computed Tomography or CT?


A. Computed Tomography, or CT, is a diagnostic procedure that combines digital x-ray techniques with computer technology. This combination makes it possible to obtain highly detailed cross-sectional images of internal organs. Our multi-slice spiral CT scanner acquires higher quality images, 75% faster than previously possible.

We also want you to be comfortable before, during and after your imaging procedure. We offer WIFI in our waiting area, a comfortable atmosphere and a knowledgeable staff that will be glad to help with any concerns or questions you may have. At Capital Imaging, it's your body-your health-your choice and we thank you for choosing us!

What to Know Before Your Exam

CT SCANS
You may take medications prior to exam with a small amount of water

See below for specific exam preps:

• HEAD - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• SINUS - No restrictions
• DENTAL IMPLANT STUDIES - No restrictions

You will not have to undress for the above CT exams.

• NECK - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• CHEST -no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• ABDOMEN - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• PELVIS - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• SPINE - no restrictions
• EXTREMITIES (arms/legs) - No restrictions

If you wear clothing with no buttons, snaps or zippers, you will not have to undress for your exam

BONE DENSITOMETRY (DXA)
Must be done more than 5 days after other imaging exams using contrast - ie: CT scans, nuclear medicine tests, barium studies.

If you wear clothing with no buttons, snaps or zippers, you will not have to undress for your exam.

GENERAL RADIOGRAPHY
No restrictions prior to plain x-ray exams

UGI/SMALL BOWEL EXAMS - Nothing by mouth 12 hrs. prior to exam (essential medications may be taken with a small amount of water a minimum of 2 hours prior to exam)

If you wear clothing with no buttons, snaps or zippers, you will not have to undress for your exam.

We understand that you might feel a bit apprehensive before coming in for your procedure at Capital Imaging and we want to put your fears to rest. Below you will find our guide to the do's and donts before your exam. At Capital Imaging, we strive to make your visit with us as most stress free as possible. Our knowledgeable staff is here to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

At Capital Imaging, It's Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice!

MAMMOGRAPHY
Do not use deodorants, dusting powders or perfumes on the day of your exam. Many patients find it more comfortable to refrain from caffeine products for 3 days prior to a mammogram.

CT SCANS
You may take medications prior to exam with a small amount of water

See below for specific exam preps:

• HEAD - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• SINUS - No restrictions
• DENTAL IMPLANT STUDIES - No restrictions

You will not have to undress for the above CT exams.

• NECK - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• CHEST -no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• ABDOMEN - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• PELVIS - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• SPINE - no restrictions
• EXTREMITIES (arms/legs) - No restrictions

If you wear clothing with no buttons, snaps or zippers, you will not have to undress for your exam

BONE DENSITOMETRY (DXA)

Must be done more than 5 days after other imaging exams using contrast - ie: CT scans, nuclear medicine tests, barium studies.

If you wear clothing with no buttons, snaps or zippers, you will not have to undress for your exam.

GENERAL RADIOGRAPHY
No restrictions prior to plain x-ray exams

UGI/SMALL BOWEL EXAMS - Nothing by mouth 12 hrs. prior to exam (essential medications may be taken with a small amount of water a minimum of 2 hours prior to exam)

If you wear clothing with no buttons, snaps or zippers, you will not have to undress for your exam.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI/MRA)

You may take medications prior to exam with a small amount of water
See below for specific exam preps:

• MRCP - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs. prior to your scan
• ABDOMEN MRI - no eating or drinking for 4 hrs prior to your scan
• ALL OTHER MRI/MRA EXAMS - No restrictions

If you wear clothing with no metal, you will not have to undress for your exam.


ULTRASONOGRAPHY (US)
You may take medications prior to your exam with a small amount of water.
See below for specific exam preps:

ABDOMEN, GALLBLADDER or LIVER
No eating or drinking for 6 hours prior to your exam

PELVIS or BLADDER
Arrive with a full urinary bladder (drink 4 – 12oz. glasses of fluid 1 hour prior
to your exam time – do not urinate)

CAROTID, EXTREMITIES (ARMS/LEGS), THYROID, PROSTATE, BREAST,
TESTICULAR, AORTA or Renal (KIDNEY)
No restrictions

We will be happy to discuss any specific questions or concerns you may have. CONTACT US (518) 785-7373 .

