Diagnostic imaging services are often the next step when your doctor needs to examine your body more closely.
These tools help providers see what they can’t with a regular exam, which can make a big difference in getting you the right care.
At Langdon Prairie Health, we provide diagnostic imaging services daily to help answer questions, guide treatment, and give peace of mind.
What Is Diagnostic Imaging?
Diagnostic imaging uses different tools to take clear pictures of the inside of your body, such as your bones, organs, or blood vessels.
It lets doctors see what’s happening beneath the surface to better understand what’s causing your symptoms or monitor your overall health.
Common Types of Imaging Tests
You might have heard of some of these tests, as they're quite common. Each one uses a different method to create those important internal pictures:
- X-ray: This is the most widely known. X-rays use a small amount of radiation to create images of bones and certain tissues.
They help examine broken bones, check for pneumonia, and spot dental issues. It’s quick and often the first step in diagnosing a problem.
- Ultrasound: This method uses sound waves, not radiation, to create images. It’s often used to examine soft tissues and organs, such as during pregnancy to see the baby, or to check on the heart or kidneys.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): A CT scan takes X-rays from several angles to create detailed, cross-sectional images of your body.
It gives doctors a clearer look at your bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues, making it easier to spot issues that a regular X-ray might miss.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create incredibly detailed images of organs, soft tissues, bone, and all other internal body structures.
It’s fantastic for looking at the brain, spine, joints, and other soft tissues, providing much information without radiation.
- Bone Density Scans (DEXA Scan): These scans use a very low dose of X-rays to measure the strength and density of your bones. They're especially helpful for checking for osteoporosis, which makes bones weaker and more prone to breaking. Getting a DEXA scan can help your doctor understand your bone health and suggest ways to keep your bones strong as you age.
- Cardiac Stress Tests: Sometimes, doctors recommend a cardiac stress test to see how your heart works when it's under pressure. This usually involves exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike while monitoring your heart's activity.
It helps doctors determine whether your heart is getting enough blood flow during physical activity, which can indicate issues like blockages in the heart arteries.
- 3D Mammograms: For breast health, a 3D mammogram takes multiple X-ray images of the breast from different angles to create a clear, three-dimensional picture.
This gives doctors a more detailed view of breast tissue, especially in dense breasts, making it easier to spot small changes or concerns that might be harder to see on a traditional 2D mammogram. It's a valuable tool for breast cancer screening and detection.
Diagnostic imaging Services Available in Langdon and Walhalla, ND
At Langdon Prairie Health, our board-certified radiologists work with care and precision to provide the imaging services that support your health and peace of mind.
Having access to these services right here in our community means you don’t have to go far for high-quality care.
Whether you need a scan, a follow-up, or more information, we’re here to help you and your provider make the best decisions together.
Contact us today if you have questions or need to schedule an imaging appointment.
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