Common Tests
The Medical Imaging department conducts approximately 46,000 imaging test in a year. Some of the more common tests are:
Angiography
Bone density
Breast Biopsy
CT (Computed Tomography)
CT Scan, 64 slice
Digital Mammography
Fluoroscopy
Interventional Radiology
MRI
Nuclear Medicine
PET/CT
Ultrasound
Vascular Ultrasound
X-ray
Technologies
Angiography
A radiologist uses a small tube called a catheter to navigate the vascular system and study the blood circulation. The vessels are filmed using rapid x-ray or digital photography. If the image reveals poor circulation in an artery or vein, a stent may be used to widen the narrow spots.
Bone Density Testing
Bone density testing helps physicians diagnose osteoporosis, particularly in the early stages before broken bones occur. When tests are repeated over time, they can also help physicians track the rate of bone loss.
Breast Ultrasound
At the request of the radiologist or referring physician, a breast ultrasound is often used after a mammogram to provide more information about an area of concern.
CT (Computed Tomography)
CT scans make images with x-ray beams to create cross-section pictures of the body. For approximately 15 to 20 minutes, the patient lies on a table that moves through a circular opening. This procedure gives radiologists an unobstructed view of organs, bone and soft-tissue.
Digital Mammography
Digital mammography provides enhanced image quality and detail for screenings and diagnostics. Images from each breast are taken in a top-to-bottom and angled side-to-side view. Additional angles, magnified views and/or different paddles may be used depending on what the radiologist needs.
Flouroscopy
Diagnostic radiology, or x-ray, produces a detailed view of bones and tissue. Fluoroscopy is an examination of the tissues and deep structures of the body by x-ray using a fluoroscope. It projects radiographic images in a movie-like sequence on a monitor.
MRI
MRI scanners use a large magnet, radio frequencies and a computer to take three-dimensional pictures of the body. The MRI equipment can be loud, so for patient comfort, headphones or earplugs are provided. Depending on the type of MRI ordered, the exam takes approximately 20 minutes to 1½ hours to complete.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine is a medical specialty that uses a very small amount of radioactive substances to acquire images. These scans can last from approximately 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on the type of scan, with some scans requiring patients to return after several hours to complete the test.
PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography)
PET/CT is an imaging specialty that uses a radioactive glucose solution. The PET/CT image helps provide information to diagnose a disease or to determine the body’s response to treatment.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to study and characterize internal structures and tissues. A hand-held device called a transducer, or probe, is placed on the patient’s skin, and it serves as both the transmitter and receiver to obtain the images. Ultrasound is used as a diagnostic tool and has a wide array of uses in medicine. Depending on the exam, the ultrasound will take approximately 30 minutes.
Patient Instructions
The following instructions for patients are categorized by the type of imaging procedure you are coming in for. Locate your test and follow those particular directions. If your test is not listed, there are no special instructions you should follow before coming to the hospital. If you are unsure about your test, please call the Medical Imaging department at 573-248-5688.
CT Scan
CT Scan with Contrast
CT Scan without Contrast
MRA with Contrast
MRA without Contrast
MRI with Contrast
MRI with Sedation
MRI with and without Contrast
MRCP
- Needle Placement
- Drain Insertion
- Biopsy
- Thoracentesis
- Paracentesis
Your CT procedure is performed in the CT area of the Radiology Department by a trained and accredited imaging technologist.
The CT scanner is a donut-shaped tube with a “camera” inside the tube that rotates around you during the exam to take the pictures.
You will need to go without food or liquids for at least 4 hours before the exam.
Lab tests are required to assure that your procedure is safe for you. Our Radiologist may talk with your doctor about the lab results to make sure the procedure is safe for you. Sedation medication will be given to you through a standard IV. You will need to sign the Moderate Sedation Consent form before your nurse starts your IV.
Once you arrive in the CT area, our Radiology nurse will give you the sedation medication through your IV.
The technologist and nurse will position you on the exam table to begin the exam. The exam table that you will lie on will move you in and out of the tube to image the targeted body area. It is important that you lie very still and keep your eyes closed during the exam.
The exam can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Your doctor is able to see the pictures once your exam is completed. A report about the images is sent to your doctor within 12 hours.
Your CT exam is performed in the CT area of the Radiology Department by a trained and accredited imaging technologist.
The CT scanner is a donut-shaped tube with a “camera” inside the tube that rotates around you during the exam to take the pictures.
You will need to go without food or liquids for at least 4 hours before the exam.
A contrast media is required for this exam to enhance the images. A lab test is also required to assure that you can safely receive the contrast. Our Radiologist may talk with your doctor about the lab results to make sure which contrast is safe for you.
