CT Scan

WVU Medicine Imaging Services physicians and technologists are committed to providing you with the highest quality computerized tomography (CT) images in a safe, supportive environment. A CT scan uses computer processing and radiation to visualize nearly all parts of the body to diagnose and monitor disease, identify injury, and provide surgical guidance.

WVU Medicine is the only site in the state to have five of the most advanced 640-slice volume CT scanners in the industry, providing high-resolution imaging for patients of all ages and body types. We are recognized for the highest level of image quality and patient safety by the American College of Radiology in computed tomography. Our caring, knowledgeable, and experienced technologists are all board- and state-certified experts in their fields.

Imaging We Offer

WVU Medicine Imaging Services provides routine abdominal, brain, chest, neck, skeletal, and spine imaging and a variety of specialty imaging exams, including:

• CT angiography (imaging of arteries of the head, heart, neck, chest, abdomen, and extremities)
• CT coronary exams
• CT-guided biopsies
• Enterography (imaging of small intestine)
• 4D parathyroid CT (identifies abnormal parathyroid glands)
• 4D CT for Gamma Knife preparation
• Lung cancer screening
• Pediatric CT exams
• PET-CT scan
• Stroke perfusion (imaging of blood flow to the brain)
• Venogram (imaging of the leg veins)
• Weight-bearing lower extremity CT exams

What to Expect

Before your CT scan, you may need to remove any metal objects, like jewelry, eyeglasses, or dentures, that could interfere with the clarity of the images. Ask your doctor about any preparation or other questions you might have before your imaging test.

Some CT scans require a special dye called contrast material to help highlight the blood vessels and internal structures of the body. You may receive contrast material by mouth (for esophagus or stomach imaging), by injection (for gallbladder, urinary tract, or liver imaging), or by enema (for intestinal imaging). It can take up to an hour for contrast material to distribute throughout the body before your imaging test can begin.

During the test, you lie down on a padded table that slides into a donut-shaped machine, which is open on both sides. A technologist in a separate room will be able to see and hear you at all times. You may be asked to hold your breath for a brief period at certain times to avoid any possible blurring of the images. A CT scan can take anywhere from five minutes to 30 minutes or longer depending on the part of the body that is being tested and the number of images that are needed.

Once the CT exam is completed, the images are reviewed by a board-certified radiologist, and the radiologist will send your doctor a report. Your doctor will notify you with the results. To communicate easily and securely with your WVU Medicine provider, sign up for our free patient portal, MyWVUChart.

Appointments and Directions

855-WVU-CARE (855-988-2273)
Insurance pre-authorization is required before a CT scan can be scheduled.

J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital
1 Medical Center Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506

University Town Centre Clinic
6040 University Town Centre Drive
Morgantown, WV 26501

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I experience any pain or discomfort during an imaging test?
Imaging tests are usually quick and painless. Some women experience mild discomfort from compression of breast tissue during a mammogram, and it can help to take an over-the-counter pain reliever about an hour before the procedure. If you’re having an MRI, PET, or CT scan and you have a fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), you can request a medication from you doctor to help you feel sleepy and less anxious. Our CinemaVision system provides movies or music during your imaging exam, and patients can also bring along their favorite movie or CD. A technologist monitors you throughout your imaging test. If the technologist is in another room during your procedure, they can see you and hear you if you need to speak with them. If you have any concerns or special needs, please do not hesitate to discuss them with us before your exam.

How long does an imaging test take?
Depending on what type of procedure you’re having, the length of imaging tests varies. Some imaging tests are quick with high-quality images captured in seconds, but more specialized imaging can take longer. Ask questions when your imaging test is being scheduled or call your physician’s office, so you will know what to expect.

Should I be concerned about radiation exposure?
The amount of radiation that patients are exposed to during procedures is very small and does not have any lasting effects on the body. The fast, modern imaging machines that WVU Medicine uses are equipped to perform high-quality imaging with the lowest doses of radiation in the industry. We are committed to patient safety and are nationally recognized for excellent care by the American College of Radiology.

