Please select an exam from the list below for more information.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that does not use radiation, but uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of the area(s) of concern. Commonly used to see a fetus during pregnancy, ultrasound is also used to look at muscles, tendons, and internal organs. The images are shown in real time, so they reveal movement, such as blood flowing through blood vessels or movement of tendons.
Ultrasound uses a transducer, a wand-shaped device, that when gently pressed against the skin detects sound waves and their echoes and then converts them into images of the body.
Doppler ultrasound is a special type of ultrasound that evaluates blood velocity as it flows through a blood vessel. This type of ultrasound is used to view the veins and arteries of the abdominal organs as well as other vessels throughout the body.
- Scheduling Your Ultrasound Exam
Ultrasound appointments are scheduled M-F from 7:00am to 4:00pm. Ultrasounds are scheduled by appointment only by your referring physician. If you need to reschedule your ultrasound or if you have been asked to schedule your appointment yourself, please call Radiology Scheduling at 314-362-7111 or 877-992-7111, M-F from 7:00am to 5:30pm. If you have been asked to schedule the appointment yourself, please have your physician's order in hand before calling Radiology Scheduling.
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Before Your Ultrasound Exam
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment to allow for registration time.
- Please bring a photo ID (driver’s license or state ID) and insurance card(s) with you to your appointment.
- If you are scheduled for a biopsy, paracentesis, or thoracentesis, please bring an updated list of all current medications to your appointment.
- Depending on the type of exam, you will be given instructions about whether you can eat or drink anything before your exam.
- For an ultrasound of any upper abdominal areas including; gall bladder, pancreas, liver, spleen, kidney, and aorta, do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to your exam.
- For an ultrasound of the pelvis, you will need to have a full bladder. Please drink 6 eight oz. glasses of liquid. Finish drinking this liquid one hour prior to your exam. Do Not Empty your bladder before the exam.
- There is no preparation if you are having an ultrasound of an extremity or thyroid.
- Take your medication as you normally do, unless your referring physician has told you otherwise.
- Be prepared to discuss your current medications, allergies, past medical history, and any previous surgeries.
- During Your Ultrasound Exam
All radiology ultrasounds at Barnes-Jewish Hospital are performed by a highly trained, registered sonographer, an ultrasound radiologist resident and the ultrasound attending radiologist. A hypoallergenic, water-soluble gel will be applied to your skin. Then the transducer will be pressed against your skin and moved over the area(s) being examined. The sound waves will then generate the real-time images seen on the screen.
An ultrasound exam generally takes 45 minutes. For a more exact length of time for your specific exam, please call the Ultrasound department at 314-454-8885.
- Questions About Your Ultrasound Exam
Please call the Ultrasound department at 314-454-8885 with any questions about your ultrasound exam.
- Results
All radiology exams are read by a physician known as a Radiologist. The radiologists at Barnes-Jewish Hospital are all specialized experts in their field. The radiologist will send the results of your exam to your referring physician’s office within 24 hours. If needed, the radiologists are available to discuss your results with your referring physician. Your physician’s office will then in turn discuss the results with you.
- About your bill
You will receive two bills for your exam:
- The hospital bill includes the cost to cover equipment, supplies, and technical personnel. For questions, call Hospital Billing at 314-362-0710.
- The radiologist’s bill covers the professional interpretation of your exam. For questions, call Mallinckrodt Institute (Washington University) Patient Accounts at 314-935-0500.
Interventional Radiology (IR)
Interventional radiology procedures are performed by a specialized team lead by an interventional radiologist. IR procedures are image-guided, minimally invasive, targeted treatments that offer less risk, less pain, and less recovery time as compared to surgery. The Interventional Radiology department at Barnes-Jewish Hospital is one of the largest, most comprehensive IR departments in the United States.
Common IR Procedures Include:
IVC Filter
Uterine Fibroid Embolizations
Varicocele Embolizations
Dialysis Access Declotting
HSG Recannulization
Aspirations/Drains
Chemoembolizations
Cryoablations
Ports
Biopsies
Central Lines
Fistulograms
RFA Ablations
Venous Angioplasty and Stenting
Thrombolysis
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portal Systemic Shunt (TIPS)
Neuroradiology
Neuroradiology specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological disease of the brain, head and neck, and spine through neuroimaging techniques.
Common Neuroradiology Procedures include:
Lumbar, Thoracic and Cervical Myelograms
Diagnostic Lumbar Punctures (LP)
Lumbar Punctures (LP) for Chemo Injections, Nuclear Medicine Injections, and Injections for Blood Patch
Neuroangiograms (Diagnostic and Neuro Interventional Embolizations)
Spinal Angiograms
Musculoskeletal (MSK)
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Radiology specializes in diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint medical conditions.
