Imaging

Bone density scanning (DEXA) measures bone mineral density, which helps a doctor decide whether a person is at increased risk of osteoporosis.

A CT scan is a test that takes pictures of structures within the body created by a computer that compiles x-ray images and turns them into pictures on a screen. The CT can reveal some soft-tissue and other structures that cannot be seen in conventional x-rays. St. Francis' Dual Source Definition Scanner is one of the fastest, most sophisticated CT scanners available, revolutionizing heart care.

Coronary computed tomography angiogram (CCTA) is a noninvasive method for detecting blockages in the coronary arteries. CCTA scans take detailed images of blood vessels to show whether they have narrowed, aiding in the early detection of coronary artery disease. A CCTA uses advanced CT technology along with intravenous contrast dye to obtain high-resolution, 3-D pictures of the moving heart and vessels. These images enable physicians to determine whether plaque or calcium deposits are present in the artery walls. The scans can be performed in less than one minute and are also called multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT), cardiac CT or cardiac CAT.

Cardiac CT scans take detailed images of blood vessels to show whether they have narrowed. These tests are key in the early detection of coronary artery disease. Overall, the study is used to show that heart disease is not present. Calcium scoring, otherwise referred to as a heart scan, is a quick test that provides a comprehensive report detailing the health of your heart.

Fluoroscopy uses x-rays to produce real-time video images. After the x-rays pass through the body, they are captured by a device called an image intensifier and converted into light. The light is then captured by a TV camera and displayed on a video monitor. This is commonly used for visualization of the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.

St. Francis offers both 2-D and 3-D digital mammography. While 2-D digital mammography is still the standard of care for breast cancer screening, 3-D mammography, or breast tomosynthesis, is a new option for a screening. 3-D mammography is beneficial in all women, but may be most helpful in women with dense breast tissue, women at high risk for breast cancer or women with a personal history of breast cancer. A few insurance companies are not yet reimbursing for the total amount of a 3-D mammogram screenings, so please check with your insurance company.

Echocardiograms are heart ultrasounds that are useful to evaluate the structure and function of the heart and associated vessels. Heart ultrasounds provide moving pictures of your heart that allow your doctor to evaluate your heart's health. This ultrasound uses the same technology that allows doctors to see an unborn baby inside a pregnant mother.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is combined with a computed tomography (CT) scan to show images of the body tissues, anatomy and biological functions of the body to reveal stages of disease.

St. Francis' mobile digital PET/CT scanner offers the most advanced technology available, meaning community members with cancer won't need to travel to the Twin Cities for the most up-to-date technology. The state-of-the-art digital PET/CT scanner is stationed outside the St. Francis Cancer Center two days a week and features faster scans that can detect smaller cancerous lesions with lower radiation doses, all while producing higher-quality images in a welcoming, comfortable environment.

St. Francis' PET/CT scanner is available by appointment. For more information on referrals to the mobile PET/CT scanner, contact your provider.

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a radiology test that uses magnetism, radio waves and a computer to produce images of internal body structures. The image produced by MRI is quite detailed and can detect tiny changes in structures within the body. We provide music for you to listen to during your test to help with relaxation.

Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of a special radiotracer material detected by special cameras that work with computers to provide precise pictures. The amount of radiation from a nuclear medicine procedure is comparable to that received during a diagnostic x-ray. Nuclear medicine can help detect tumors, irregular or inadequate blood flow to various tissues, blood cell disorders, and inadequate functioning of organs.

Sleep studies are tests that watch what happens to your body during sleep. These studies are used to monitor, diagnose and suggest treatment for a variety of sleep disorders to help patients improve their health and quality of life.

A stereotactic biopsy is used to take samples from a lump that cannot be felt during a breast exam but can be seen on a mammogram or ultrasound. A lump deep inside the breast, or an abnormality too small to feel, can be biopsied using this technique.

This test uses high frequency sound waves that travel from the ultrasound probe through tissue. This reflected sound is used by a computer to form a 3-D ultrasound image. It is commonly used in pregnancies and has many diagnostic uses as well. We have special ultrasound probes that enable us to visualize 3-D/4-D anatomy. This provides a very special experience for expecting mothers.

An x-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images of the structures inside the body, particularly the bones.

Your doctor may prescribe a Zio monitor to detect and diagnose irregular heart rhythms. The Zio monitor is a small, discreet, comfortable adhesive patch applied to your chest during an office visit, or it can be sent home for self-application. It is worn during your normal day-to-day activity, including while you sleep, shower, and exercise, all while it automatically records your heartbeat for analysis. After your prescribed length of time, the patch is removed from your skin and the recorded data is analyzed to generate a report, which will aid in detecting, diagnosing and treating patients with hearts that beat too fast, too slow or irregularly.