IV Contrast
The contrast is given through an IV. Your nurse will start the IV, using a 20 gauge saline lock.
Once you arrive in the CT area, your technologist will give you the contrast through your IV.
Oral Contrast
The Radiologist and your doctor may feel that oral contrast is better for you. About an hour before your exam, your technologist will bring containers of the contrast blended with a lemonade mix for you to drink.
Exam
Your technologist will position you on the exam table to begin the exam. The exam table that you will lie on will move you in and out of the tube to image the targeted body area. It is important that you lie very still and keep your eyes closed during the exam.
The exam can take anywhere from 30 – 60 minutes.
Your doctor is able to see the pictures once your exam is completed. A report about the images is sent to your doctor within 12 hours.
Your CT exam is performed in the CT area of the Radiology Department by a trained and accredited imaging technologist.
The CT scanner is a donut-shaped tube with a “camera” inside the tube that rotates around you during the exam to take the pictures.
Your technologist will position you on the exam table to begin the exam. The exam table that you will lie on will move you in and out of the tube to image the targeted body area. It is important that you lie very still and keep your eyes closed during the exam.
The exam takes approximately 30 minutes.
Your doctor is able to see the pictures once your exam is completed. A report about the images is sent to your doctor within 12 hours.
Your MRA exam is performed in the MR area of the Radiology Department by a trained and accredited imaging technologist.
The MR machine uses a large magnet to make the images. The technologist will complete a form with you to make sure it is safe for you to have the exam. If there is any reason that the exam may not be safe for you, the technologist will talk with your doctor about doing another exam.
Metal is not allowed in the MR room because of the strength of the magnet in the machine. Patients on an IV pump or heart monitor will need to have the pump or monitor disconnected before entering the MR scan room. Dentures/partials will need to be removed.
A contrast media is required for this exam to enhance the images. A creatnine lab test is also required to assure that you can safely receive the contrast. Our Radiologist may talk with your doctor about the lab results to make sure the contrast is safe for you.
The contrast is given through an IV. Your nurse will start the IV, using a 20 gauge saline lock.
Once you arrive in the MR area, your technologist will give you the contrast through your IV.
You will lie on your back and be moved into a long donut-shaped tube for the exam. The MR machine is very loud and you will be given earplugs to help muffle the noise. It is important that you lie very still and keep your eyes closed during the exam.
The exam takes 20 - 45 minutes.
Your doctor is able to see the pictures once your exam is completed. A report about the images is sent to your doctor within 12 hours.
Your MRA exam is performed in the MR area of the Radiology Department by a trained and accredited imaging technologist.
The MR machine uses a large magnet to make the images. The technologist will complete a form with you to make sure it is safe for you to have the exam. If there is any reason that the exam may not be safe for you, the technologist will talk with your doctor about doing another exam.
Metal is not allowed in the MR room because of the strength of the magnet in the machine. Patients on an IV pump or heart monitor will need to have the pump or monitor disconnected before entering the MR scan room. Dentures/partials will need to be removed.
You will lay on your back and be moved into a long donut-shaped tube for the exam. The MR machine is very loud and you will be given earplugs to help muffle the noise. It is important that you lie very still and keep your eyes closed during the exam.
The exam takes about 20 minutes.
Your doctor is able to see the pictures once your exam is completed. A report about the images is sent to your doctor within 12 hours.
Your MRI exam is performed in the MR area of the Radiology Department by a trained and accredited imaging technologist.
The MR machine uses a large magnet to make the images. The technologist will complete a form with you to make sure it is safe for you to have the exam. If there is any reason that the exam may not be safe for you, the technologist will talk with your doctor about doing another exam.
Metal is not allowed in the MR room because of the strength of the magnet in the machine. Patients on an IV pump or heart monitor will need to have the pump or monitor disconnected before entering the MR scan room. Dentures/partials will need to be removed.
A contrast media is required for this exam to enhance the images. A creatnine lab test is also required to assure that you can safely receive the contrast. Our Radiologist may talk with your doctor about the lab results to make sure the contrast is safe for you.
The contrast is given through an IV. Your nurse will start the IV, using a 20 gauge saline lock.
Once you arrive in the MR area, your technologist will give you the contrast through your IV.
You will lie on your back and be moved into a long donut-shaped tube for the exam. The MR machine is very loud and you will be given earplugs to help muffle the noise. It is important that you lie very still and keep your eyes closed during the exam.
The exam takes around 35 - 45 minutes.
Your doctor is able to see the pictures once your exam is completed. A report about the images is sent to your doctor within 12 hours.
