Radiology

Tuba City Regional Health Care Center relies on comprehensive, state-of-the-art medical imaging technologies and expertly trained imaging professionals to fulfill its mission of delivering excellent patient care.

A leader in specialized medical care, TCRHCC maintains a vast assortment of imaging tools and technologies to aid in the early detection, examination and diagnosis of various illnesses and abnormalities. Ultimately, this early detection leads to improved patient outcomes by enabling physicians to initiate treatment regimens when illnesses and abnormalities are most treatable. 

Medical imaging specialists work closely with physicians to provide knowledgeable interpretation of imaging tools and treatment techniques to ensure the best possible care decisions are made for each patient.

At the forefront of technological advancements, the Medical Imaging department uses the latest Picture Archival Communication System (PACS) technology to communicate with physicians and send imaging results via a secure Internet connection. This state-of-the-art communication system improves efficiency and productivity across the hospital’s many departments.

To provide the most accurate imaging services, medical imaging professionals TCRHCC are nationally licensed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and state certified by the Arizona Medical Radiologic Technologist Board of Examiners.

X-ray

Much like the pictures taken in your dentist's office, X-ray technology is used in the hospital setting to diagnose fractures, tumors and degenerative conditions and blockages. Aside from the need to move an injured area, X-rays should cause no discomfort.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Computed Tomography (CT) is an imaging test in which a part of the body is X-rayed from different angles. These images are combined by a computer to produce cross-sectional pictures of internal organs. Except for the injection of a dye (needed in some but not all cases), this is a painless procedure that can be done in an outpatient clinic. It is often referred to as a "CT" or "CAT" scan. – American Cancer Society

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

What is MRI?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is an advanced method of generating clear images of the body without the use of X-rays. This technology enables physicians to detect developing diseases or abnormalities earlier than ever before. MRI uses a powerful, harmless magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of body structure, such as the brain, spine, extremities and other organs.

What to expect during the exam

Although MRI is an advanced medical technique, the exam is probably one of the easiest and most relaxed you may ever experience.

  • The technologist will ask you to lie down on a cushioned table that automatically moves into the center of the magnet after you have been comfortably positioned.
  • The technologist will leave the magnet room, but (s)he will be in constant contact throughout the exam. The magnet makes a knocking sound as images are taken, but earplugs and headphones will be provided for your comfort. Since MRI is a non-invasive procedure, it is painless.
  • Relax - even take a nap.
  • Lie as still as possible. Moving during the procedure may require repeating parts of the exam.
  • The doctor may ask for a contrast agent to be administered, so the machine can visualize a certain part of your body. If this is the case, you may have an intravenous (IV) line inserted. The contrast agent should not make you feel different at all. Depending on the area of the body being scanned, the exam will last 30 to 60 minutes.

Important considerations

  • Remember, magnets and metal do not mix.
  • MRI exams pose no risk to the average patient if safety guidelines are followed.
  • Patients with the following items cannot be scanned: pacemakers, cochlear implants, metal filings in the eye and cerebral aneurysm clips. When you arrive in the Radiology department, you will fill out a screening sheet to check for the presence of any of these items.
  • The MRI technologist will ask you to remove all materials that might be affected or attracted by the powerful magnet, such as watches, coins, keys, bobby pins, pocket knives and other items.
  • Do not bring any unnecessary items to the hospital with you. Lockers will be provided to keep your belongings secure during your exam.

DEXA Scan

These images illustrate the density of your bones and help determine the likelihood that you will develop osteoporosis in the future. If your bones are weak and brittle, there are drug therapies available that might help you protect and even strengthen them. People at high-risk for osteoporosis are often unaware until they suffer a fracture.

Ultrasound

Ultrasounds or sonograms image organs using sound waves instead of radiation to see inside the body. A warm gel is put on the skin. A transducer placed on the skin sends and receives the images. These tests are usually not painful.

Abdomen

Abdominal ultrasound images of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, bile ducts, kidneys, spleen and aorta. When having this procedure done, patients must fast between six and eight hours prior to their appointment.

Obstetrical

Obstetrical ultrasound provide images of the pregnant uterus, including fetal anatomy, heart rate of fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid. When having this procedure done, patients need to have a full bladder, either by drinking water or by a catheter inserted into bladder.

Pelvic

Pelvic ultrasound provides images of the uterus and ovaries. When having this procedure done, patients need to have a full bladder, either by drinking water or by a catheter inserted into bladder.

Doppler Exams

Doppler ultrasound produce color images of arteries and veins in the neck, arms or legs. The Doppler can be noisy.

Thoracentesis / Paracentesis

The Radiologist inserts a catheter into a fluid pocket to drain fluid with guidance from an ultrasound technologist and nurse. A numbing medication is given first by the radiologist to make the procedure more comfortable. When having this procedure done, patients can have clear liquids only prior to the exam.

Biopsy Procedures

The radiologist inserts a needle into the area of concern for the biopsy. A numbing medication is given first by the radiologist to make the procedure more comfortable. When having this procedure done, patients can have clear liquids only prior to the exam.

Echocardiography

Echocardiography, sometimes referred to as a heart ultrasound, is a diagnostic test using ultrasound waves to create images of the heart including heart chambers, valves and surrounding structures. – American Society of Echocardiography

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is a form of medical imaging that enables physicians to view a patient’s internal structures in real-time images. Images are often played and recorded on a monitor rather than on film. – American Cancer Society

Mammography

Mammography is the use of an X-ray to create a picture of the breast. Long considered the standard for breast cancer screening, mammography is an important component of a woman's health regiment.  The American Cancer Society guideline recommends women begin mammograms at age 40 and repeat every year thereafter.

Breast Ultrasound

A breast ultrasound is a procedure that uses reflected sound waves to view and produce a picture of the internal structures of the breast. It shows all areas of the breast, including the area closest to the chest wall. Breast ultrasound does not use X-rays. An ultrasound generally does not replace the need for a mammogram; however, it is often used to further evaluate a problem seen on a mammogram