What are contrast materials and how do they work?
Depending on the part of the body that is being tested, a special dye called contrast material may be necessary to improve pictures of the inside of the body and help technologists distinguish normal and abnormal conditions. Contrast materials are safe drugs that do not permanently change the color of internal organs. They temporarily alter the way imaging tools interact with the body. After your imaging test, the contrast material is absorbed by the body or passed through urine and bowel movements.

Are there any side effects to imaging tests?
Most imaging tests are quick, painless, and have no side effects. Although rare, people can be allergic to contrast materials used in some imaging tests. Most reactions are mild and include itchiness, rash, or hives. Mild allergies to contrast material can be pretreated with medications. In rare instances, a reaction to contrast materials can be serious and life threatening. Notify your physician and technologist about any prior reactions to dye, so that precautions can be considered or an alternative test can be ordered. Discuss any concerns about possible side effects from imaging or contrast materials with your physician before your exam.

What happens after my imaging test?
Your imaging test is interpreted by a highly trained radiologist, and the results are reported to your referring physician electronically. Your doctor will contact you with the results and let you know if any additional follow-up care is needed. If you have questions about your imaging test, please feel free to contact us. WVU Medicine patients can contact their physician’s office and schedule appointments through our secure, online patient portal, MyWVUChart.

Mammogram

A mammogram is an x-ray image of breast tissue that can help screen for breast cancer. WVU Medicine uses the most advanced mammography equipment to provide you with high-quality, 3D images using low-dose radiation during the imaging process.

Routine screening mammograms play a critical role in the early detection of breast cancer and providing improved outcomes for patients. Talk to your doctor about recommendations for when you need to receive a mammogram. Based on your risk factors and medical history, your mammogram screening recommendations may differ.

WVU Medicine is recognized for the highest level of imaging quality and patient safety by the American College of Radiology in mammography. Our caring, knowledgeable, and experienced radiologists and technologists are all board- and state-certified experts in their fields.

Imaging We Offer

• Automated breast ultrasound
• Breast MRI
• Breast ultrasound
• Bone density scan
• Diagnostic mammography (for patients with a new breast abnormality)
• Mobile mammography with Bonnie’s Bus
• Screening mammography (for patients with no symptoms)
• Stereotactic and ultrasound-guided breast biopsies

What to Expect

During a mammogram, you stand in front of the mammography machine, and the technologist places one of your breasts on a platform and adjusts the platform to a comfortable height for you. The technologist helps you position your head, arms, and torso to allow a clear and unobstructed view of your breast tissue. Your breast is gradually compressed against the platform by a clear, plastic plate. Pressure is applied for a few seconds to spread the breast tissue out.

Compression of the breast minimizes the dose of radiation needed to penetrate the tissue and holds your breast still to decrease blurring from movement. During the brief x-ray exposure, you’ll be asked to remain still, and compression will automatically release once the exposure is complete.

After images are made of both your breasts, the technologist will check the quality of the images. If the views are inadequate for technical reasons, such as motion or the need to include more breast tissue than what is seen, you may have to repeat part of the test.

After the test, if you are being seen for a yearly routine screening mammogram, you are free to leave once your imaging is complete. According to federal law, you will be notified of the results of your mammogram within 30 days, but you can usually expect to receive your results sooner. Your result letter will be mailed to you the day after your exam is read by the radiologist.

If you are being seen for diagnostic imaging, you can expect to wait while your images are reviewed in case further testing is needed. You will receive your results the same day. If the radiologist notes any areas of question or concern on your screening mammogram, further testing will be recommended, and we will contact you for scheduling. To communicate easily and securely with your WVU Medicine provider, sign up for our free patient portal, MyWVUChart.

Appointments and Directions

855-WVU-CARE (855-988-2273)

Cheat Lake Clinic
608 Cheat Road
Morgantown, WV 26508

University Town Centre Clinic
6040 University Town Centre Drive
Morgantown, WV 26501

Fairmont Outpatient Clinic
100 Stoney Hill Road
Fairmont, WV 26554

Betty Puskar Breast Care Center
1 Medical Center Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506

Clinic Number

304-293-8012

MRI

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive, high-resolution imaging technique used to look at internal organs, tissues, and the skeletal system to help diagnose a variety of medical conditions.