Your MRI exam is performed in the MR area of the Radiology Department by a trained and accredited imaging technologist.
The MR machine uses a large magnet to make the images. The technologist will complete a form with you to make sure it is safe for you to have the exam. If there is any reason that the exam may not be safe for you, the technologist will talk with your doctor about doing another exam.
Metal is not allowed in the MR room because of the strength of the magnet in the machine. Patients on an IV pump or heart monitor will need to have the pump or monitor disconnected before entering the MR scan room. Dentures/partials will need to be removed.
You will need to go without food or liquids for 4 hours before the exam.
Sedation medication will be given to you through a standard IV. You will need to sign the Moderate Sedation Consent form before your nurse starts your IV.
Once you arrive in the MR area, our Radiology nurse will give you the sedation medication through your IV.
You will lie on your back and be moved into a long donut-shaped tube for your exam. The MR machine is very loud and you will be given earplugs to help muffle the noise. It is important that you lie very still and keep your eyes closed during the exam.
The exam takes around 30 - 60 minutes.
Your doctor is able to see the pictures once your exam is completed. A report about the images is sent to your doctor within 12 hours.
Your MRI exam is performed in the MR area of the Radiology Department by a trained and accredited imaging technologist.
The MR machine uses a large magnet to make the images. The technologist will complete a form with you to make sure it is safe for you to have the exam. If there is any reason that the exam may not be safe for you, the technologist will talk with your doctor about doing another exam.
Metal is not allowed in the MR room because of the strength of the magnet in the machine. Patients on an IV pump or heart monitor will need to have the pump or monitor disconnected before entering the MR scan room. Dentures/partials will need to be removed.
You will lie on your back and be moved into a long donut-shaped tube for the first part of the exam. The MR machine is very loud and you will be given earplugs to help muffle the noise. It is important that you lie very still and keep your eyes closed during the exam.
A contrast media is required for the second part of the exam to enhance the images. A creatnine lab test is also required to assure that you can safely receive the contrast. Our Radiologist may talk with your doctor about the lab results to make sure the contrast is safe for you.
The contrast is given through an IV. Your nurse will start the IV, using a 20 gauge saline lock.
You will again lie on your back and be moved back into the long donut-shaped tube for the final part of the exam.
The exam takes around 35 - 45 minutes.
Your doctor is able to see the pictures once your exam is completed. A report about the images is sent to your doctor within 12 hours.
Your MRCP exam is performed in the MR area of the Radiology Department by a trained and accredited imaging technologist.
The MR machine uses a large magnet to make the images. The technologist will complete a form with you to make sure it is safe for you to have the exam. If there is any reason that the exam may not be safe for you, the technologist will talk with your doctor about doing another exam.
Metal is not allowed in the MR room because of the strength of the magnet in the machine. Patients on an IV pump or heart monitor will need to have the pump or monitor disconnected before entering the MR scan room. Dentures/partials will need to be removed.
You will need to go without food or liquids for 4 hours before the exam.
You will lie on your back and be moved into a long donut-shaped tube for the exam. The MR machine is very loud and you will be given earplugs to help muffle the noise. It is important that you lie very still and keep your eyes closed during the exam.
The exam takes around 35 - 45 minutes.
Your doctor is able to see the pictures once your exam is completed. A report about the images is sent to your doctor within 12 hours.
Women of Wellness
The Women of Wellness program, provided by Hannibal Regional Medical Group and Hannibal Regional Hospital, is an integrated approach for women to receive annual health care services in one brief appointment that will last about an hour. During the appointment, as recommended by a provider, women receive a bone density test, gynecological exam, pap test, and mammogram results. Mammograms are scheduled in conjunction with the wellness exam and provided by Hannibal Regional Hospital Imaging Services.
This service is offered at four convenient Hannibal Regional Medical Group locations:
Canton: Tuesday, 9am-11am
Hannibal main campus: Wednesday, 9am - 11am
Monroe City: Wednesday, 1pm - 2pm
Shelbina: Thursday, 9am - 11am
Hannibal Regional Hospital utilizes digital mammography with computer aided detection to provide the most accurate screening and diagnosis of breast disease. Bone density is checked with a DEXA scan (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry.) This painless, quick procedure is used to screen for osteoporosis. The gynecological exam and pap test are performed by nurse practitioners with Hannibal Regional Medical Group.
Most insurances are accepted. However, if you are under or uninsured, are between the ages of 35-64, and meet the income guidelines, you may be eligible for these tests under the “
Show Me Healthy Women” program. Contact any Hannibal Regional Medical Group clinic for more information.
For more information on this program, or to make an appointment, please call 573-629-3400.
Services Include: