Medical Imaging Department

The Medical Imaging Department provides advanced diagnostic procedures for patients of all ages, from pediatrics through seniors, and is conveniently located in Antioch, serving the cities of Antioch, Oakley, Brentwood, Knightsen, Byron, Discovery Bay, Pittsburgh and Bay Point.

Inpatient, outpatient and emergency services are provided as a part of a multidisciplinary program of convenient care close to home for all East Contra Costa County residents.

The scope of care includes a full range of diagnostic radiology examinations. Many imaging procedures are also now performed digitally, so images can be viewed immediately via computer as well as by physicians in their offices or in other departments.

In addition, Sutter Delta practices "Image Gently" CT imaging for pediatric patients, so parents can rest assured that our staff is using the lowest radiation dose possible to obtain diagnostic images.

• CT Scan
• Fluoroscopy
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Nuclear Medicine
• Ultrasound
• X-Ray

CT Scan

A computed tomography (CT) scan combines X-rays with computer scans to produce detailed pictures of soft tissues, organs and bones. CT scans are often used for diagnosis, as well as to guide the surgeon’s instruments in drainage or biopsy procedures.

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Fluoroscopy

A specialized dye scan helps capture a continuous beam of X-rays to evaluate structures and movement within parts of the body, such as blood vessels or the digestive tract. Fluoroscopy can be used to guide the doctor’s instruments during a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).

Myelography is an imaging examination that involves the injection of contrast material in the space around the spinal cord using fluoroscopy.

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRIs use magnetic field impulses and radio waves to provide pictures of organs and structures inside the body. Sutter Delta Medical Center has a high resolution MRI.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) is a type of MRI that looks specifically at the body’s blood vessels.

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Nuclear Medicine

This modality is used to check the health of internal organs and bones, as well as measure the blood flow through the muscle and heart walls.

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Ultrasound

This machine uses sound waves to form pictures of internal organs. In pregnant women it is used to check the condition of the fetus. It is often used for diagnosis of abdominal or pelvic pain.

Ultrasound can also be used for breast, liver or thyroid biopsy to help the doctor direct the surgical instruments to the site of abnormal growth, as well as for thoracentesis or paracentesis (fluid drainage).

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X-Ray

X-ray technology uses radiation to take pictures of structures inside the body, usually the bones. X-ray can be used to diagnose broken bones or other injuries.

Arthrography is a special type of X-ray that helps the doctor see inside the joint.

Bone densitometry is a test that measures bone mineral content and density using X-rays. This measurement can indicate decreased bone mass, a condition in which bones are more brittle and more prone to break or fracture easily. Bone densitometry is used primarily to diagnose osteoporosis and to determine fracture risk.

Hysterosalpingogram is an X-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Mammography is a special type of X-ray for diagnosis and screening of the breast tissue. Sutter Delta has digital mammography with CAD (computer-assisted detection).

Stereotactic breast biopsy is special imaging technology that allows the least invasive method of biopsy for a breast lesion.

Other intervention services include:

• Abscess drainage
• Core biopsies
• CT-directed biopsies
• Needle aspiration

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