Imaging
Medical imaging tests help doctors see inside the body to evaluate and treat all sorts of health conditions. If you need an imaging test, the quality and convenience you deserve is close by at a Columbia Memorial Hospital location.
Our imaging technology is state-of-the-art. It includes 3-D mammograms, digital x-rays, multi-slice CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanners, high quality ultrasound machines, and nuclear medicine. Every imaging exam is performed by a qualified and nationally licensed technologist and read by a board-certified radiologist.
We want you to be comfortable during your time in Imaging. We have skilled radiology procedure nurses on staff to care for you and provide you with medication to guide you through your biopsy, interventional procedure or exam. Those same nurses can also place a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line or a midline if you need extended venous access for infusions.
From the front desk to the exam rooms, we are knowledgeable, friendly and here to help you.
Our imaging locations
We offer diagnostic imaging and other imaging services at several convenient locations:
- Columbia Memorial Hospital (West Lobby). Digital X-Ray, ultrasound, CT scan, 1.5T MRI, fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine and interventional radiology and procedural nurses. Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. X-Ray and CT are in-house and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- CMH Health & Wellness Pavilion (first floor). 3-D screening mammography, diagnostic breast mammography, diagnostic breast ultrasound, ultrasound, breast biopsies and pre-surgical RFID placement, digital x-ray and bone density scan. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Astoria Imaging. 3T MRI. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (map)
- CMH-OHSU Health Women's Center. General ultrasound, including prenatal ultrasound. Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- CMH-OHSU Health Primary Care – Warrenton. Digital X-Ray. Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- CMH-OHSU Health Primary Care – Seaside. Digital X-Ray and ultrasound. Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
We're a cut above other diagnostic imaging centers
Reviewed 9/30/2022
4 facts and myths about imaging and radiation
Imaging tests are used to look inside the body. They help doctors diagnose conditions and determine the best treatments. There are various types of imaging tests, many of which use radiation. The type of imaging recommended for you will depend on the goal of the test, your condition and the part of your body being examined.
To help you understand more about imaging and radiation, here are some common myths and facts.
Myth or fact: You should avoid all radiation.
MYTH. We’re exposed to radiation every day. We get it from the air, outer space, the ground and even the food we eat. Scientists measure radiation in millisieverts (mSv). It’s estimated that the average person in the U.S. receives a dose of about 3 mSv per year just through natural means.
For comparison, the radiation you receive from an x-ray of your ankle is 0.001 mSv. That’s equal to 3 hours of natural radiation. A CT scan of your lungs imparts 1.5 mSv, or the equivalent of six months of natural radiation. Even that amount is considered a very low health risk.
If you need imaging that uses radiation, the radiologist will ensure you’re exposed to the lowest amount possible for an effective test.
Myth or fact: All imaging tests use some form of radiation.
MYTH. Plain x-rays, CT scans and nuclear scans use radiation. But ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans don’t.
An ultrasound uses sound waves to create an image. MRIs use a large magnet and radio waves.
Myth or fact: Imaging tests that use radiation are considered safe.
FACT. Many activities we think of as safe—like taking a walk—carry some degree of risk. Similarly, imaging tests that use radiation are considered safe. Radiologists use the lowest radiation possible to get effective images. It would take ultra-high levels of radiation—far more than those used in diagnostic imaging—to potentially cause cancer later in life.
Still, you want to minimize your exposure to radiation when possible. If you’re worried that your imaging test will expose you to unnecessary radiation, discuss your concerns with your doctor or the radiologist. Maybe you’ve had a similar test done recently that could provide the information they need. Or you may have the option of a different test that wouldn’t expose you to radiation.
Myth or fact: Radiation tests can make you infertile.
MYTH. Very high radiation doses can harm eggs or sperm. But the amount of radiation used in diagnostic radiology is very low. No studies have shown that low-level radiation exposure to eggs or sperm causes birth defects or miscarriage. Even cancer patients whose ovaries received fairly high levels of radiation have shown no negative lasting effects.
You can lower your risk from an imaging test by letting your doctor know if you are—or think you could be—pregnant before having the procedure. Your doctor might want to postpone or modify it to lower the amount of radiation you’ll receive.
Learn more about specific imaging tests and how they might be used.
Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; The Joint Commission; Radiological Society of North America
Here are just a few things about our expertise and the care we provide that set us apart:
- We practice ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) for your safety. When imaging procedures use radiation, our technologists use the latest techniques and software to keep your dose low while still achieving the best imaging detail.
- We offer Interventional Radiology in our hospital. Our board-certified doctors perform image-guided, minimally invasive procedures without open surgery. Not many community hospitals do that. Implanting a port-a-cath, removing a filter in the vena cava, placing drains in the kidneys and performing procedures that relieve cancer symptoms are just a few examples.
- We are passionate about our profession and dedicated to providing the best experience possible. You'll notice that in the person-centered details — like the fact that you can listen to music of your choice during your MRI scan. Our Planetree philosophy puts you at the center of all that we do.
Prepare for your PET/CT scan
Before your PET or CT scan, please download this PET/CT prep document so you can plan for a successful visit.
Scheduling an imaging test
You will need a referral from your health care provider to schedule most imaging tests. One exception is a screening mammogram.
For more information, call us at 503.338.7525.