Diagnostic Services
Diagnostic Services
Inova Alexandria Hospital
4320 Seminary Road
Alexandria, VA 22304
703-750-8200
- To schedule an appointment, call 703-750-8200, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Free valet parking available for patients
- Services offered: MRI, CMR, CT, Ultrasound, Mammography, Digital Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, DEXA, PET/CT, Cardiovascular Ultrasound, Fluoroscopy, Interventional Radiology
Computed Tomography (CT) scanning uses X-rays to take pictures of cross-sections, or "slices," of your body. Inova Alexandria Hospital is the first hospital in the Washington, D.C., metro area to offer a 16-slice CT scanner, which is the most current CT technology available. This latest technology reduces scan time and makes it possible to diagnose certain diseases earlier and more accurately.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides an unparalleled view inside the human body. Using a large magnet, radio waves and computers, MRI creates high-quality images of the brain, spine, joints, muscles, abdomen, breast, heart, prostate and blood vessels. MRI exams are safe, painless and are used to diagnose many types of injuries and conditions.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is one of the newest and most advanced diagnostic procedures used to evaluate the function of organ systems in the body. PET can effectively pinpoint the source of many of the most common cancers and can detect certain diseases of the heart and brain. PET can detect particular diseases long before other tests, allowing physicians to identify the most effective surgical and medical treatments for disease.
Inova Alexandria Hospital offers PET "fusion," which merges CT scans and PET images to more accurately diagnose a patient's condition. Inova Health System was the first area health care provider to offer the combination of these two diagnostic scanning technologies. The result is a more accurate diagnosis than can be obtained by studying each scan separately.
These images demonstrate "fusion," which is the combination of physiologic information from a PET scan and detailed anatomic information from a CT scan.
Mammography is a safe and effective X-ray of the breast, which can aid in diagnosing breast diseases by detecting abnormalities in breast tissue long before they can be felt through a standard physical examination. Through mammography, breast cancer and other problems can be detected at very early states, when they can be treated most effectively.
Inova Alexandria Hospital has invested in digital mammography to make sure our patients have the most advanced technologies and treatments to fight cancer. Since the digital mammogram doesn't need to be developed to film, you get results more quickly. With the click of a mouse, your radiologist can also enlarge and enhance the digital image, adjust the contrast or zoom in on specific areas. This technology means it's less likely you'll need to come back for a second test. What's more, your doctor can easily share your images to consult with others, for prompt diagnosis and the best possible treatment.
Benefits of Digital Mammography include:
- Excellent image quality
- Up to 40 percent less radiation
- Faster examinations
- Improved design for almost all breast sizes
- Special features for advanced patient comfort
- Excellent tech and staff support
For information about digital mammography services at Inova Alexandria Hospital, call 703-504-5000.
