Imaging & Diagnostic Services
The CVH Medical Imaging Department is open:
Monday-Friday 7AM-5:30PM
Saturday 8AM-4:30PM. Limited Saturday services include CT, MRI, & X-ray.
Limited Sunday services include MRI, & X-ray.
Radiologists and technicians are available 24/7 to serve our hospital and
emergency patients.
For more information call 775.782.1533. Fax orders to 775.782.1543.
Imaging FAQs
MRI
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that helps
physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.MR imaging uses a powerful
magnetic field, radio frequency pulses, and a computer to produce detailed
pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal
body structures. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor,
printed, or copied to CD. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (X-rays).
The purpose of an MRI is to evaluate the internal organs and blood vessels
to detect or monitor treatment for various conditions.
CT Scans
- CT imaging combines special X-ray equipment with sophisticated computers
to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These
cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined
on a computer monitor or printed. Using specialized equipment and expertise
to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily
diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious
disease, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Ultrasound
- This noninvasive medical test helps physicians diagnose and evaluate symptoms
such as pain, swelling, and infection. Ultrasound imaging, also called
ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body
to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the
body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays).
Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the
structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood
flowing through blood vessels.
Nuclear Medicine
- This medical imaging test uses small amounts of radioactive material to
diagnose or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of cancers,
heart disease, and certain other abnormalities within the body. CVH utilizes
the latest nuclear medicine equipment available.
Mammogram
- CVH offers the most sophisticated digital 3D mammography equipment in the
industry, which provides a high-quality image to the radiologist for an
accurate diagnosis. Mammography is a specific type of imaging that uses
a low-dose x-ray system to examine breasts. A mammography exam, called
a mammogram, is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast
diseases in women. We offer different types of mammograms to give patients
their best chance for early, accurate diagnosis.
3D Mammography | Diagnostics | Carson Valley Health
How to prepare for your 3D Mammo at CVH
X-Ray Technology
X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging.
Taking X-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of
ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body to help
doctors arrive at a diagnosis so a customized treatment plan can be made.
Learn more about our imaging X-ray procedures, which include:
- Bone X-rays: These X-rays make images of any bone in the body, including
the hand, wrist, arm, foot, ankle, knee, leg, or spine. Most bone x-rays
require no special preparation.
- Chest X-rays: This is the most commonly performed diagnostic x-ray examination.
A chest x-ray makes images of the heart, lungs, airways, blood vessels,
and the bones of the spine and chest. A chest x-ray requires no special
preparation.
- Joint X-rays (arthrography): Conventional arthrography is the X-ray examination
of a joint that uses a particular form of x-ray called fluoroscopy and
a contrast material containing iodine. These noninvasive medical tests
help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions affecting the body’s joints.
- Lower and Upper GI X-rays (barium enema and esophagaram): These noninvasive
X-rays examine the intestines to diagnose and treat medical conditions
that affect this part of the body. Lower GI -rays can detect benign or
cancer tumors and other signs of intestinal illness, such as irritable
bowel syndrome. An upper GI examination helps evaluate digestive function
to detect conditions such as ulcer, tumors, hiatal hernias, scarring,
blockage, and more
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): This X-ray examination of the kidneys, ureters,
and urinary bladder uses iodinated contrast material injected into veins.
An IVP allows the radiologist to view and assess the anatomy and function
of the urinary system, as well as how quickly and efficiently the patient’s
system is able to handle waste. It can detect programs resulting from
kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or urinary tract tumors.
INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
- Interventional Radiology provides treatments and procedures that are minimally
invasive using imaging guidance (x-ray, CT, ultrasound and MRI). These
treatments and procedures can replace open surgical procedures and are
generally easier for the patient because they involve no large incisions,
less risk, less pain and shorter recovery times.
BONE DENSITY SCAN
- Bone density scan, also known as DEXA scan, is an x-ray that helps diagnose
bone-related health problems, such as osteoporosis. A DEXA scan typically
takes 30 minutes or less to perform.