WVU Medicine Neuroradiology at the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute oversees MRI services for approximately 27,000 patients a year in the Morgantown area and surrounding regions. WVU Medicine operates seven MRI scanners at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital, an eighth at Fairmont Medical Center for both inpatients and outpatients, and a ninth MRI scanner for outpatients at the University Town Centre.

Imaging We Offer

MRI is used to examine many adult and pediatric medical conditions to help your physician develop the best possible treatment plan. WVU Medicine offers a variety of advanced MRI imaging, including:

• MRI for neurological disorders – head, neck, and spine
• High-intensity focused ultrasound (Neuravive) for essential tremor
• Low-intensity focused ultrasound for brain diseases
• MRI for musculoskeletal disorders
• Breast MRI
• Cardiac MRI
• Body MRI

What to Expect

During the MRI exam, you lie on a padded table that slides into a tube-like machine, which is open on both sides. A technologist monitors you from another room, and you may speak with the technologist by squeezing a ball and talking through a microphone. You’ll also wear protective headphones or earplugs to protect your hearing from loud noises the MRI scanner produces.

You’ll need to lie as still as possible during the MRI, so that clear and accurate images can be captured. Most MRI exams take between 20 and 45 minutes, but other MRIs may take 60 to 90 minutes or longer, depending on the part of the body being scanned and how many images are needed.

If you have a fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), you can request medication from you doctor to help you feel sleepy and less anxious. Adult and pediatric patients may also be sedated during an MRI if your radiologist determines that it would be beneficial. To enhance your comfort during an MRI, we provide movies or music with an MRI-compatible entertainment system called CinemaVision. You may also bring your favorite movie or CD if you prefer.

Once the MRI is complete, the images are reviewed by a board-certified radiologist, and the radiologist will send your doctor a report. Your doctor will notify you with the results. To communicate easily and securely with your WVU Medicine provider, sign up for our free patient portal, MyWVUChart.

Appointments and Directions

855-WVU-CARE (855-988-2273)

J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital
1 Medical Center Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506

University Town Centre Clinic
6040 University Town Centre Drive
Morgantown, WV 26501

Fairmont Medical Center
1325 Locust Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is a specialized area of radiology that can help diagnose and treat various conditions, such as tumors, infections, hematomas, organ enlargement, and cysts, by using very small amounts of radioactive materials called radiopharmaceuticals. The dose of radiation is very low and is not harmful.

Nuclear medicine may be used to treat hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, and lymphomas and provide treatment options for other complex cancerous conditions, including prostate cancer that has spread to the bones and stage IV colon cancer that has spread to the liver.

WVU Medicine is recognized for the highest level of imaging quality and patient safety by the American College of Radiology in nuclear medicine. Our caring, knowledgeable, and experienced technologists are all board- and state-certified experts in their fields.

Imaging We Offer

WVU Medicine Imaging Services offers nuclear medicine scans to diagnose many medical conditions and diseases, including:

• Bone scans
• Brain/neurological imaging
• Cardiac ejection fraction
• Gastrointestinal studies
• Heart scans
• Hepatobiliary scans
• Infection imaging
• PET-CT scan
• Renal scans
• Thyroid scans
• Tumor imaging/localization

What to expect

Depending on the type of nuclear medicine exam you’re having, radiopharmaceuticals will be injected intravenously, swallowed, or inhaled as a gas. Except for intravenous injections, most nuclear medicine procedures are painless and are rarely associated with significant discomfort or side effects.

It can take anywhere from a few seconds to several days for the radiotracer to travel through the body and accumulate in the organ or area of the body being studied. Your imaging test may be performed immediately, a few hours later, or even several days after you’ve received the radiopharmaceuticals.