CT Scan Saves Life

At Capital Imaging we take our jobs very seriously. We never know what may happen on any given day. Case in point, on January 17th a female in her 50's arrived for a CT scan. Upon review of the CT results, it was discovered that she had multiple pulmonary emboli, which is an extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition. Our Radiologist made the decision to transport her to the hospital via ambulance for medical intervention.

We want you to feel comfortable in the knowledge that our staff is there to take care of you and your health, no matter the situation. You do have a choice and we hope that you choose Capital Imaging. Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice

Behold, the candy cane X-ray!! We wish you all a very happy and healthy holiday and we look forward to a continued relationship with you and our community in the new year! Happy holidays from Capital Imaging to you! Capital Imaging, Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice!

This Day In History

Did you know that December 7th is a day full of historical events? Take a look below at a few of the events that happened on this day. Some are very interesting while others give us pause to reflect on the lives that were lost. We hope you enjoy these little tid bits of history and wish you a wonderful Tuesday afternoon!

DECEMBER 7TH:

1787 Delaware becomes 1st state to ratify constitution
1808 James Madison elected US President, George Clinton Vice-President
1836 Martin Van Buren elected 8th President
1862 Battle of Prairie Grove AR
1868 Jesse James gang robs bank in Gallatin MO, kills 1
1877 Thomas A Edison demonstrates the gramophone
1937 Red Sox acquire the contract of 19-year-old Ted Williams
1939 Lou Gehrig, 36, is elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame
1941 Japanese attack Pearl Harbor (a date that will live in infamy)
1945 Microwave oven patented
1972 Apollo 17 (US), final manned lunar landing mission (last of Apollo Moon series), launched
1995 US space probe Galileo begins orbiting Jupiter

Births

1937 Thad Cochran (Senator-R-MS)

Deaths

1902 Thomas Nast political cartoonist, dies



(Provided by http://www.juntosociety.com/dayinhistory/120702.html)

It'sTime to Stock Up!

As much as it pains us to say this, winter is just around the corner! That means more time indoors. Now is the time to check on winter staples and nothing is a more important staple than your home first aid kit. When was the last time you stocked up on first aid supplies? According to Dr. Richard Wenzel, an expert in infectious diseases at Virginia Commonwealth University and Shine, there are 11 must haves for your home first aid kit. Being prepared on cold, winter days means more than just a box of band aids and some peroxide.

Visit Shine today learn more about keeping your first aid kit and your family up to date!

And for all your imaging needs, visit us at www.capimaging.com

Share With Us...CIA Wants to Know!

CIA wants to know, so take our poll....What's been the best thing about your imaging experience with Capital Imaging?

Was it our warm and inviting waiting room or our helpful and friendly staff? We would love to hear about your experience. At Capital Imaging, we take your health and privacy very seriously, all while striving to make your time with us warm and friendly. At Capital Imaging, it's Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice and we look forward to hearing from you today!

Have you Wordled?

Wordle anyone? This was a fun little project! Wishing you all a wonderful Monday afternoon!

Protecting Your Bones Is Vital!

No matter how old you are, you should protect your bones by eating well, exercising, and avoiding cigarettes. Learn more with Decade by Decade Guide to Protecting Your Bones.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/a-decade-by-decade-guide-to-protecting-your-bones-2389826/

And remember, at Capital Imaging....It's Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice!

It's YOUR Choice!

You as a patient have the right to choose your physician. You have the same right to choose your medical imaging provider.We thank you for choosing Capital Imaging Associates.

Capital Imaging...Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice!

New Commercial,"The Most Important Pictures of Your Life!"

Our New TV spot ...We want to thank the always incredible Jodi and Danie of Ecco Salon for doing hair and make-up. Our stunning model Chelsea and our amazing photographer Genine Gullickson of Genine A. Gullickson Photography.

Imaging Then and Now!

(image, Library of Congress)

Thankfully, imaging has come a long way since these days and Capital Imaging Assoc. has been a part of the cutting edge technology and scientific advancements that have come in the years following this. Since 1985, when we became the first freestanding imaging office in Upstate New York, we have strived to meet medical and community standards for imaging quality. Nothing less would do.

Our focus is on people as individuals, and we take pride in our reputation for providing the most advanced imaging techniques in a setting that promotes the well being and comfort of our patients.

At Capital Imaging we believe, It's Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice! Contact us today for all your imaging needs!

