AGH Off-Site Imaging

Abbeville General Hospital’s Off-Site Imaging Center services available:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with whole body imaging capability, accredited by the American College of Radiology.
• Ultrasound offering abdominal, breast, pelvic, OB and vascular
• Mammography Tomography/3D imaging of the breast using 3D Mammography Exams, accredited by the American College of Radiology.
• Bone Density (Dexa) Exams which evaluate for Osteoporosis
• Lab Services: Blood and Specimen Collection

3D Mammography

3D Mammogram (Breast Tomosynthesis)

3D mammography is an FDA-approved advanced technology that takes multiple low-dose X-ray images, of breast tissue to recreate a 3-dimensional picture of the breast. You may also hear it called breast tomosynthesis.  These multiple images of breast tissue slices give doctors a clearer image of breast masses, which aids in the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of breast disease.   It’s different from traditional mammography in that traditional mammography obtains just a single image.

Tell your doctor about any breast symptoms or problems, prior surgeries, hormone use, whether you have a family or personal history of breast cancer, and if there’s a possibility you are pregnant. If possible, obtain copies of your prior mammograms and make them available to your radiologist on the day of your exam. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown. Don’t wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts as these may appear on the mammogram and interfere with the correct diagnosis.

Full-field 3D Digital Mammography is now the gold standard for breast imaging. This new technology increases image quality, assists in decreasing radiation dose and improves the early detection of cancer up to 30% in females with increased fibrous tissue. The Mammography unit is accredited by the American College of Radiology.

Genius 3D Mammography Exams are offered here.

For more information on 3-D Mammograms, please CLICK HERE.

Bone Densitometry (DEXA, DXA)

Bone densitometry, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, DEXA or DXA, uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body (usually the lower (or lumbar) spine and hips) to measure bone loss. It is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis, to assess an individual’s risk for developing osteoporotic fractures. DXA is simple, quick and noninvasive. It’s also the most commonly used and the most standard method for diagnosing osteoporosis.

This exam requires little to no special preparation. Tell your doctor and the technologist if there is a possibility you are pregnant or if you recently had a barium exam or received an injection of contrast material for a CT or radioisotope scan.

Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown.

You should not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam.

For more information, CLICK HERE.