Imaging services

Our full-service outpatient imaging center, Salem Radiology, has served the diagnostic imaging needs of our community for over 30 years. Here, we provide the answers you need by coupling advanced imaging technology with collaborative interventional radiology specialists, such as board-certified radiologists, radiology practitioner assistants (RPAs) and technologists.

Bone density tests

A bone density screening, also called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), or bone densitometry, is a noninvasive procedure that needs no anesthesia. It is most often used for osteoporosis screening, but a bone density scan assesses your risk for developing fractures, as well. The amount of radiation we use is less than one-tenth the dose of a standard chest X-ray, and less than a day’s exposure to natural radiation.

Computerized tomography (CT) scan

CT scans, also called computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans, are a medical imaging method that uses X-rays to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the body. Our imaging specialists often use CT scans to guide biopsies and detect:

• Blood clots
• Broken bones
• Cancers
• Colon cancer
• Heart disease
• Internal bleeding
• Lung cancer

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is a type of X-ray that shows real-time, continuous images on a monitor. Our doctors use this procedure in many medical tests, such as barium X-rays, biopsies, catheter insertion, blood flow studies and orthopedic surgery.

Gastrointestinal services

Our gastrointestinal services can help diagnose and treat conditions affecting your digestive tract and related organs. We're equipped to handle serious conditions requiring minimally invasive surgery, as well as minor issues, such as gastric reflux disease and hemorrhoids.

Mammograms and breast screening

Mammograms are a common diagnostic method for cancer, making them an essential part of breast health. At the Lahey Comprehensive Breast Health Center at Parkland, we provide traditional mammography for routine screenings and digital mammography for more detailed imaging. A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to capture pictures of breast tissue, screen for breast cancer, identify changes in the breast tissue and identify a lump before a biopsy or surgery.

MRI scans

An MRI scan is a noninvasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to create pictures of organs and structures inside your body. MRI scans help doctors diagnose a range of health issues and check whether medicines or treatments are working properly. Our MRI technology is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), and produces high-resolution images. By offering this advanced technology, we aim to reduce anxiety for people who may feel claustrophobic during a traditional MRI scan.

With high-resolution MRI scans, a radiologist can see body structures in far greater detail compared to traditional MRI scans or X-rays. An MRI scan is extremely useful in diagnosing and treating tumors and stroke. We can also use an MRI scan to diagnose conditions affecting:

• Abdomen
• Arteries
• Brain
• Breast tissue
• Heart
• Nervous system
• Pelvis
• Small joints
• Spinal cord
• Veins

MRI scans may be combined with a contrast dye in a procedure, called a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA). We use this to visualize blood vessels in your body that wouldn't normally be seen using an MRI scan.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

PET scans use small amounts of radioactive material to detect activity in your body. Your doctor can use this test to evaluate how well your organs and tissues are working. PET and PET/CT scans help diagnose cancers, heart disease, neurological disorders and other health conditions.

Ultrasounds

An ultrasound, or sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to create video images of soft tissue areas of your body. We offer several types of ultrasound imaging, including:

• Echocardiogram
• Endoscopy
• Obstetric ultrasound

We use ultrasound imaging to examine internal organs and guide procedures. Our diagnostic specialists also perform carotid ultrasound exams to assist physicians during procedures and help diagnose stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), dizziness, vertigo and headaches.

X-rays

Traditional X-rays use small doses of radiation to create pictures of the inside of your body. While X-rays are commonly used for bone fractures and joint injuries, doctors also use them to find infections and tumors, look for fluid in the lungs, locate the cause of intestinal obstruction and diagnose heart and large blood vessel problems.

We also offer barium X-rays. Our gastroenterologists use a milky substance containing barium to coat the lining of the stomach or intestines and diagnose abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract.