Services Imaging/X-Ray

Imaging/X-Ray

Our medical imaging center specializes in a variety of diagnostic scans and tools to help protect from and detect disease at the earliest stages.

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Imaging Overview

Hattiesburg Clinic offers comprehensive imaging services with a team of highly skilled professionals dedicated to providing exceptional care to our community. Accredited by the American College of Radiology and Intersocietal Accreditation Commission for Radiology, our clinic features registered specialists in CT, MRI, PET, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine and x-ray imaging. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, we ensure accurate diagnostics and a seamless experience for every patient. Trust our experienced team to deliver the highest standard of care for all your imaging needs.

Specialties & Services

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

Hattiesburg Clinic takes great pride in our imaging team and their expertise and commitment to serving our community. We are proud to be ACR and IAC accredited, providing registered CT, MRI, PET, Utrasound, Nuclear Medicine and X-ray specialists to the area. Patients enjoy knowing their imaging is performed with the latest top-of-the-line technology and working with a qualified and seasoned team of professionals. Contact our team to schedule an appointment.

Computerized Tomography Scan

A computerized tomography (CT) scan is a combination of x-rays and computer processing to create images of bones, blood vessels and soft tissue. A CT scan can be used to help detect problems with bones and muscles and organs.

How to prepare for a CT scan?

When preparing for a CT scan, make sure you follow any instructions you have received. These types of instructions may include certain medications to avoid, if you are allowed to eat or drink before your scan and other things to do or avoid. Remember to check your email, mailbox, phone and papers from previous doctor’s appointments for instructions on preparing for your appointment.

Additionally, you may want to:

For your child’s safety; arrange childcare for the time during your appointment.
Schedule transportation to and from your appointment, if needed.
Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment.
Arrive 15-20 minutes early in case any paperwork is needed.
Inform the imaging team of any allergies or certain medical conditions.
Remove any jewelry, watches, glasses and other metal objects before your scan.
Ask any questions you have about follow-up care, so you know what to expect.

What to expect during a CT scan?

When you arrive for your appointment, you will check in, and a team member will inform you when it is time for your CT scan. Here is what you can expect:

The team will let you know if you need to wear a hospital gown.
You may be asked to remove any metal objects that could interfere with the scan.
You will have the opportunity to ask any questions before the scan begins.
Once you are ready, you will lie on a table in a specific position. It is important to stay very still to ensure the clearest images.
The technologist will move to another room, and the table will move into the large, donut-shaped CT machine.
You will hear whirring or buzzing noises as the machine rotates around your body, taking images.
You may be asked to hold your breath or change positions for more detailed and clearer images.
Depending on the area being examined, the scan will last between 5 to 30 minutes.

What happens after a CT scan?

When the CT scan is over, the table will slide back out and you can get redressed. A member of our team will communicate what to expect in the following day. This often includes:

Post-scan instructions and follow-up care
Certain side-effects to look out for if your CT scan used contrast dye and when to seek medical attention
When to expect imaging results from your doctor

CT scans are non-invasive and relatively quick. You should not feel any pain during the scan, although lying still for a prolonged period could be uncomfortable. Unless you are experiencing side effects from contrast, you should be able to return to normal activities the same day.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan produces pictures of anatomy and the physiological processes of the body. An MRI can be used as a noninvasive way for your physician to examine your organs, tissue and skeletal system. An MRI can help identify joint injuries, ligament tears, tumors and several other conditions.

How to prepare for an MRI?

It is important to prepare appropriately for your MRI appointment. You should follow any instructions you have received from your doctor or the imaging team. Be sure to check any paperwork from previous doctor’s appointments, as well as your phone, email or mailbox for instructions on preparing for your appointment.

In general, you will also want to:

For your child’s safety; arrange childcare for the time during your appointment.
Schedule transportation to and from your appointment, if needed.
Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment.
Avoid wearing any clothing, jewelry or makeup that could contain metal.
Arrive 15-20 minutes early in case any paperwork is needed.
Inform the imaging team if you have any allergies, implants, devices or metal in your body, are pregnant or have other medical conditions you are worried about.
Ask any questions you have about follow-up care, so you know what to expect.

What to expect during an MRI?

Soon after you arrive at the imaging center and check in for your appointment, a team member will inform you when it is time for your MRI. We may ask you to wear a (remove) hospital scrubs and ask questions to make sure there are no metal objects present which could interfere with the images. You will have the opportunity to ask questions, but once you are dressed for the scan, you can expect the following:

You will be asked to lie on a table that slides into the MRI machine. You may be instructed to lie on your back, stomach or side, depending on the part of your body being examined.
You may be given earplugs or headphones to help block out the machine noises. This should also help you stay very still, to ensure the best quality images.
The technologist will move to a separate room with an observation window, before the scan starts but will be able to communicate to you if you need to change positions or hold your breath.
When you are ready, the table will slide into the MRI machine which looks like a large, round tube. You may hear loud, repetitive noises when the imaging begins, like buzzing, banging or thumping, which are all completely normal to hear.
You should remain as still as possible for the next 15 to 60 minutes. Your technologist will let you know when the imaging is over, and the table will slide out.