When it’s time for the imaging to begin, the radiopharmaceuticals emit a very small amount of radiation that’s detected by the camera. The scanner takes a series of images and may rotate around you while you lie in one position. You may be asked to change positions in between images. You’ll need to remain as still as possible during the exam, so that clear, accurate images may be captured. The length of time for nuclear medicine imaging varies widely, depending on the type of exam. Actual scanning can take 20 minutes to several hours or may be conducted over several days.

Once your nuclear medicine procedure is complete, the images will be reviewed by a board-certified radiologist. Your doctor will receive an electronic copy of the imaging report and notify you with the results. To communicate easily and securely with your WVU Medicine provider, sign up for our free patient portal, MyWVUChart.

Appointments and Directions

855-WVU-CARE (855-988-2273)

J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital
1 Medical Center Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506

Clinic Number

304-598-4253

PET-CT

WVU Medicine Imaging Services uses positron emission tomography (PET), a form of nuclear medicine, and computerized tomography (CT) in a single imaging device to provide more accurate diagnoses than two separate scans. Our PET-CT imaging can also be used to help plan more targeted radiation therapy and reduce the patient’s amount of radiation exposure.

Imaging We Offer

PET-CT scans at WVU Medicine are beneficial for detecting a variety of conditions, including:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Brain tumors
• Cancer
• Cardiac viability before bypass surgery
• Coronary heart disease
• Dementia
• Neuroendocrine tumors
• Prostate cancer
• Sarcoidosis (inflamed tissues form in lungs and lymph glands)
• Seizure disorders

WVU Medicine Imaging Services uses two highly advanced Siemens Biograph 16-slice PET-CT scanners that are accredited by the American College of Radiology. Each scanner can accommodate up to 500 pounds, and you will lie on a padded table that is inserted into a tube-like machine during the exam.

All WVU Medicine PET-CT technologists are board certified by the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists for Radiography and Nuclear Medicine, and some are dually certified in their field by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.

J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital is the first location in West Virginia to offer an FDA-approved prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) imaging agent, called PYLARIFY®, to evaluate patients with prostate cancer during a PET-CT scan.

What to Expect

Before the PET-CT exam, a blood glucose check is performed, and a radioactive tracer is injected through an IV. The amount of the radionuclide injected is very small, and there is no need for precautions against radiation exposure. Your entire body will be scanned to obtain a full evaluation of your metabolic activity.

During the CT portion of the exam, you will receive a contrast dye injected through an IV and lie on your back with a cushion under the knees and the head. Your arms will be positioned above your head for the scan, which takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

After the scan, you can resume your normal daily activities and eating habits. You’ll need to drink plenty of fluids for the next 24-48 hours to help flush out the radioactive material and contrast dye from your body. Once the PET-CT exam is completed, the images are reviewed by a board-certified radiologist, and the radiologist will send your doctor a report. Your doctor will notify you with the results. To communicate easily and securely with your WVU Medicine provider, sign up for our free patient portal, MyWVUChart.

Appointments and Directions

855-WVU-CARE (855-988-2273)

WVU Cancer Institute
1 Medical Center Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506

Preparing For Your Test

Depending on the imaging test that’s being performed, preparation will vary. The following are some general guidelines to prepare for imaging procedures. Please check with your physician or physician’s office to see what specific preparation is needed for your test.

CT scan
You may need to remove any metal objects, like jewelry, eyeglasses, or dentures, which could interfere with the clarity of your CT scan. Depending on the part of the body that is being tested, a special dye called contrast material may be necessary to help highlight the blood vessels and internal structures of the body. You may receive contrast material by mouth (for esophagus or stomach imaging), by injection (for gallbladder, urinary tract, or liver imaging), or by enema (for intestinal imaging). It can take up to an hour for contrast material to distribute throughout the body before your imaging test can begin.

MRI
Because an MRI uses powerful magnets, the presence of metal on or in your body may be a safety concern and can affect clarity of the images. You’ll need to remove any metal objects, like jewelry, eyeglasses, or dentures, and let the technologist know if you have any metal or electronic devices in your body, such as a pacemaker, cochlear implants, or a defibrillator. Even some cosmetics contain small amounts of metal, so it is best to not wear makeup. Notify your physician prior to the MRI if you are pregnant or think that you could be pregnant.

