Radiologic studies play an important role in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of many diseases. Depending on your age, sex, and any specific concerns, your doctor may order routine preventive screenings or one-time diagnostic tests.
University Radiology offers several studies to screen for any health issues that you may have. All screening tests require a prescription from your doctor. Some also require specific patient preparation.
Our new CT protocol enables detection of masses in the lungs even earlier than X-rays, improving survival rates from 15% to 80%. Annual lung cancer screening CT scans are recommended for current smokers and those with a significant smoking history within the last 15 years, starting at age 50.
At University Radiology, we use the latest CT equipment and techniques to accurately detect calcification in the coronary arteries. This preventive health screening can be used to measure heart health and assess heart attack risk. Specific patient preparation is required for cardiac calcium scoring.
CT angiography is typically used as a diagnostic tool for symptomatic patients. CTA scans use contrast agents to provide an enhanced view of vascular health throughout the body. Our radiology specialists look for both calcified and non-calcified plaque, as well as any anatomic abnormalities and stenosis on a CTA. CTAs at University Radiology can also be performed with Heartflow analysis to assess plaque types and fractional flow issues in the coronary arteries.
Noninvasive testing for peripheral vascular disease is used by University Radiology to visualize aneurysms, atherosclerosis, and/or abnormal narrowing in blood vessels. MRA screening is helpful in evaluating patients with a history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, diabetes, renal insufficiency, and related leg pain.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are both deadly and often asymptomatic – but they can be fixed if found before they rupture. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends men receive an ultrasound screening between the ages of 65-75 to detect aneurysms. The test is risk-free, completely noninvasive, and highly accurate.
Bone density tests at University Radiology use X-ray techniques to assess bone health and detect signs of osteoporosis. Routine DXA scans are recommended for women over 65 and men over 70; patients with high risk for osteoporosis may need screening at a younger age. For patients diagnosed with osteoporosis, bone density scans also help monitor treatment efficacy.