205-481-7155

At UAB Medical West, we know that diagnosing your illness is an important part of your care plan. That's why we offer state-of-the-art imaging technology delivered by a highly skilled and friendly staff.

UAB Medical West Imaging Services has two convenient locations for your imaging needs. UAB Medical West Hospital Imaging is located in the hospital on the first floor, and UAB Medical West Imaging Center is located on Memorial Drive, just beside the hospital. Based on your diagnosis, you and your doctor will select the location that is right for you.

 

 

Our Services:

• Radiology

• CT Scan Examination

• MRI

• Ultrasound

• Mammography

• Nuclear Medicine

• Vascular Lab

• Cath Lab

• Sleep Center

General Radiology

General Radiology refers to diagnostic exams that use x-rays to produce images of the body. Most x-ray exams take only a few minutes and are painless.

CT Scan Examination

Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a medical imaging technique that combines conventional x-ray imaging/ computer technology to produce images of the body. To prepare for a CT scan, you may be asked to refrain from eating or drinking six hours before your procedure. You may take medications with a small amount of water, but only as necessary. Depending on how many images are generated, a CT exam generally takes 30-45 minutes, although a detailed study may take longer.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an advanced imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create images of the body. In most cases, no special prep is needed for your MRI exam. You may continue your daily routine, eat, drink, and take medications as you normally would. Should your exam require any special preps, your nurse or doctor will give you instructions. You will be asked to remove any metal objects you may be wearing. It is recommended that you wear clothing without metal zippers, snaps or buttons. It is also important for patients that have metal inside their bodies to inform the technologist.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than radiation to produce images. This technology is typically used for obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, urology, and many other medical specialties. Various ultrasound procedures require different preps. Please consult your physician or contact our scheduling department for details. Depending on the area of the body to be examined, an ultrasound exam generally takes 20-30 minutes although some exams may take longer. The exam is painless with no side effects.

Mammography

Mammography is a medical imaging technique specifically designed for breast tissue. On the day of your exam, please do not use any lotions, creams, perfumes, powders or deodorant on or around the breast area, as these can appear on the image as calcium spots. No other prep is required.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine uses the detection of energy emitted from a radioactive substance given to the patient, either intravenously or by mouth. It comprises diagnostic exams that result in images of body anatomy and function.

Vascular Lab

 

Vascular studies, like ultrasound, use sound waves rather than radiation to produce images. These studies include arterial and venous studies to evaluate blockages which may lead to stroke. The studies also assist in determining peripheral vascular disease and blockages in upper and lower extremities. The UAB Medical West Vascular Lab is accredited by The Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Vascular Laboratories (ICAVL).

 

Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab)

 

This procedure is performed to obtain information about the heart or its blood vessels or to provide treatment in certain types of heart conditions. It may also be used to determine the need for heart surgery.

The Cath Lab at UAB Medical West performs several kinds of diagnostic procedures to determine the state of your heart and condition of your cardiovascular system. These procedures include Diagnostic Cardiac Catheterizations (also called cardiac cath), pacemaker implants, TEE, cardioversion and other interventional radiologic procedures.

During the cardiac cath the physician can tell where any blockages in the coronary arteries are located by using fluoroscopy (a type of x-ray) and contrast (x-ray dye).

 

Sleep Center

 

The Sleep Center is used to diagnose and treat sleep problems such as insomnia, sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome. The diagnostic process is easy and non-invasive, and in most cases testing for sleep disorders is covered by insurance.