What happens after an MRI?

After your MRI, you should not be in any pain, however you may be uncomfortable from lying still for a while. Feel free to ask any questions about next steps, however, our team will let you know of any specific follow-up instructions and what to expect in the upcoming day, including:

When to resume normal activities, if not immediately
Any side effects to look for if your MRI used contrast dye
When to expect results from the provider who ordered the MRI

Positron Emission Tomography

A positron emission tomography (PET) scan measures the metabolic activity of the cells of body tissues through a combination of nuclear medicine and biochemical analysis. It can show images of your organs and tissue at work to identify abnormalities. PET scans are generally used to help identify various conditions such as brain disorders and cancer.

How to prepare for a PET scan?

Proper preparation is key to ensuring a smooth PET scan appointment. Be sure to follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor or the imaging team. Review any paperwork from previous appointments and check your phone, email or mailbox for additional details.

In general, you will want to do the following before your PET scan:

For your child’s safety; arrange childcare for the duration of your appointment, if needed.
Plan transportation to and from the appointment, especially if you are unable to drive yourself.
Ask the medical team about the following:
- How long to fast and what foods/drinks are okay before the scan
- If you should pause any medications and when you can resume them
- If strenuous activities or exercise should be avoided and for how long before the scan
Wear comfortable clothing for your visit.
Avoid metal in your clothing, jewelry or makeup (this includes zippers, buttons or hairpins).
Arrive 15-20 minutes early to allow time for any paperwork.
Inform the imaging team about any allergies or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as a PET scan may not be recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.
Ask any questions you have about the procedure or follow-up care to ensure you are fully prepared.

What to expect during a PET scan appointment?

Once you arrive at the imaging center and check in, a staff member will let you know when it is time for your PET scan. You will have the chance to ask questions, and once you are ready to proceed, you typically can expect the following:

A radioactive tracer will be administered.
You will wait 30-60 minutes while the tracer is circulated and absorbed into your body.
You may be given hospital scrubs or asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that could interfere with the imaging.
Once you are ready, you will be taken to the PET scan room and asked to lie on your back on the PET scan table.
The technologist will provide any instructions before moving to a separate room to start the scan.
The PET scan table will slide into the PET machine.
You will need to be still for about 20-45 minutes while the scan is performed.

What happens after a PET scan?

You should not be in any pain after your PET scan and should be able to return to normal activities the same day. Before you leave the imaging department, our team will inform you of what to expect over the next day or so. This typically includes:

How much water to drink to help flush the radioactive tracer out of your system
Any side effects to look for and when to seek medical attention
Other specific instructions to follow, such as when to resume any paused medication
When to expect your PET scan results and recommended next steps from your doctor

Ultrasonography

Ultrasonography, commonly known as ultrasound, is an imaging technology that uses pulses of sound waves to outline objects or areas of different density in the body. This imaging technique can be used to visualize joints, vessels and internal organs. An ultrasound is commonly used to monitor pregnancy and abdominal organs.

How to prepare for an ultrasound?

To ensure you get the best possible ultrasound images, you should follow any instructions your doctor or the imaging team have provided. Check paperwork from previous appointments as well as your email, mailbox and phone for this information.

To eliminate any stress during your ultrasound, you may also want to:

Find childcare during your appointment for your child’s safety.
Schedule transportation before and after your appointment if you are unable to drive yourself.
Confirm if you should fast or come to your appointment with a full bladder for the best images.
Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to get in and out of in case you are provided with a hospital gown.
Arrive 15-20 minutes early to allow time for any paperwork.
Ask the imaging team any questions you have before your appointment to ensure a quick and efficient appointment day.

What to expect during an ultrasound?

After arriving at our imaging facility, you will check in and a team member will alert you when it is time for your ultrasound. Ultrasounds are typically quick and painless. The ultrasound technician can answer some questions, but you should try to remain quiet so the technician can focus on capturing the best images. Imaging results will be sent to your doctor and reviewed with you then.

During the ultrasound, you can expect the following:

You may be given a hospital or scrubs and will be asked to lie on an exam table, either on your back, side or stomach.
The technologist will apply a water-based gel on the skin over the area of the body being examined. This helps with the imaging process.
The technologist will move the ultrasound device (transducer) over the gel-covered area and apply gentle pressure. Although the procedure should be painless, you may feel some slight discomfort.
You may or may not be able to see what the imaging screen is showing during the procedure. Remember that the imaging results will be sent to your doctor and reviewed with you then.
Depending on the area of your body being examined, the ultrasound could last between 15 and 45 minutes.

