Ultrasound

Doppler ultrasound is a special ultrasound technique that evaluates blood as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body's major arteries and veins.  An echocardiogram is simply an ultrasound examination of the heart and its function.  An ultrasound examination may require special preparation, which you will be informed of at the scheduling of your test. 

Echocardiogram

MRI

Nuclear medicine uses radioactive agents that may be given to a patient intravenously or occasionally by mouth.  The agent is absorbed by the body part of interest and emits gamma energy that is detected by a gamma camera.  The camera and a computer produce images and measurements of the body part. Preparation varies by examination. Consult with the technologist at the time of scheduling for your specific prep.

Cardiolyte Stress Testing

Cardiac Stress Tests are similar to nuclear medicine tests in that a gamma camera is used to produce images of the heart.  For the exam, you will undergo a stress test—most commonly through physical exercise—to make your heart work harder than normal. Then you will be given a radioactive compound, called a radiopharmaceutical agent or tracer. This compound will collect in parts of your heart with good blood flow and will give off gamma rays. The gamma camera detects the rays. Subsequently, a computer following a set of complicated mathematical formulas will construct images of the heart based on the detected gamma rays.  If you are unable to tolerate physical exercise, a drug will be administered in its place in order for your heart to work harder on its own.  There is an extensive preparation that must be followed prior to a cardiac stress test.  You will be given the instructions when your test is scheduled.

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(Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field rather than x-rays to provide remarkably clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues.  MRI is commonly used for imaging joints, brains, and spines.  In order to have an MRI, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your health history.  You will be asked to remove all metal objects from your body.  If you have a pacemaker or any implanted device, alert the technologist.

Nuclear Medicine

         Ultrasound,  Nuclear Medicine, and Cardiolyte Imaging are mobile services provided by Hays Medical Center. Nuclear Medicine and Cardiolyte testing is available every other Monday.  Ultrasound is provided Monday through Thursday.

          MRI is offered as a mobile service through Shared Medical Services.  The MRI truck visits our hospital once a week, usually on Friday.

Ultrasound, or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use x-rays.  A gel is applied to the body part of interest and the technologist uses a transducer moving it over the part to produce images. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

Diagnostic Mobile Services