Radiology

Quality imaging provided by Bryn Mawr and Lankenau Medical Center's radiologists and radiology technologists, combined with easy access and fast and accurate interpretation of radiologic studies, are hallmarks of our radiology services.

General x-ray

Commonly known as an x-ray, radiography is the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. X-rays produce diagnostic images of the human body on film or digitally on a computer screen. A fast diagnostic tool, x-ray imaging provides a rapid method of evaluating the entire body—especially the joints, bones and chest cavity.

DEXA scan

DEXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scanning is a simple, painless way to detect whether an individual has thin bones or is at risk for developing fractures. This enhanced x-ray measures bone density of the lower spine and hips and also tracks the effectiveness of treatment for osteoporosis and other conditions that cause bone loss. During the procedure, the DEXA machine sends lowdose x-rays through the bones via two energy streams. Two energy peaks are captured—one absorbed mainly by soft tissue and the other by bone. The difference between the soft tissue amount and total is the bone mineral density.

Mammography

The mammogram remains the most reliable method to detect breast cancer. This special x-ray of the breast can find abnormalities in breast tissue up to two years before they are large enough to be felt. Our board-certified radiologists interpret or “read” the mammograms. Complementing the physician’s findings is the Image Checker® computer-aided detection system, which draws the radiologist’s attention to areas that may be abnormal. In effect, the tool gives the radiologist a second look at the mammogram.

Ultrasound

Like DEXA scanning, high-resolution ultrasound can safely examine many parts of the body, such as the kidneys, liver and spleen, pancreas, brain and pelvis. It uses high-frequency sound waves that “echo” off the body to create pictures. Today’s ultrasound machines return extremely detailed images in real-time—a feature that is useful for guiding minimally-invasive procedures such as needle biopsies, and for visualizing movement in tissues, organs and blood vessels.

The simple procedure is painless. A specially-trained technologist applies jelly to the skin on the area to be studied and moves a wand, or transducer, over it. Sound waves reflect back to the transducer and the image is displayed on a monitor. A picture can be printed from the screen or stored electronically in our computer system.

CT Scan

CT (Computed Tomography) scanning provides an unparalleled window to the inside of the body by combining x-rays and computers. Using a highly focused x-ray beam, CT scans create a set of wafer-thin, cross-sectional images of internal organs, tissues and structures. These 2-dimensional x-ray images are displayed in 3-D on a computer screen for in-depth clinical evaluations.

Today’s GE LightSpeed® 16-Slice CT Scanners, available at the Main Line Health Center at Lawrence Park, are powerful, sophisticated and more patient-friendly than the early CT technology that required patients to lie still for long periods. With today’s 16-slice CT scanners, a head-to-toe scan takes ninety seconds compared with thirty minutes on older machines. The test is completely painless, although patients having certain studies may be injected with or be asked to drink a contrast material.

All images are read at the Main Line Health Center at Lawrence Park by a Bryn Mawr or Lankenau Medical Center radiologist. All radiology equipment is connected via a computer network to Bryn Mawr and Lankenau Medical Center, allowing radiologists to consult with each other when necessary.

Request an Appointment

To schedule an appointment for any of these radiology services, call 484-596-1800.