Common MSK Procedures include:
Nerve root injection
Facet block injection
Discogram
Bone Marrow Aspiration & Biopsy
Bone & Soft Tissue Biopsy
Large & Small Joint Injection & Aspiration
Vertebroplasty
RF Ablation
Aspiration
Kyphoplasty
Cryo Ablation
Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary (GI/GU) Exams
GI (gastrointestinal) exams are x-rays of the upper and lower digestive system. The upper GI looks at the esophagus and stomach. The small bowel series looks at the small intestine. The barium enema looks at the colon. GU (Genitourinary) exams are x-rays of the urinary tract system (kidney, ureter and bladder).
Nuclear Medicine Exams
Nuclear medicine exams are diagnostic exams that produce images of the body by using a special camera that detects energy emitting from the radioactive substance, called a radiotracer. Nuclear scans help doctors diagnose many conditions, including cancers, injuries, and infections. They can also show how organs like your heart and lungs are working.
There are new and innovative nuclear medicine treatments that target and pinpoint molecular levels within the body that are revolutionizing our understanding of and approach to a range of diseases and conditions.
PET/CT
Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography or PET/CT scans are non-invasive diagnostic exams that produce images of the body. PET/CT scans involve a special camera that detects energy emitting from the radioactive substance, called a radiotracer.
- Benefits of PET/CT Exams
- PET/CT exams detect diseases sooner than they would normally show up on a CT or MRI scan.
- PET/CT exams search the entire body for cancer in a single exam and show the extent of disease; they can reveal the primary site or sites and any metastases, allowing the doctor to know which treatment is appropriate.
- PET/CT exams show whether a tumor is benign or malignant, avoiding the need for surgery.
- PET/CT exams monitor progress and test recurrence of disease, which might not show up on an MRI or CT scan.
- Scheduling Your PET/CT Exam
PET/CT appointments are scheduled M-F from 7:00am to 3:30pm. PET/CT exams are by appointment only and are typically scheduled by your referring physician. If you need to reschedule your PET/CT exam, please call Radiology Scheduling at 314-362-7111 or 877-992-7111, M-F from 7:00am to 5:30pm.
- Before Your PET/CT Exam
- Please confirm with your referring physician's office that any precertification required by your insurance has been completed before your PET/CT appointment.
- Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment to allow for registration time.
- Please bring a photo ID (driver’s license or state ID), insurance card(s), and a completed Medication Record with you to your appointment.
- Take your medication as you normally do, unless your referring physician has told you otherwise.
- You should not chew gum 4-6 hours prior to your appointment.
- You should arrive to your appointment fully hydrated.
- For exams before 1:00pm, do not eat or drink anything except water after midnight prior to your exam.
- For exams after 1:00pm, do not eat or drink anything except water after 7:00am. You may have a light breakfast before 7:00am.
- Refrain from strenuous physical exercise 24 hours prior to your exam.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. In some cases, you will be given a hospital gown to wear during the procedure.
- Jewelry and other metallic accessories can interfere with the procedure and should be left at home or removed before the exam. You will be given a place to store your items before the procedure.
- Be prepared to discuss your completed Medication Record, allergies, past medical history, and any previous surgeries.
- Women should always inform their physician and the PET/CT technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
- PET/CT exams involve a special camera that detects energy emitting from the radioactive substance, called a radiotracer. Before the test, patients receive the radiotracer by injection, by swallowing, or inhaling a gas. Although radiotracers are radioactive, the dosage is small.
- If the radiotracer is injected into your arm, you might feel a cold sensation moving up your arm. If the radiotracer is swallowed, it has little or no taste. If inhaled, you should feel no differently than when breathing normally.
- It can take anywhere from several seconds to several days for the radiotracer to travel through your body and accumulate in the organ or area being studied. As a result, imaging might be done immediately, a few hours later, or even several days after you‘ve received the radioactive material.
- With some procedures, a catheter might be placed in your bladder, which might cause temporary discomfort.
During Your PET/CT Exam
- A technologist will help you onto the screening table and make you comfortable. Once the exam begins, you will be asked to remain still until the exam is over. The technologist will leave and go to another room, but will remain in contact with you through an intercom. You will also be given a call button to talk to the technologist at any time.
- A PET/CT scanner is a large machine with a round, doughnut shaped hole in the middle, similar to a CT or MRI unit. Within this machine are multiple rings of detectors that record the emission of energy from the radiotracer in your body.
- A PET/CT scan generally takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the exam. For a more exact length of time for your specific exam, please call the PET/CT department at 314-362-8275.
