Diagnostic Imaging/Radiology at Johnson Memorial Hospital
Phone & Address
201 Chestnut Hill Rd
Stafford Springs, CT 06076
A professional team of Diagnostic Imaging Technologists, Radiologists, Physician Assistants, Nurses and Ancillary Support staff work in concert to use state-of-the-art technology to provide diagnostic images, reports and therapeutic interventions with compassion and care.
The Imaging Department leads the community in offering the latest state-of-the-art imaging in CT Scan, MRI, Nuclear Medicine and Breast Imaging. Our robust Picture, Archive and Communications systems combined with outstanding imaging equipment allow us to produce the highest quality, diagnostic studies and promptly share both the images and reports with your physician.
ACR accredited in CT, Ultrasound, MRI and Nuclear Medicine.
Our Johnson Memorial Hospital site offers:
CT
Computed tomography, or CT, is a special x-ray that uses a scanner and computer to show cross-sectional pictures of structures inside the body, including those in the chest, belly, pelvis, arm, or leg, as well as organs like the liver, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, lungs, and heart. It also can be used to study blood vessels, bones, and the spinal cord.
A CT exam is painless and takes approximately 15 minutes. Some CT exams require the administration of an IV contrast, which would require our trained CT technologists to place an IV in your arm. Some abdominal CT exams require the ingestion of an oral contrast, which you will obtain at our facility prior to your exam. Your doctor will tell you what you need to do to prepare for your CT exam. Ask your health care provider if you have any questions leading up to your procedure.
On exam day, you should:
- Expect to be at our facility for 15-45 minutes
- Eat as you normally would, unless your health care provider has instructed otherwise
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid wearing clothing or accessories with metal buttons, zippers, or belts
- You may be asked to remove dentures or hearing aids prior to exam
MRI
MRI is a noninvasive imaging technique that does not require exposure to radiation. MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequencies to image the internal organs, soft tissues, brain, and spinal cord. As the human body is made up of about 75% water, an MRI uses the water’s hydrogen atoms and computers to produce very detailed images.
MRIs pose almost no risk when you follow your team's instructions. Some MRI exams require the administration of an IV contrast, which would require our trained MRI technologists to place an IV in your arm. Our highly trained team of radiologists and technologists specialize in MRI exams. We are here to answer your questions and help you have the best possible experience.
On exam day, you should:
- Expect to be at our facility for 30-60 minutes
- Eat as you normally would, unless your health care provider has instructed otherwise
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid wearing clothing or accessories with metal buttons, zippers, or belts
- You may be asked to remove all metal, including jewelry, hair accessories, dentures, and hearing aids prior to exam
Nuclear Medicine
During a nuclear imaging exam, you will be injected with a small amount of radioactive substance, called a radiotracer. The radiotracer travels to the part of the body being scanned and puts off gamma rays, which are identified by a special type of camera, or scanner. The camera then produces images of the inside of your body so your physicians can see if there is a health concern or if everything is functioning properly.
Nuclear medicine is unique among other imaging scans because it can provide insight into how your body is functioning. For example, it can detect abnormal blood flow patterns, internal organ dysfunction and more.
The exam should be painless and last approximately 30-60 minutes. Your doctor will tell you what you need to do to prepare for your ultrasound procedure. Ask your health care provider if you have any questions leading up to your procedure.
On exam day, you should:
- Expect to be at our facility anywhere from 45 minutes to 4 hours, depending on exam
- Eat as you normally would, unless your health care provider has instructed otherwise
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Avoid wearing clothing or accessories with metal buttons, zippers, or belts
Ultrasound
Ultrasound testing uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the organs inside your body. The test is done by moving a device called a transducer over a part of the body. The transducer sends out sound waves, which bounce off the tissues inside your body and bounce back to create the images. It’s commonly used to view organs like the uterus, bladder, kidneys, and heart.
You will be asked to lie on your back on an exam table. Your technologist will apply a clear, water-based gel to the body part that will be studied, such as your abdomen. The gel helps the machine make contact with your body and eliminates air pockets. The technologist will then sweep a transducer across the area being studied. The exam should be painless and last approximately 30-60 minutes. Your doctor will tell you what you need to do to prepare for your ultrasound procedure, for some exams you may need to fast or drink water prior. Ask your health care provider if you have any questions leading up to your procedure.
On exam day, you should:
- Expect to be at our facility for 30-60 minutes
- Eat as you normally would, unless your health care provider has instructed otherwise (some exams require patients to fast or drink water prior)
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
Echocardiogram
Echocardiography is a non-invasive and common test that uses sound waves (not X-rays) to create pictures of your heart. The results show your heart beating and pumping blood.
Your doctor may suggest an echocardiogram (ECHO) to check for a congenital heart defect or problems with your heart valves or chambers. An echo can help spot issues such as narrowing or leaking of valves, heart defects such as abnormal communication between the right and left sides of the heart, and heart muscle malfunction.
There are a few different types of echocardiograms:
- Transthoracic echocardiogram
- Transesophageal echocardiogram
- Doppler echocardiogram
- Stress echocardiogram
- Transthoracic echocardiogram
- Transesophageal echocardiogram
- Doppler echocardiogram
- Stress echocardiogram
Your Trinity Health of New England cardiologist will recommend the best echo for your symptoms and condition. The standard type- a transthoracic echocardiogram- involves a technologist pressing a handheld wand (transducer) against your skin and pointing in at your heat to record the sound wave echoes from your heart.
On exam day, you should:
- Expect to be at our facility for approximately one hour
- Eat as you normally would
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Expect to be at our facility for approximately one hour
- Eat as you normally would
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
X-ray (General Diagnostics)
X-rays are used to view bones and soft tissue inside the body. An x-ray is produced when a small amount of radiation passes through the body and strikes a plate or detector placed on the other side. An x-ray’s ability to penetrate tissue and bone varies depending the mass and composition of the tissue, resulting in a lighter or darker image. While ultrasound exams are perhaps most well known for their use during pregnancy, they can also help doctors diagnose lumps and abnormalities throughout the body and guide biopsies and aspirations.
On exam day, you should:
- Expect to be at our facility for 15 minutes
- Avoid wearing clothing or accessories with metal buttons, zippers, or belts