Abdominal Ultrasound Abdominal ultrasound is an imaging test. Ultrasound uses sound waves to form pictures of your internal organs, which then appear on a screen. It is used to assess pain or other symptoms. It can help detect organ problems, such as gallstones, kidney stones or liver disease. This test involves no radiation and is harmless

Arthrogram An arthrogram is an imaging study. It is used to find problems inside your joints, mainly in your shoulders, knees, wrists, hips, elbows, or ankles. Injected contrast fluid is used to highlight the joint being studied. Pictures of the joint are then taken using x-ray or computed tomography (CT). There is some risk of pain and infection. Also, x-ray and CT tests use a small amount of radiation. But the benefits of this test far outweigh the risks.

Bones Scan A bone scan is an imaging test. It is used to find bone problems, such as cancer, infections, or fractures. It is also used to check joint replacements and to find joint problems, such as arthritis. A bone scan uses a small amount of injected radioactive matter (tracer) and a camera to form an image. It is a type of nuclear medicine scan. Although this test involves a small amount of radiation, the benefits outweigh the risks. Computed Tomography Computed tomography ( CT ) is a test that combines X-rays with computer scans. The scans appear as slices. The result is a detailed picture that may show problems with soft tissue (such as the lining of sinuses), organs (eg, kidneys or lungs), and bones. There is a small amount of radiation with CT. But the benefits of this test far outweigh any risk.

Intravenous pyelogram

An intravenous pyelogram ( IVP ) is an X-ray exam of your urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, and bladder). This test can help find stones or other problems with your urinary tract. There is a small amount of radiation with an IVP. However, the benefits of this test far outweigh any risks.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) is a test that lets your doctor see detailed pictures of the inside of your body. MRI does not use X-rays. Instead, strong magnets and radio waves work together to form a sharp image. There is no X-ray radiation and the magnets and radio waves are harmless.

Myelogram A myelogram is an imaging study of your spinal canal, a tunnel-like structure that runs through the entire length of your spine. During the test, contrast fluid that highlights the spinal canal is injected. Then, pictures of this area are taken using X-rays and, often, CT scans. This test can help your doctor detect back problems, such as disc damage and narrowing of the spinal canal. In some cases, fluid is removed from the spinal canal. This is called a lumbar puncture. There is a risk of headache, nausea, backache, vomiting, and pain. Also, X-ray and CT tests use a small amount of radiation. But the benefits of this test far outweigh the risks.

Nuclear medicine scan A nuclear medicine scan is an imaging test. It is used to check the health of your internal organs and bones. Among organs often studied are the heart, lungs, thyroid, gallbladder, and liver. This test uses a small amount of radioactive matter ( tracer ) and a special camera to form an image. The tracer can be injected, inhaled, or swallowed. Although a small amount of radiation is used, the benefits of this test far outweigh any risk.

Pelvic ultrasound Pelvic ultrasound is an imaging test. Ultrasound uses sound waves to form pictures of your organs that appear on a screen. It can help assess pain or other symptoms in the pelvis ( lower abdomen ). The test is often done by moving a probe over the abdomen and pelvis. This test involves no radiation and is harmless.

An X-ray creates images of your bones and internal organs. X-rays are most often used to detect bone or joint problems, or to check the heart and lungs ( chest X-ray ). X-rays work by sending small amounts of radiation through the body. They are also only done at the discretion of the doctor.