Questions About Your PET/CT Scan
Please call the PET/CT department at 314-362-8275 with any questions about your PET/CT scan.
Results
All radiology exams are read by a physician known as a Radiologist. The radiologists at Barnes-Jewish Hospital are all specialized experts in their field. The radiologist will send the results of your exam to your referring physician’s office within 24 hours. If needed, the radiologists are available to discuss your results with your referring physician. Your physician’s office will then in turn discuss the results with you.
About your bill
You will receive two bills for your exam:
- The hospital bill includes the cost to cover equipment, supplies, and technical personnel. For questions, call Hospital Billing at 314-362-0710.
- The radiologist’s bill covers the professional interpretation of your exam. For questions, call Mallinckrodt Institute (Washington University) Patient Accounts at 314-935-0500.
Patient Forms
To save time please download, print, fill out, and bring to your MRI appointment.
X-Ray
X-rays are painless, noninvasive, quick medical tests that produce images of your body to help physicians in diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. X-rays are a type of radiation made up of electromagnetic waves. X-rays pass through the body and record an image on a special digital recording plate. These digital files can be stored electronically.
Images produced by x-rays vary due to the different absorption rates of different tissues. Calcium in bones absorbs x-rays the most, so bones look white on a film recording of the x-ray image, while soft tissue will appear in shades of gray, and air appears black.
- Scheduling Your X-ray
X-ray exams at Barnes-Jewish Hospital Radiology are done on a “walk-in” basis and are performed at several locations.
- Center for Advanced Medicine (CAM) – 6th floor
Outpatient x-ray exams are done M-F from 7:00am – 5:00pm at this location. X-ray exams are done on a “walk-in” basis only.
- Center for Advanced Medicine (CAM) - 3rd floor Express Testing
Only outpatient chest x-ray exams are done at this location, M-F from 6:30am to 6:00pm. Chest x-rays are done on a “walk-in” basis only.
- Center for Advanced Medicine (CAM) - 8th floor Express Testing
Only outpatient chest x-rays exams are done at this location, M/T/Th/F from 8:00am to 4:00pm and Wednesdays from 7:30am to 4:00pm. Chest x-rays are done on a “walk-in” basis only. This imaging area primarily services the Lung Center and Thoracic Surgery.
- Center for Advanced Medicine (CAM) – 12th floor orthopedic physician’s office.
This imaging area is located in the orthopedic physician’s office on the 12th floor and only services those physicians. Outpatient x-ray exams are done M-F from 7:00am to 5:00pm.
- Highlands
Outpatient x-ray exams are done M-F from 8:00am to 6:00pm. X-rays are done on a “walk-in” basis only. This imaging area primarily services the Highlands Physicians’ Offices but will except outside orders.
- Bone density exams can also be performed at this location, M-F from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Scheduling your bone density exam is recommended but walk-ins are also welcome. Call Radiology Scheduling at 314-362-7111 or 877-992-7111, M-F from 7:00am to 5:30pm to schedule your bone density exam.
- Before Your X-ray
- Please bring a photo ID (driver’s license or state ID), insurance card(s), and a list of your medications with you.
- Bring any x-ray orders from your physician with you.
- Most x-rays require no special preparation.
- You might be asked to change into a gown and to remove jewelry, glasses, or metal objects that could interfere with the x-ray.
- Women should always inform their physician or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility they are pregnant. Caution is taken during pregnancy so as not to expose the baby to radiation.
- During Your X-ray
- A technologist specially trained to perform x-ray exams will position you on a table or place you in front of the machine. A lead apron might be placed over you to protect you from radiation.
- You will be asked to hold very still for a few seconds while the x-ray is being taken. The technologist will walk behind a wall or into the next room, and activate the machine. You might be repositioned for another view. A general x-ray is usually completed in five to 10 minutes.
- Afterward, you will be asked to wait until the medical imaging technologist determines that all the required images have been obtained.
- Questions About Your X-ray
Please call the X-ray department at 314-362-7110 with any questions about your x-ray.
- Results
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All radiology exams are read by a physician known as a Radiologist. The radiologists at Barnes-Jewish Hospital are all specialized, experts in their field. The radiologist will send the results of your exam to your referring physician’s office within 24 hours. If needed, the radiologists are available to discuss your results with your referring physician. Your physician’s office will then in turn discuss the results with you.
- About your bill
You will receive two bills for your exam:
- The hospital bill includes the cost to cover equipment, supplies, and technical personnel. For questions, call Hospital Billing at 314-362-0710.
- The radiologist’s bill covers the professional interpretation of your exam. For questions, call Mallinckrodt Institute (Washington University) Patient Accounts at 314-935-0500.