Methodist offers advanced imaging and screening tests, because an accurate diagnosis helps us treat you effectively.
Common Tests at Our Facilities
Arthography – imaging used to examine a joint. Dye or air is injected into the affected area to outline the soft tissue and joint structures in the images.
Barium study – imaging of the bowel and colon used to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
Bone density studies – imaging used to diagnose osteoporosis and risk for broken bones
Cardiac nuclear medicine – imaging used for patients with unexplained chest pain or chest pain caused by exercise, to permit the early detection of heart disease
Cardioscan – a non-invasive way to detect a serious heart condition in patients at risk for heart disease
CT scan (Computed tomography scan or CAT scan) – imaging used to diagnose cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders
CT- and ultrasound-guided biopsy – tissue samples examined by a pathologist for abnormalities, including cancer
CTA (Computed tomography angiography) –X-rays used to examine blood flow in arterial vessels throughout the body
Echocardiography (Echo) – imaging used to detect two common heart-valve problems—stenosis and regurgitation (or “insufficiency”)
Electroencephalogram (EEG) - test to detect electrical activity in your brain using electrodes attached to your scalp.
Electromyography (EMG) - Procedure to assess the health of muscles and the nerve cells that control them (motor neurons). Results can reveal nerve dysfunction, muscle dysfunction or problems with nerve-to-muscle signal transmission
IVP (Intravenous pylegram) – imaging used to detect problems in the urinary tract caused by kidney stones, enlarged prostate, internal injuries, or tumors in the kidney, ureters, or urinary bladder
MRA (Magnetic resonance angiography) – MRI used to diagnose and treat heart disorders, stroke, and blood vessel diseases
MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) – the most sensitive exam for brain tumors, strokes, and some chronic disorders of the nervous system such as multiple sclerosis. Used to examine brain abnormalities in dementia patients.
Mammography – imaging used to detect early breast cancer. Mammograms can show changes in the breast up to two years before a patient can feel them.
Nuclear medicine – imaging used to detect disease, analyze kidney function, determine the presence or spread of cancer, or check bones for breaks, infection, arthritis, or tumors
Ultrasound – imaging used to examine the soft tissues, including the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, blood vessels, breast, and bladder
Upper GI – procedure used to observe digestive function or detect abnormalities such as ulcers, tumors, or inflammation of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine
Virtual colonoscopy – CT scan used to examine the colon for polyps or colorectal cancer
Voiding cystourethrogram (VCU) – X-ray exam of the bladder and lower urinary tract to check for vesicoureteral (VU) reflux
X-ray – Bone X-rays help determine bone density, texture, erosion, and joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. Chest X-rays are used to diagnose pneumonia, heart failure, pleurisy, or lung cancer.