About the Tests
 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
What is an MRI?
MRI is a diagnostic test that uses a computer, magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of the inside of the body. It provides excellent imaging quality of the specific area of your body that your doctor has specified for your test.
What is the Clearview difference?
The extra-large opening of our Siemens MAGNETOM Espree (the shortest high-field MRI in Denver) can accommodate patients up to 550 pounds, and is ideal for anxious or claustrophobic patients. In fact, 60% of exams are performed with the patient’s head outside the system.
What should I expect during the exam?
Most MRI examinations take about 30 minutes to complete. It is a completely painless procedure and the magnetic field used is considered very safe. Because you will hear a rhythmic tapping sound, you will be given your choice of headphones to play a variety of music or ear plugs. Some patients actually fall asleep during the scanning process. Some exams require an injection with an agent that improves some types of pictures. This agent is called “gadolinium” and is very safe. It is unrelated to the iodine used for CAT scans.
How Do I Prepare for an MRI?
MRI does not use any form of radiation, so no special preparation is needed. You may eat normally and take your regular medication. Please wear comfortable clothing without zippers, metal buttons or snaps. For women, underwire bras may not be worn.
Because a large magnet is used, you should check with your physician or MRI technologist if you have:
- Pacemaker
- Ear implants
- Surgical staples
- Neuro-stimulator
- Aneurysm clip(s)
- Implanted drug infusion devices
- Worked as a welder or grinder of metal
If you are pregnant, please tell our patient representative. A report of your examination results will be provided to your doctor, usually within 24 hours of your test.
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 Computed Tomography (CT)
What is CT?
Also known as a “CAT scan,” CT is an x-ray technique to generate images of the inside of the body. Instead of a single X-ray image, a CT scan produces a series of “slices” that allow a more precise, detailed view for the radiologist.
CT imaging is used to clearly show soft tissue, like the brain, as well as dense tissue, like bone. The information gathered during a CT scan is processed by a computer and interpreted by a radiologist to diagnose, or rule out, disease.
What is the Clearview difference?
The multi-sliced Siemens SOMATOM Sensation CT scanner at Clearview is ideal for a wide range of examinations, is capable of 3D renderings to assist in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, and delivers a lower radiation dose than older CT systems.
Some CT scans require the use of a contrast medium. Given intravenously, the contrast agent highlights certain body parts to enable the radiologist to better see any abnormalities. CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis often require the patient to drink a barium-based liquid to outline the intestines for better viewing.
What should I expect during the exam?
A CT scan will typically take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the area of the body being imaged. In some cases, you may be required to drink an oral contrast, or receive a contrast injection, depending on the type of test your doctor has ordered.
How do I prepare for a CT?
Unless a contrast agent is needed, no other special preparation is required. However, please inform your radiologist or technologist in advance of your scan if you are:
- Pregnant
- Have had a previous adverse reaction to iodine contrast injection
- Have renal disease
- Are over 65
- Have asthma and use an inhaler 2 or more times per day
- Are diabetic and taking glucophage
A report of your examination results will be provided to your doctor, usually within 24 hours of your test.
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 Ultrasound with 3D/4D Capability
What is Ultrasound?
Ultrasound (also known as sonography) uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body. The process is fast, painless and completely free of radiation or harmful side effects; that is why it is so often used for prenatal imaging.
Ultrasound captures moving images of pelvic and abdominal function (including gall stones), the male reproductive system, the kidney and thyroid as well as the developing fetus, among other applications. When enhanced with special Doppler technique, ultrasound can also capture moving blood images of large vessels.
What is the Clearview difference?
The GE Logiq 9 is a more advanced ultrasound system, which allows for reduced scan times and improved patient comfort. It also offers 3D and 4D (motion) capabilities. Applications for 3D/4D ultrasound are numerous, and include general imaging, prenatal imaging (including fetal heart imaging), breast imaging, OB/GYN imaging, vascular imaging and more.
How Do I Prepare for an Ultrasound?
For Pregnancy or Pelvic Examinations:
- You may eat normally.
- Your bladder must be full for this examination.
- Drink at least 32 ounces of water one hour prior to your examination. We recommend you avoid caffeinated beverages.
- Please do not urinate until after your examination is completed. If you are very uncomfortable, please notify our staff when you arrive.
- Allow 45-50 minutes for the examination.
Abdominal Examinations:
- Nothing after midnight before your appointment.
- Allow 45-60 minutes for the examination.
Kidney Examinations:
- Come to your exam well hydrated (drink lots of water).
Examination of any other part of the body:
- No special preparation is required.
A report of your examination results will be provided to your doctor, usually within 24 hours of your test.
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 X-Ray and Fluoroscopy
What is X-Ray and Fluoroscopy?
X-ray is the oldest and most frequently used form of imaging to see inside the human body. It uses a focused beam and a special detector to obtain images of body anatomy. Fluoroscopy is a variation of X-ray that allows for real-time visualization of anatomy (including movement) on a television monitor. Fluoroscopy is most often used in the evaluation of the digestive tract and the bladder, as well as during interventional radiology procedures such as angiograms, drainages and biopsies.
What is the Clearview Difference?
The Siemens AXIOM Luminos TF Radiography system used at Clearview is a more advanced form of X-ray because the images produced by the system are viewed on a computer versus a set of “films.” Digital X-ray and fluoroscopy is beneficial in diagnostic interpretation, because images can be better viewed—and from multiple angles—on a computer monitor. It eliminates reliance on a single set of original “films,” and images can be sent electronically, if needed, anywhere in the world.
How Do I Prepare for an X-ray or Fluoroscopy?
For most X-ray tests, no special preparation is necessary. Fluoroscopy tests often include oral or intravenous contrasts, and may require a three-hour fast from solid foods and a two-hour fast from fluids to prevent nausea.
If you are pregnant, please tell our patient representative. A report of your examination results will be provided to your doctor, usually within 24 hours of your test.
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