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MetroWest Medical Center offers a broad range of diagnostic imaging services at our
Framingham and Natick hospitals and the MetroWest Wellness Center.
We offer:
· General radiology services, including general X-rays and upper gastrointestinal (GI) exams - at Framingham, Natick and the Wellness Center
· Arthrograms and Fluoroscopy - at Framingham, Natick and the Wellness Center
· Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - at the Wellness Center
· CT scans, including a new 16-slice CT scanner that enables physicians to capture multiple image of a patient’s body in a matter of seconds - at Framingham and Natick
· Nuclear medicine and nuclear cardiology - at Natick
· Special interventional radiology, including angiograms to examine blood vessels and circulation – at Framingham and Natick
· Ultrasound - at Framingham, Natick and the Wellness Center
· Positron emission tomography (PET) - a mobile diagnostic service offered at Framingham
· Stereotactic breast biopsy - at Framingham and Natick
In addition, we offer women’s imaging services at the Wellness Center, including
· Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound
· Bone densitometry
· Mammography (also offered at Framingham and Natick)
We also have a new radiographic and fluoroscopy suite in Framingham that is equipped with a multi-functional X-ray system capable of reducing radiation doses, making it bebeficial for our pediatric patients. The suite is also used for real-time X-ray images of the area being examined, as well as for conventional X-rays.
At our Wellness Center in Framingham, we recently installed a high-tech bone density machine, which can scan the spine and both hips and thighs in about four to five minutes.
For general questions about our diagnostic imaging services, please call us at (508) 383-1300. To schedule an appointment, you need a referral from a physician (except for routine mammography). Appointments can be made by calling Central Scheduling at (508) 383-8400.
Glossary
Angiography - An imaging technique used to observe blood vessels and circulation. Digital subtraction angiography uses a computer technique to investigate circulatory problems.
Arthrogram - An X-ray of a joint, using a contrast medium to more clearly visualize the joint.
Bone Densitometry - A special type of X-ray that measures the calcium content of bones, which is a rough measure of bone thickness. Bone densitometry can detect osteoporosis before there are symptoms and before regular X-rays show bone abnormalities.
CT Scan - A term used to describe a radiologic test known as computerized tomography (CT) that can see inside the brain or other parts of the body that cannot be seen on regular X-rays. CT scans can make it possible to diagnose certain diseases earlier and more accurately than other imaging examinations.
Fluoroscopy - A technique for obtaining “live” X-rays that is used during many diagnostic or therapeutic radiology procedures to observe the action of instruments being used to treat or diagnose patients. Fluoroscopy is often used to observe the digestive tract.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - Also known as MRI, this is a noninvasive diagnostic technique that produces computerized images of internal body tissue. It is based on nuclear magnetic resonance of atoms within the body produced by the application of radio waves.
Mammogram - A type of imaging that uses a low-dose X-ray system for examination of the breast.
Nuclear Medicine - A medical specialty that uses small amounts of radioactive material or radiopharmaceuticals that are attracted to specific organs, bones or tissues. Unlike X-rays that document anatomy, nuclear medicine documents organ function and structure. Nuclear medicine can often identify abnormalities very early in the progression of disease, allowing for earlier treatment.
Positron Emission Tomography - Also known as PET, this noninvasive imaging technique provides a cross sectional image of the body. It produces images at the molecular level of physiologic function that can be used to measure vital processes, including glucose metabolism, blood flow and oxygen utilization.
Sterotactic Breast Biopsy - A minimally invasive form of breast biopsy in which a sample of suspect breast tissue is precisely located with a computer-guided imaging system and removed with a needle.
Ultrasound - A noninvasive technique involving the formation of a 2-dimensional image used for the examination and measurement of internal body structures and the determination of bodily abnormalities.
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