X-Ray Techs

And at Capital Imaging, we have some of the best technicians in the field! Our board-certified radiologists and registered technologists have been carefully screened, and only those who have attained academic excellence and who have exhibited exemplary interpersonal skills have been selected.

Our focus has always been on "people" and we take pride in our reputation for providing the most technologically advanced diagnostic imaging in a setting that promotes people as individuals with specific needs and concerns. Our staff is readily available to answer any questions or concerns that may arise.

You as a patient have the right to choose your physician. You have the same right to choose your medical imaging provider.

We thank you for choosing Capital Imaging Associates.
http://www.capimaging.com/

Have You Seen Our Work?

.............(Some examples of our work)

We have been instrumental in setting the standard for quality diagnostic imaging and continue to bring the latest technological advances to our referring physicians and their patients.

Our board-certified radiologists and registered technologists have been carefully screened, and only those who have attained academic excellence and who have exhibited exemplary interpersonal skills have been selected.

Our focus has always been on "people" and we take pride in our reputation for providing the most technologically advanced diagnostic imaging in a setting that promotes people as individuals with specific needs and concerns. Our staff is readily available to answer any questions or concerns that may arise.

You as a patient have the right to choose your physician. You have the same right to choose your medical imaging provider.

We thank you for choosing Capital Imaging Associates.

Since 1985

Don't rely on outdated technology for your imaging needs! Since 1985, Capital Imaging has brought the latest technological advances to the community and we continue to do so to this day! Capital Imaging...Your Body-Your Health-Your Choice!

http://www.capimaging.com/

Q&A With Capital Imaging

We recently got an email question sent to us from a new patient. The question was a very valid one and got us thinking that many of you may have the same question before coming in. After gaining permission from Michele to post it, we are proud to present Q&A with Capital Imaging.


Q:
Dear Capital Imaging,

I was wondering if I should be concerned about radiation levels when getting an MIR? I have an apt to get one next week and had this concern.

Thanks!
Michele


A:
Dear Michele,

Great question, many people think that MRI uses radiation, but the good news that is does not!

MRI uses high frequency radio waves (near or in the FM band) and a strong magnetic field. So there is no need to be worry about radiation exposure. These energies at the levels used are deemed safe to us.

There are some contraindications to having an MRI however, like having a cardiac pacemaker or some kind of implanted pump (designed to administer medication), or having metal in your body… braces, most piercing and prosthetic implants(knee replacements) are safe. But if you have any of these be sure to mention it to your technologist prior to the exam so they can make sure.

I hope this answered your question if you have any other please free to ask or contact me directly through our website. Good luck with your MRI Exam.

Michael
Michael J. Masone R.T. (R)(M)(MR)(S), R.D.M.S.
Director of Operations

Imaging Fun!

This may not be the best way to get the most important pictures of your life, lol! It would be fun to fool your friends and show at parties, but trust the professionals at Capital Imaging for your important imaging needs!

Capital Imaging-Your First Choice!

The Capital Region's First Freestanding Imaging Facility

Did you know that in 1985, Capital Imaging Associates became the first freestanding imaging office in Upstate New York and has been instrumental in setting the standard for quality diagnostic imaging.

We continue to bring the latest technological advances to the community, and our board-certified staff of radiologists and technologists has been carefully screened for academic excellence and exemplary interpersonal skills.

Our focus is on people as individuals, and we take pride in our reputation for providing the most advanced imaging techniques in a setting that promotes the well being and comfort of our patients.

Capital Imaging-Your body, your health, your choice!
http://www.capimaging.com/

Fun Imaging Quiz/Trivia!

Capital Imaging Associates like to have fun! So we thought we would post a fun and interesting Imaging trivia question Quiz! Go ahead....test your knowledge! Looking forward to seeing how well you did!

1. Name the Physicist who discovered the first X-Ray and the country he was from


2. What is the most common X-ray procedure done in the U.S.?
a. Skull
b. Chest
c. Leg
d. Abdomen


3. Name the doctor who views and interprets medical images


4. The first X-ray was discovered in what year?
a. 1989
b. 1600
c. 1895
d. 1901


5. All of the specialties in the Radiation Science sector are primarily involved with medical imaging except which one?
a. Radiography
b. Nuclear Medicine
c. Ultrasound
d. Radiation Therapy
e. MRI/CT

Good Luck! A list of the answers will be posted tomorrow.

(questions provided by UNMC-SARH)