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Quick Facts: Special Subjects
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Common Imaging Tests
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Common Imaging Tests
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Angiography
What is angiography (angiogram)?
Why would I need angiography?
What happens during angiography?
Before the test
During the test
After the test
What are the risks of having angiography?
Radiation
Other problems
Computed Tomography
What is computed tomography (CT scan)?
Why would I need a CT scan?
What happens during a CT scan?
Before the scan
During the scan
After the scan
What are the risks of having a CT scan?
Radiation
Other problems
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
What is MRI?
Why would I need an MRI?
What happens during an MRI test?
Before the test
During the test
After the test
What are the problems with MRI tests?
Slower than CT scans
Small, enclosed space
Problems with the magnetic field
Reactions to the contrast agent, if used
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
What is positron emission tomography (PET scan)?
Why would I need a PET scan?
What happens during a PET scan?
Before the test
During the test
After the test
What are the risks of having a PET scan?
Radiation
Reactions to the tracer
X-Rays
What is an x-ray?
Why would I need an x-ray?
What happens during an x-ray?
Before the x-ray
During the x-ray
After the x-ray
What are the risks of having x-rays?
Radionuclide Scanning (Nuclear Scan)
What is a radionuclide scan?
Why would I need a radionuclide scan?
What happens during a radionuclide scan?
Before the test
During the scan
After the scan
What are the risks of radionuclide scanning?
Radiation
Other problems
Ultrasonography
What is ultrasonography (ultrasound)?
Why would I need ultrasound?
Special types of ultrasound for heart and blood vessel problems
What happens during an ultrasound?
Before the test
During the test
What are the problems with ultrasound?