Radiology & Cardiology Imaging Services

Catholic Health offers comprehensive and convenient radiology and cardiac imaging services at locations across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Our radiology and cardiology experts use advanced imaging technology to provide quick and precise diagnoses, ensuring you can start your treatment plan without delay. With modern equipment and expert care, you can rest assured you will receive the highest level of imaging services at any Catholic Health imaging location.

We use the latest technology to evaluate, screen, and diagnose various health conditions, including those related to neurology, oncology, cardiology, orthopedics, gastroenterology, and women’s and men’s health.

Specialized Imaging Services

Catholic Health imaging experts consult with specialists so you can receive accurate, thorough diagnoses to guide personalized treatments tailored to your unique needs and health goals.

Catholic Health provides a full spectrum of radiology and cardiology imaging, including:

Computed tomography (CAT) scans
Cardiac CAT scans
Lung cancer screening
Echocardiography
Interventional radiology
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including upright MRI
Cardiac MRI
Mammography
Bone density
Nuclear Cardiology
Nuclear Radiology
PET scan
Ultrasound
X-ray and fluoroscopy

What is a PET/CT exam?

A PET/CT exam is an imaging study that shows your internal tissues and organs, and how well they are working. These exams are usually ordered to diagnose or learn more about a disease, such as cancer, or heart and brain conditions. It is also used to evaluate how well treatments are working.

In alignment with our patient safety initiatives, our PET/CT equipment uses technology that reduces the amount of radiation to the patient, promoting safety without compromising the images.

What do I need to do before my test?

When you call to schedule your appointment, we will provide you with instructions, like following a special diet before the test.

What should I expect?

During the scan, you will lie flat on a padded table that will slide into an open, donut-shaped machine. The scan itself generally takes about 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the type of study your doctor ordered.

Overall, please plan to be with us for one to two hours. You will be asked for your name and date of birth several times during your visit. This is to ensure your safety. We thank you for your patience.

When will I know the results?

Once complete, a board-certified radiologist will interpret, or read, the images and send a report to your health care provider. You should contact your health care provider for the results of your test. You may also access your results in MyChart.

What is a CT scan?

A CT scan (also called a CAT scan) is a simple, painless imaging test. It uses a series of x-rays to produce clear pictures of organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels. Depending on why your provider has ordered this test, you may be given oral or IV contrast (dye) for more detailed images. These images help to diagnose disease and injuries.

Low-dose technology

Our CT machines utilize technology that reduces the amount of radiation to the patient by up to 82%. This is especially important for children, young adults, and patients who may need to have these tests performed often.

What do I need to do before my test?

If your test is ordered with IV contrast, you may need blood work first to check that your kidneys can safely process the contrast. If your test is ordered with oral contrast, you will be given instructions on where to pick it up and when to drink it.

If you have allergies to imaging contrast, you may need to take steroids or antihistamines before the test. When you call to make your appointment, you will be asked about allergies. If there are special instructions, your health care team member will provide those to you at that time

What should I expect?

During the exam, you will lie flat on a table that will slide into an open, donut-shaped machine. If you need IV contrast you will have an IV placed. The dye may make you feel warm and give you a metallic taste, both of which will fade quickly. Depending on the type of exam, you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during the test.

The scan generally takes between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the type of study your doctor ordered. Some studies may take longer, especially if they require IV contrast.

You will be asked for your name and date of birth many times during your visit. This is to ensure your safety and we thank you for your patience.

When will I know the result of my test?

What is Ultrasound?

Ultrasound, also known as sonography, is a simple imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time pictures or video of organs and blood vessels. While it is often used to help monitor the health and development of a fetus, ultrasound testing is also used to diagnose many diseases and conditions as well as guide certain biopsy procedures.

Ultrasounds do not use ionizing radiation, and there are no known risks associated with this type of testing.

What should I expect?

You may be asked to change into a gown.

During the exam, you will lie flat. Gel will be placed on your skin to help the transducer, or probe, slide across it. The technologist will apply varying amounts of pressure to obtain images of structures as ordered by your health care provider.

You will be asked for your name and date of birth many times during your visit. This is to ensure your safety. We thank you for your patience.

How do I prepare for an ultrasound?

Pelvic and OB/GYN exams require your bladder to be full. You will be asked to drink 24 oz. of water one hour before the appointment and refrain from using the restroom until after the exam.

Abdominal exams check to see the health of your liver, kidneys, pancreas, aorta, spleen and gallbladder. Patients should not eat or drink anything six to eight hours before their appointment. An empty stomach is helpful for clear images.

If there are any other special instructions for the exam that your health care provider ordered, our staff will advise you when you schedule your appointment.

How long does the exam take?

The length of the exam depends on the type of ultrasound your doctor ordered, but it generally lasts between 30 to 45 minutes.

When will I know the results?

The radiologist will interpret the ultrasound images and send a report to your health care provider. You should contact your health care provider for the results of your exam. You may also access your results in MyChart.

Cardiac Imaging

Catholic Health cardiac imaging services help cardiologists diagnose heart conditions and monitor patients with heart disease. Our advanced technology helps to detect a heart condition early and with greater accuracy, allowing us to provide the most effective treatments.

Cardiac imaging services vary by location but may include:

3D and transesophageal echocardiography
Angiogram
Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)
Heart doppler studies
Cardiac CT
Cardiac MRI
Cardiac PET
Cardioversion
Chest CT
Coronary calcium score
Coronary CTA
Echocardiography
Nuclear medicine
Nuclear SPECT technology
Stress ECHO
Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)
Vascular testing
Venous and arterial duplex scanning

Learn more about our cardiac imaging services.

Women’s Imaging

Catholic Health offers advanced imaging for the unique needs of women needing routine health care screenings and follow-up care.

Our women's imaging services include:

2D mammography. A traditional mammogram takes two images of each breast.
3D digital tomosynthesis. Low doses of X-rays look at breast tissue to detect cancers that may be too small for you or your doctor to feel.
Breast ultrasound. A noninvasive imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to view breast tissue.
Bone densitometry. Also known as a DEXA scan, this simple, painless examination detects signs of osteoporosis or weakened bones.

Learn more about our women’s health services.