Mammogram
Schedule your mammogram the week after your menstrual period (if you have not experienced menopause), so that your breasts are less likely to be tender. If you’ve had a mammogram before, please bring any previous mammogram records to your exam. Avoid using deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, creams, or perfumes under your arms or on your breasts because metallic particles in these products could interfere with the clarity of your breast imaging. If mammograms cause any discomfort for you, consider taking an over-the-counter pain medication, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, about an hour before the exam.

PET-CT scan
Patients must not eat or drink anything for four hours prior to the exam and avoid foods high in sugar and carbohydrates the day before and the day of the scan. Avoid wearing anything metal, like a belt or jewelry. Avoid physical activity or anything strenuous before the exam. Depending on your individual health condition, preparation for a PET-CT fusion may vary, especially if you are diabetic or have a heart condition. Please discuss preparations with your healthcare provider.

Ultrasound
Some ultrasounds require no preparation, but others, like right upper quadrant, liver, or gallbladder, require nothing by mouth for up to eight hours before your appointment, including gum and cigarettes. If you are not properly fasted when you arrive for your exam, we will reschedule your appointment, so we can provide the best possible imaging results. Other ultrasounds, like pelvic or vaginal, require a full or empty bladder to properly visualize the uterus and ovaries. Ask your doctor about any specific instructions you’ll need to follow before your ultrasound.

More information

• If you think you could be pregnant, even if there’s only a possibility, tell the imaging staff before your exam.
• For safety reasons, children may not accompany patients into imaging procedures.
• Bring a list of your current medications and any medication allergies to your appointment.
• If you have any special needs or think that you may experience discomfort during an imaging test, let us know ahead of time, so that we can make arrangements to accommodate you.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound (sonography) is an imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to provide images of soft tissue and internal organs without the use of radiation.

WVU Medicine Imaging Services uses the most advanced equipment in the industry to perform 3D and 4D ultrasound imaging, conducting about 20,000 exams a year for a wide range of conditions, including pediatric, breast, high-risk obstetrics, and vascular issues.

WVU Medicine is recognized for the highest level of image quality and patient safety by the American College of Radiology in ultrasound. Our caring, knowledgeable, and experienced technologists are all board- and state-certified experts in their fields.

Imaging We Offer

WVU Medicine Imaging Services uses ultrasound to help diagnose and guide treatment for many medical issues. We perform several types of ultrasound exams, including:

Abdomen

• Bladder
• Gallbladder
• Kidneys
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Spleen

OB/GYN

• Fetal assessments
• Uterus and ovaries (transvaginal)

Pediatric

• Neonatal head
• Pyloric stenosis
• Spine

Small parts

• Neck
• Scrotum
• Thyroid

What to Expect

An external ultrasound uses a small probe called a transducer that is placed on the skin along with a gel-like substance. The image from the probe is displayed on a monitor while the scan is performed. Some ultrasounds, like pelvic or vaginal, require a small probe to be inserted into the body. Most ultrasounds last only a few minutes, while others may take about 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the part of the body being examined.

Once your ultrasound is complete, the images will be reviewed by a board-certified radiologist. Your doctor will receive an electronic copy of the imaging report and notify you with the results. To communicate easily and securely with your WVU Medicine provider, sign up for our free patient portal, MyWVUChart.

Appointments and Directions

855-WVU-CARE (855-988-2273)

J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital
1 Medical Center Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506

University Town Centre Clinic
6040 University Town Centre Drive
Morgantown, WV 26501

Physician Office Center
1 Medical Center Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506

Cheat Lake Clinic
608 Cheat Road
Morgantown, WV 26508

Fairmont Outpatient Clinic
100 Stoney Hill Road
Fairmont, WV 26554

Waynesburg Outpatient Clinic
451 Murtha Drive
Waynesburg, PA 15370