Diagnostic Radiology

Wake Radiology UNC REX Healthcare performs a wide range of outpatient diagnostic exams including general X-rays, scoliosis imaging, Sitz marker studies, metastatic bone surveys and fluoroscopy exams.

Services

General X-Ray

• X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones and organs on film. X-rays pass through body tissues onto specially treated plates (similar to camera film) and a "negative" type picture is made. An actual X-ray is a form of energy. You cannot feel an X-ray as it goes through the body. Several different terms, such as "film," "picture" and "X-ray" are used to describe how the image is produced.
• X-Rays are done on a walk-in basis. There is no need to schedule an appointment.

Scoliosis Imaging

• A scoliosis X-ray is a general X-ray that uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed images of the spine. The images are sent to a digital system that allows a radiologist to evaluate and determine if there is a curvature of the spine.
• Scoliosis X-Rays are done on a walk-in basis. There is no need to schedule an appointment.

Sitz Marker Study

• A colon transit study or Sitz marker study is a diagnostic test that allows your doctor to evaluate the function of your colon.
• When you arrive for a Sitz marker study, staff will review your symptoms and allergies with you. We will then contact the on-site REX Pharmacy, and they will bring you a Sitz marker capsule to take with water.
• This capsule contains small rings, which will show up on X-rays and let the doctors track their progress through your intestines.
• A Sitz marker study requires an X-ray of your abdomen over several days. The number of days will be determined by your doctor. X-rays will be taken of your abdomen to see if any of the markers are left in your colon or whether they have all been expelled from the body.
• Sitz marker studies are done on a walk-in basis. There is no need to schedule an appointment. The radiology technologist will provide you with the dates to return for the additional images.

Metastatic Bone Survey

• A bone survey includes general X-rays of the skull, chest, spine, pelvis and long bones (humerus and femur, the largest bones in the arm and leg, respectively).
• We prefer that you schedule an appointment for a Metastatic Bone Survey.

Fluoroscopy

• Fluoroscopy is also known as “Live X-Ray’ or an “X-Ray Movie." A continuous X-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail. In barium X-rays, fluoroscopy allows the radiologist to see the movement of the barium through the body. Barium is a white, chalky powder that is mixed with water to make a thick, milkshake-like drink. Barium is used only for diagnostic studies of the esophagus, upper GI tract and lower GI tract. Barium highlights certain areas in the body to create a clearer picture.
• Fluoroscopy exams that we perform include (but are not limited to):
  
  • Barium Swallow
  • Modified Barium Swallow
  • Upper GI
  • Small Bowel Follow-through
  • Barium Enema
  • Defecogram
  • Fistulogram
  • Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
  • Myelogram
  • Cystogram
  • Arthrogram
  • Joint Injection
  • Loopogram
  • IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram)
  • Nephrostogram
  • HSG (Hysterosalpingogram)
  • Chest Fluoroscopy (Sniff Test)
• All fluoroscopy exams are done by appointment only.
• A technologist will call you 1-3 days prior to your scheduled appointment to discuss details of the exam and any steps that you need to do to prepare.