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    Radiology Services & Procedures

    MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

    Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of imaging technology’s most advanced medical diagnostic tools. MRI involves the use of a powerful magnet, radio waves and computer technology to create images. It allows a physician to see detailed images of the body and internal organs without surgery or the use of radiation. MRI can evaluate virtually all areas of the body is often used to visualize the brain, spine, bones, joints, abdomen and pelvis. The detailed images can detect subtle abnormalities such as disc abnormalities in the spine and tendon and ligament tears in the shoulder and knee.

    Unlike low-field open or standing MRI scanners, the MRI scanners at Mills-Peninsula Medical Center are conventional, state-of-the-art, high-field magnets including a 3Tesla magnet. These provide the highest quality images and are interpreted by our board-certified radiologists who have subspecialty training in musculoskeletal, neurological and body magnetic resonance imaging.

    MRI scans are also playing a larger role in the detection of breast cancer due to recent technological advances in both hardware and software used. One development is the creation of computer aided detection (CAD) software, which assists in detecting and localizing lesions within breast tissue. Here at Mills-Peninsula, we are excited about our new dedicated breast MRI table and coil.

    Mills-Peninsula offers the convenience of two locations: Burlingame (complimentary shuttle from the parking lot) and San Mateo (complimentary self or valet parking). We offer early morning, evening and Saturday appointments, as well as physician-requested same-day MRI appointments. Our scheduling staff will be pleased to assist you with the pre-authorization process required by your insurance provider.
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    CT (Computed Tomography)

    Computed tomography is also referred to as a CT scan or “CAT” scan.

    CT uses a combination of X-rays and sophisticated computerized reconstruction to produce cross-sectional images (slices) of the body in much greater resolution than standard X-rays. CT images of internal organs, blood vessels, bone, soft tissue, muscles and fat, therefore, provide greater clarity and reveal more details than traditional X-ray exams.

    Our board-certified radiologists use their expertise to interpret CT images from our technologically advanced CT scanners to diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.

    In cases of trauma, CT can quickly identify the extent of trauma to the liver, spleen, kidneys, brain and other internal organs. CT can also play a significant role in the detection, diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, kidney failure or even death.

    Mills-Peninsula Health Services offers CT appointments at two locations: Burlingame (complimentary shuttle service from the parking lot) and San Mateo (complimentary self or valet parking).
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    Ultrasound (Sonography)

    Ultrasound imaging, sonography, is a non-invasive procedure used to examine internal organs without radiation. No needles or injections are used in ultrasound. Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of tissues and organs. It is an effective diagnostic tool that can help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and determine proper treatment.

    Our board-certified radiologists have all had special training in ultrasound. Mills-Peninsula Health Services (MPHS) will interpret your images and quickly send a report to your referring provider. We provide access to clinical images and reports using PACS (Picture Archive and Communication System).

    Ultrasound procedures available include:

    • Obstetrical ultrasound: First, second and third trimester imaging is used to monitor fetal development and evaluate for anomalies. By having all your obstetrical fetal ultrasounds done at our facility, our radiologists will have instant access to your clinical fetal history. At the time of your delivery at our Family Birth Center, your obstetrician will have access if needed. This is a service independent clinics are often unable to provide.
    • Hysterosonogram
    • Pediatric ultrasound: head, abdomen, kidney/renal, pelvis, hips
    • Pelvic ultrasound
    • Abdominal/Gallbladder
    • Liver/Abdominal Aorta
    • Kidney/Renal/Bladder
    • Thyroid
    • Scrotal
    • Upper/Lower extremities
    • Spinal
    • Head

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    Digital Mammography

    A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast, used to screen for abnormal changes in breast tissue. Mammograms are used as a screening tool to detect early breast cancer in patients. Annual screening is recommended for women starting at age 40. This type of mammogram is for women with no known breast problems and is used to look for abnormalities in the breasts.
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    Fluoroscopy

    Fluoroscopy is a modern noninvasive imaging technique that uses x-rays and a barium contrast agent to obtain moving images of a patient’s internal organs as they function. This allows our Board Certified Radiologists to observe and diagnose in real time concerns involving a patient’s stomach, esophagus and lower intestinal tract. Fluoroscopy is also useful in diagnosing coronary artery disease.

    • Barium Enema (Lower GI)
    • Upper GI (UGI)
    • Esophagram (Barium Swallow)
    • Small Intestines (Small Bowel Series)
    • Fertility (Hysterosalpingography or HSG)
    • Spinal Canal (Lumbar Puncture or Myelography)
    • Kidney X-ray (Intravenous Pyelogram or IVP)
    Fluoroscopy is done at Mills-Peninsula Medical Center in Burlingame. For your convenience, shuttle service is offered from our parking lot.
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    PET/CT

    Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine technique that provides images of metabolic processes in the body. Most commonly, PET is performed using a radioactive form of glucose (a simple sugar) to create images of glucose metabolism. PET scans are extremely sensitive to the alterations in glucose metabolism that can result from pathologic conditions such as cancer (increased glucose metabolism) or Alzheimer’s disease (decreased glucose metabolism). In a combined PET/CT scan, a PET scan is obtained immediately after a CT scan (computed tomography). The CT scan provides excellent anatomic detail, which when viewed superimposed on the images from the PET scan, allows precise identification of sites of abnormal metabolism. A typical PET/ CT scan extends from the “eyes to the thighs,” with a patient spending approximately 30 minutes in the PET/CT scanner.

    USES:

    Oncology
    PET/CT scans can be used to better determine the likelihood that an abnormal finding is malignant and to guide a biopsy or surgery. PET/CT scans can also be used for staging of malignancies, identifying the possibly multiple sites of involvement with greater accuracy than a CT scan alone. Furthermore, post-treatment PET/CT scans can more accurately evaluate response to therapy, allowing a patient’s treating oncologist, radiation oncologist or surgeon to consider changes in therapy earlier in the course of treatment. Lastly, PET/CT scans can more accurately identify sites of recurrent disease in patients with a history of prior cancer and suspicion of tumor recurrence.

    Research has shown that PET/CT scans not only improve patient care through more accurate staging, evaluation of response to therapy and identifying disease recurrence, but they also lower health care costs by reducing unnecessary biopsies, surgeries and additional imaging studies.

    Heart Disease
    PET of the heart (cardiac PET) is the more accurate than other types of non-invasive stress tests in determining the presence and extent of coronary artery disease. Moreover, cardiac PET is the most accurate methods of determining if heart muscle remains viable (living and functional) after a myocardial infarction (heart attack). This helps determine which patients would most likely benefit from procedures such as transplant, coronary bypass or angioplasty.

    Neurology
    PET/CT of the brain can be used to assess patients with seizure disorders and provides the earliest diagnosis of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

    Our board-certified radiologists at Mills-Peninsula Health Services (MPHS)are experts at interpreting PET/CT images and work closely with your treating physicians to guide therapy and follow-up.

    At MPHS, we provide access to clinical images and reports using PACS (Picture Archive and Communication System). By having all your imaging procedures done at MPHS, our radiologists will have instant access to your clinical history.This is a service independent clinics are unable to provide.

    Mills-Peninsula offers PET/CT services at our Mills campus in San Mateo (complimentary self or valet parking). Our scheduling staff will be pleased to assist you with the pre-authorization process required by your insurance provider.
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    Bone Density

    A bone density test, also called densitometry or DEXA scan, can determine if you have osteoporosis or are at risk of osteoporosis before you break any bones.

    A bone density test uses special X-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone.


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