What happens after an ultrasound?

Once the necessary images have been captured, the ultrasound technician will gently wipe the gel off your skin. You will get redressed if you were given a hospital gown to wear. The technician will let you know what happens next, which usually includes:

When you can resume normal activities, if not immediately
Any specific follow-up care instructions, such as when you can resume eating if you are fasting
When to expect results and recommended next steps from your doctor

Nuclear Imaging

Nuclear Medicine imaging is a specialized type of imaging used to provide detailed insights into the function and structure of various organs. By using small amounts of radioactive tracers, nuclear medicine images allow physicians to detect abnormalities at the cellular level, usually before structural changes are found. Nuclear imaging is often recommended for oncology, gallbladder and kidney patients to detect bone metastasis and organ function that other scans cannot appropriately detect.

How to prepare for a nuclear imaging scan?

To best prepare for your nuclear medicine imaging appointment, you should follow any instructions your doctor or the imaging team have already provided. Check paperwork from previous appointments as well as your email, mailbox and phone for these details.

Additionally, you should also:

Find childcare during your appointment, for your child’s safety.
Plan transportation to and from the appointment if you are unable or hesitant to drive yourself.
Ask the medical team questions regarding how long to fast and what foods/drinks are okay before the scan.
Inform the imaging team about any allergies, medications you take and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as nuclear imaging may not be recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers.
Wear comfortable clothing for your visit.
Avoid wearing any metal in your clothing and jewelry to prevent interference with the imaging.
Arrive 15-20 minutes early to allow time for any paperwork.
Ask any questions you have about the procedure or follow-up care to ensure you are fully prepared.

What to expect during a nuclear imaging scan?

After you arrive and check in at the imaging center, a team member will inform you when they are ready to start the nuclear imaging process. You can ask any questions you have, but typically nuclear imaging scans involve:

Taking a small amount of radioactive tracer targeted towards the organs being examined
Waiting a 1-2 hours to give the tracer time to reach the target area
Changing into a hospital gown if needed or removing any objects that could interfere with the imaging
Lying on a table that slides into a specialized scanner and remaining still for 20-90 minutes to ensure clear images

What happens after a nuclear imaging scan?

Once the necessary images have been taken and the scan is over, the table will slide out and you can get redressed if needed. While you should not be in any pain following the scan, you may be uncomfortable from lying still for a while. Our team will instruct you on next steps, which typically include:

When to return to normal activities, if not immediately
How much water you should drink to flush the radioactive tracer from your body
Any side effects to watch for and when to seek medical attention
Other specific instructions to follow
When to expect your imaging results from your doctor

X-ray

X-rays are a commonly used imaging technique to help health care providers visualize internal structures of the body. X-rays use a small amount of ionizing radiation to produce detailed images of bones, tissues and organs and are used to diagnose conditions like broken bones and fractures and also chest or lung infections. The x-ray procedure is usually quick and painless.

How to prepare for an x-ray?

Be sure to follow any specific preparation instructions sent from your doctor or medical team via phone, email and printed papers sent to your mailbox or from previous appointments. To make your x-ray procedure as quick and efficient as possible, you can also prepare by:

Arranging childcare during your appointment if you have children
Scheduling transportation to and from your appointment if you are unable to drive
Wearing comfortable clothing to your appointment
Arriving 15-20 minutes early to fill out paperwork if needed
Discussing any medical concerns, such as if you are or may be pregnant before your appointment
Asking the medical team any questions you have prior to your appointment

What to expect during an x-ray?

Once you arrive at our imaging facility and check in, a team member will let you know when it is time for your x-ray. You will have the opportunity to ask questions about the procedure, but typically, you can expect:

The technologist may ask certain questions related to your medical history, including if you are or could be pregnant. (X-rays use radiation that could harm the fetus).
The technologist will ask you to sit, stand or lie down for the x-ray and will help position you and the x-ray machine for the clearest images.
You may be required to wear a lead apron to shield parts of your body from unnecessary radiation exposure.
The x-ray technologist will either move behind a protective barrier or to another room while operating the x-ray machine.
You should remain as still as possible and may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds to not blur the images.

What happens after an x-ray?

The x-ray images are painless and taken quickly. Once the images are taken, normally within a few minutes, the technologist will let you know what to do next. Make sure to follow any specific instructions provided, but typically:

You should be able to resume normal activities with no restrictions following your x-ray.
A radiologist will review the x-ray images and provide your doctor with the findings in a report
Your doctor’s office will contact you with the imaging results and discuss suggested next steps.