What it is: A CAT (CT) scan: A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body. A CT scan can be used to study all parts of your body, such as the chest, belly, pelvis, or an arm or leg. It can take pictures of body organs, such as the liver, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, bladder, adrenal glands, lungs, and heart. It also can study blood vessels, bones, and the spinal cord. Any provider can request that you receive a CT scan. A CT Tech would perform the scan and Radiologists are the physicians that actually read the test and provide results to your provider.

Samaritan also offers a low-dose CT scan for our Early Lung Cancer Screening program, learn more here.

What it is: A Mammogram is an X-ray test that produces an image of the inner breast tissue on film. This technique, called mammography, is used to visualize normal and abnormal structures within the breasts. Mammography, therefore, can help in identifying cysts, calcifications, and tumors within the breast. It is currently the most efficient screening method to detect early breast cancer. Any physician can request a patient receives a mammography and Radiologists are the physicians that actually read the test and provide results to your provider.

Our equipment: Siemens Mammomat 3000

Our specific Mammography services include:

• Digital Screening Mammography
• Digital Diagnostic Mammography
• Breast Localizations
• Stereotactic Breast Biopsies

For Online Mammogram Scheduling, please click HERE. 

What it is: An MRI (or magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a radiology technique that uses magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. The MRI scanner is a tube surrounded by a giant circular magnet. The patient is placed on a movable bed that is inserted into the magnet. The image and resolution produced by MRI is quite detailed and can detect tiny changes of structures within the body. Any provider can request a patient receives a MRI – Radiologists are the physicians that actually read the test and provide results to your provider.

What it is: Nuclear radiation components are combined with other elements to form chemical compounds, called radiopharmaceuticals, then they are administered to the patient, can localize to specific organs or cellular receptors. In some diseases nuclear medicine studies can identify medical problems at an earlier stage than other diagnostic tests. Nuclear medicine, in a sense, is testing done from the inside rather than the outside, rather than radiation that is generated by external sources like x-rays. Any provider can request a patient receives a scan – Radiologists are the physicians that actually read the test and provide results to your provider.

Examples of Nuclear Medicine:

• Bone Scan
• Gallbladder Scan
• Thyroid Uptake and Scan

Samaritan’s Nuclear Medicine is a New York State Department of Health Licensed Department

Our equipment: 2-Siemens Dual-Headed Units, Capintec Thyroid Uptake System

What it is: A PET/CT Scan is a highly specialized imaging technique that uses short-lived radioactive substances to produce three-dimensional colored images of those substances functioning within the body. These images are called PET/CT scans and the technique is termed PET/CT scanning. PET/CT has been used primarily in cardiology, neurology, and oncology. Any provider can ask for a PET/CT scan to be done and Radiologists are the doctors that would read a PET/CT scan and provide results to your provider.

Our equipment: G.E. Discovery PET/CT

What it is: Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy), high-energy rays are used to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing and dividing. A specialist in radiation therapy is called a radiation oncologist. Like surgery, radiation therapy is a local treatment; it affects cancer cells only in the treated area. Radiation can come from a machine (external radiation). It can also come from an implant (a small container of radioactive material) placed directly into or near the tumor (internal radiation). Some patients receive both kinds of radiation therapy.

Dr. Justin Budnik is Samaritan’s Radiation Oncologist.

Samaritan’s Radiation Therapy program is a New York State Department of Health Licensed Department

Our equipment: Varian Clinac iX Linear Accelerator, Siemens Primus Linear Accelerator, Varian Acuity Simulator, Siemens CT Simulator, Varian Eclipse Treatment Planning System, Varian ARIA Radiation Oncology Management System

What it is: An Ultrasound produces sound waves that are beamed into the body causing return echoes that are recorded to “visualize” structures beneath the skin. The ability to measure different echoes reflected from a variety of tissues allows a shadow picture to be constructed. The technology is especially accurate at seeing the interface between solid and fluid filled spaces. Any provider can request that an Ultrasound be performed. Ultrasound Technicians conduct the test and Radiologists are the physicians that actually read the test and provide results to your provider.

Our equipment: 5-Toshiba Ultrasound Units

What it is: An X-ray is a high-energy radiation with waves shorter than those of visible light. X-ray is used in low doses to make images that help to diagnose diseases and conditions in all part of the body and in high doses to treat cancer in specific areas of the body. X-rays can be requested by any provider and Samaritan offers many testing sites throughout our region. An X-ray Tech would perform the test and Radiologists are the physicians that actually read the test and provide results to your provider.

Our equipment: Siemens digital radiography and Fuji computerized radiography units