Ultrasound, X-ray, and Fluoroscopy

Corewell Health imaging specialist positions an X-ray machine over the leg of a patient

Insights for your care

Imaging services like ultrasound, X-rays, and fluoroscopy help your care team see inside your body, diagnose conditions, and develop effective treatment plans customized to your needs. They each have areas where they excel: ultrasound for soft tissues, X-rays for bone structure, and fluoroscopy for guiding procedures in real-time.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive technology that uses sound waves to generate real-time images of organs, blood flow, and soft tissues. No radiation is involved. Ultrasound procedures we provide include:

Abdominal and pelvic ultrasound

This is used to examine internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs.

Breast ultrasound

This test can detect lumps in the breast and help determine if they are cancerous or benign.

Chest ultrasound

A quick, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the organs in your chest, such as the heart and lungs.

Prostate ultrasound

A painless procedure that generates detailed images of the prostate, helping diagnose conditions like enlargement, infections, or cancer.

Advanced maternal ultrasound

Test to safely monitor the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid during pregnancy.

Carotid artery duplex ultrasound

This test checks for blockages or narrowing in the carotid arteries, which can increase your risk of a stroke.

Endoscopic ultrasound

Uses an ultrasound device at the end of a long tube (endoscope) to find damage or disease in the digestive tract.

X-ray and fluoroscopy

X-rays

These create static images of the inside of the body using electromagnetic waves. They help diagnose conditions like arthritis, broken bones, and tumors. They also help doctors see how conditions and disease change over time.

  • Chest X-rays are used to examine internal organs such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, bladder, and reproductive organs.
  • Bone X-rays visualize bones to identify fractures, dislocations, or injuries.

Fluoroscopy

These use continuous X-rays to provide real-time, moving images that help doctors assess body movements and guide treatments. It's often used to check the digestive system or to help guide the process during procedures like putting in catheters and placing stents.

Bone density scan (DEXA)

Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) measures your bone strength and density. This helps your care team diagnose bone-loss conditions like osteoporosis and osteopenia, assess your risk of fractures, and create a plan that may include ways to manage pain, protect your bones, and reduce the risk of injuries.

Your doctor may recommend a DEXA scan if you are at high risk for osteoporosis because you:

  • Are a woman over 65
  • Have a parent who broke a hip
  • Have had a broken bone
  • Have rheumatoid arthritis
  • Smoke or drink heavily
  • Weigh less than 127 pounds

What to expect

Most procedures take from as little as ten minutes to up to 90 minutes. For your visit, wear comfortable clothes without metal features, leave your jewelry and valuables at home, and make sure to check with your doctor about eating and drinking prior to the procedure. These are typically not painful, though there may be some discomfort. Sometimes a mild sedation can be provided. If you have questions before your procedure, you can communicate directly with your care team in MyChart or ask your care team when you arrive.

Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or could be pregnant, as well as any medical conditions you have.

Ultrasound

During the procedure, your technologist will apply gel to your skin and place a handheld device over the area being examined. The scan is painless and typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the procedure.

Some ultrasound exams require you to have a full bladder or avoid eating or drinking before the procedure. Be sure to follow your care team’s instructions carefully.

X-ray, fluoroscopy, or DEXA bone density scan

  • X-ray and fluoroscopy tests: you could be standing, seated, or lying down while the machine captures an image.
  • DEXA scan: you will lie down while the machine passes above and below you.

Find imaging services near you

We’re conveniently located across Michigan.