[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/imaging-exam\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/imaging-exam\/","headline":"Why Receive an Imaging Exam?","name":"Why Receive an Imaging Exam?","description":"Physicians use dozens of imaging tests to make appropriate diagnoses, yet patients don\u2019t always understand why they were referred for the exam. In many cases, it is even beneficial for people to seek out an imaging test on their own. Below we\u2019ll highlight the two classifications of imaging, as well as provide helpful facts about […]","datePublished":"2014-01-19","dateModified":"2018-08-29","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/imaging","name":"Imaging Services","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/imaging","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/imaging-services\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/imaging-exam-results.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/imaging-exam-results.png","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/imaging-exam\/","about":["Living and Wellness","Women's Health"],"wordCount":302,"keywords":["breast imaging","breast ultrasound","CT","diagnostic exam","imaging exam","mammogram","MRI","nuclear medicine","obstetric ultrasound","PET","screening exam","ultrasound","x-ray"],"articleBody":"Physicians use dozens of imaging tests to make appropriate diagnoses, yet patients don\u2019t always understand why they were referred for the exam. In many cases, it is even beneficial for people to seek out an imaging test on their own.Below we\u2019ll highlight the two classifications of imaging, as well as provide helpful facts about the need for these exams.Screening ExamA screening exam is an imaging test performed on a patient who is experiencing no current medical condition or symptoms. It is used to either confirm good health or detect an abnormality. Most of the time there are no concerns, however you may be referred for additional imaging tests if your physician wants to take a closer look at a specific area.Example of screening examAnnual mammogram to ensure no risk of breast abnormalitiesDiagnostic ExamA diagnostic exam is performed on a patient who is referred by a physician because they have a medical concern. Diagnostic imaging may also be necessary for those who have been called back following a screening exam to pinpoint a disease or area of concern.Examples of diagnostic examsX-ray to identify bone fracturesPET\/CT scan to identify abnormal uptake of contrastObstetric ultrasound to ensure proper growth of a developing babyNuclear medicine to look at the skeleton and soft tissue to identify potential disease processesBreast ultrasound to take a closer look at abnormal results discovered in a mammogram Regardless of the test, patients should seek out facilities that are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) which ensures a high level of care and facilities that meet national standards with regards to equipment, quality control, and image quality. Specifically, at UPMC our services that are ACR-accredited include:MRIUltrasoundBreast ImagingCTNuclear MedicinePET"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"01","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/01\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Why Receive an Imaging Exam?","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/imaging-exam\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]