skip to main content
Main Site Navigation
Top of main content

Clinics & Programs

Carle Radiology Resources

Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) - breast cancer screening is specifically developed to find cancers hidden in dense breast tissue, which may be missed by mammography.  ABUS screening, along with the option of a 3D screening mammogram, will help provide a clear evaluation of your dense breast tissue. It's the only breast cancer screening technology FDA-approved for detection in women with dense breast tissue. *Available only at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Carle Health Methodist Hospital and Carle Health Pekin Hospital. 

Bone-density scanning – (also called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, DXA or DEXA) an enhanced X-ray technology to measure bone loss and diagnose osteoporosis. DEXA also tracks the effects of treatment for conditions that cause bone loss.
 
Breast ultrasound – an imaging test that uses sound waves to look at the inside of your breasts. Ultrasound is commonly used to identify problems in your breast tissue and see how well your blood is flowing to areas of the breast.

Computed tomography (CT scan) – a noninvasive test that produces cross-sectional or 3D images of the inside of the body, especially the head, heart and spine. CT is commonly used to detect the presence of tumors, blood clots, fractures or infections.
 
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – (also called an MR scan) uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and other body structures. Unlike conventional X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, MRI does not depend on radiation. Closed MRI systems typically produce more detailed images, but we also offer open MRI to ease anxiety for patients with confinement issues.

Mammography – the most effective technology for detecting breast cancer. Digital technology allows our fellowship-trained mammographers in Urbana to review and manipulate images taken at any Carle facility, which means you spend less time waiting for results.

Nuclear medicine – provides diagnostic images of the body detected when a small amount of radiation, similar to the exposure of a standard X-ray, is given by mouth or intravenously. Used to observe blood flow, kidney and thyroid function, and other abnormalities, this procedure provides a view of organ function, not just of the organs themselves.

Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT scan) – combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) to assess the body's structure and metabolic processes. Primarily used for detecting cancer, the PET/CT scanner provides even better image quality, allowing for enhanced lesion detection, more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

Ultrasound – uses sound waves to visualize veins, arteries, abdominal organs and other soft tissues that do not show up well on X-rays.

Treated Conditions


What happened to the lead aprons?

You may have noticed the last time or two you were in one of our medical facilities for an X-ray that no one handed you a lead apron to wear. We can still provide one if you request it; we simply don’t recommend that our patients wear them for X-rays or CT scans anymore.

Why the change? Although the use of such aprons was common practice for many years, medical experts now believe that the best way to keep patients safe during imaging exams is not to use aprons (also called shields). This is because improvements in technology and our procedures have eliminated the need for such precautions.

In fact, studies over the past 70 years have found that shielding patients actually increases the risk of excessive radiation. How? Either by interfering with the technology that controls the amount of radiation you get or by ruining the quality of the images – which leads to doctors having to repeat X-rays.

We realize that not using lead aprons represents a substantial change in the way X-rays have been done in the past. But as a leader in the healthcare industry, we have a responsibility to follow procedures that are proven both safe and effective for you, our patients, based on the best research available today, and we take the responsibility very seriously.

The next time you visit our Radiology department for an X-ray, feel free to ask for a lead apron if you feel more comfortable wearing one. They are still required for the technologists conducting the imaging and for any support persons that would be in the room during imaging, as lead aprons remain an effective form of radiation protection for anyone in the room and not directly in the X-ray field. But whether you, the patient, wear one is up to you.

For more information, read our FAQ here.

Meet Our Team

With doctors practicing in 80 specialties at locations throughout the region, it’s easy to find the right healthcare team at Carle. Our mission is to serve people through high quality care, medical research and education.

MEET OUR TEAM

Patient Stories

Classes, Events and Support Groups

Please Contact Us if you have any questions.