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FRC Procedure Overview
At Fairfax Radiology, we are committed to providing you with the information and resources you need to make informed decisions about your health and that of your loved ones. During initial consultations and throughout this site, we will go over many of the questions you may have to ensure you know what to expect before, during and after any procedure.
Click on a procedure below to learn more, or search by keyword or procedure category. If you still have questions, please call us at 703.698.4488.
Breast Imaging
What is Abbreviated Breast MRI? MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Fairfax Radiology is proud to offer Abbreviated Breast MRI as one of the latest...
The removal of fluid from a breast cyst that decreases the pressure (relieving any pain) and allows for the testing of cells.
A noninvasive test that uses an intravenous contrast, magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the breast's soft tissue.
An advanced breast cancer-screening tool that can help uncover cancer that may be hidden in women with dense breasts.
A special X-ray of the breast that may be performed if there are signs or symptoms that require further evaluation.
A non-surgical procedure that uses the aid of an imaging device to guide a Radiologist while performing a Biopsy on a breast lump or mass.
A Mammogram that is performed when you have no breast symptoms and is used to "screen" for an unsuspected abnormality.
A Mammogram that captures multiple images from several angles, allowing Radiologists to more thoroughly examine breast tissue one thin section at a time.
General Radiography
A type of imaging that uses electromagnetic radiation to produce images of the inside of the body.
Low-Dose Computed Tomography (CT)
A diagnostic test that uses sophisticated X-ray equipment to help detect diseases and conditions of the chest, abdomen and/or pelvic areas.
An advanced screening test that can accurately identify calcified plaques, which can be a predictor of significant disease.
An advanced screening test that can accurately show both calcified and soft cholesterol plaques in the arteries, and determine the presence and severity of blood flow obstruction.
An advanced diagnostic test that uses special X-rays to produce detailed images of the small intestine, abdomen and pelvis to help diagnose Inflammatory Bowel Disease and other abnormalities.
A less invasive alternate for the screening of colorectal cancer that uses CT scans to create a 3D image that will show any abnormalities inside the colon, rectum and pelvic area.
The most advanced form of dental imaging available that uses multiple images from different angles to create a comprehensive 3D visualization of the inside of the mouth.
What is HeartFlow Analysis? Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. 1 CAD...
A simple test that uses sophisticated X-ray equipment and low-dose radiation to identify lung cancer and other lung diseases that would be invisible on regular chest X-rays.
A diagnostic test that focuses on the extremities and spine and is used to help diagnose the cause of pains or symptoms or to get a snapshot of any progress from an earlier treatment.
A diagnostic imaging test that uses sophisticated X-ray equipment to specifically address the central nervous system and associated structures using imagery of the head and spine.
A test that combines computer technology, sophisticated X-ray equipment and a contrast agent to produce detailed images of the arteries and veins inside the body.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
An imaging test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to captures images of the chest, abdomen and/or pelvic regions.
An imaging test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to capture images of the anatomy of the heart in order to diagnose and monitor cardiac disease.
A type of MRI performed during pregnancy to evaluate a fetus for any conditions or complications that may be present.
A noninvasive test that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to evaluate the function of blood vessels in the body.
A two-part exam that uses a magnetic field, radio waves and a contrast agent injected into the joint to show a more detailed image, including the cartilage, tendons and ligaments.
A noninvasive test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to evaluate rectal function and determine how well the pelvic muscles are working.
A type of MRI that determines the stiffness (elasticity) of the liver by capturing the movements of the tissue and creating a color-coded map to pinpoint any areas of concern.
A noninvasive test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the small intestine to help diagnose Inflammatory Bowel Disease and other abnormalities.
What is MR Neurography? MR Neurography (MRN) is an advanced medical imaging technique that uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to produce detailed images of the...
A diagnostic test that uses magnetic resonance imaging to create images of the joint structures, including shoulders, hands, wrists, elbows, hips, knees, ankles and feet.
A type of MRI that helps diagnose tumors, herniated and degenerated discs, spinal injuries, brain injuries and any injuries or conditions associated with the central nervous system.
A type of post-MRI assessment that measures sections of the brain and compares them to those measurements of healthy, age-related peers.
An imaging test that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to capture images of the prostate and surrounding tissues in order to diagnose, evaluate and monitor diseases of the gland.
Neurointerventional Radiology
Carotid Artery Stenting is a minimally invasive technique to treat carotid artery disease.
Diagnostic Cerebral Angiography is a minimally invasive diagnostic test to detect abnormalities in the blood vessels of your head and neck.
Diagnostic Spinal Angiography is a minimally invasive diagnostic test to detect or confirm abnormalities in the blood vessels in your spine.
Endovascular Embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat brain aneurysms, an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or an arteriovenous fistula (AVF).
Interventional Neuroradiologists use Endovascular Embolization to enable a quicker, simpler surgery.
Pre-Operative Wada Testing is done before certain types of brain surgery to determine which side of the brain controls language function and which side has better memory function.
Nuclear Medicine
A type of Nuclear Medicine test that helps diagnose different bone diseases or conditions.
What is Gastric Emptying? For many people who complain of abdominal bloating or fullness after eating just a small amount of food or the same...
What is a Meckel’s Scan? A Meckel’s Scan is a Nuclear Medicine test that may be used to diagnose abnormal tissue in the small intestine.
A diagnostic test that combines nuclear medicine with advanced 3D imaging to offer the most advanced imaging technique available for the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of many diseases.
Other Procedures
A specialized X-ray test that uses a very small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body in order to measure bone loss.
A broad range of diagnostic and therapeutic injections used to reduce inflammation, as well as evaluate and treat pain in the spine, hip and shoulder areas.
Pediatric Imaging
A simple procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of the tissues inside a child's body.
Ultrasound
Noninvasive tests that use sound waves to create a real-time image of the inside of the lower portion of the body—namely the abdomen, kidneys (renal), pelvic area or testicles (scrotal).
A simple, noninvasive test that uses sound waves to create a real-time image of the inside of the abdominal wall.
A noninvasive procedure that uses sound waves to create an image of the tissues inside your breast.
Noninvasive tests that use sound waves (Ultrasound) and computer-generated graphs to measure the amount and direction of blood flow through your arteries and veins.
A procedure that uses a fine needle and an Ultrasound as guidance to extract a tissue sample to test any suspicious nodules in the thyroid.
A relatively quick test that helps to evaluate the soft tissues in the body, such muscles, tendons, ligaments and bursae.
A test that uses sound waves to create images of the thyroid and parathyroid glands and other soft tissues in the neck to evaluate suspected nodules and monitor any changes in nodules that have been discovered.
A routine test that uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate a pregnancy and determine fetal development and delivery due dates.
Vascular & Interventional
An abdominal aortic ultrasound or abdominal aortic duplex is an exam that can help your interventional radiologist evaluate the aorta, which is the main blood...
What is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm? An aneurysm is a weak section of an artery wall. These can occur in any portion of the aorta, but...
A procedure that uses a contrast material and special X-rays to view how blood flows through the arteries and determine if any arteries are narrowed or blocked.
A minimally invasive procedure that uses a special X-ray to guide a balloon-tipped catheter into an artery and inflate it to open up the blood vessel.
Your interventional radiologist may recommend an Ankle Brachial Index to check your risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) particularly if you have risk factors that...
Carotid Duplex Scans, also known as carotid artery ultrasound, are used to evaluate the carotid arteries which carry blood from the heart to the brain...
A procedure that uses a special X-ray to help identify narrowed or blocked blood vessels in the fistula for patients on dialysis.
A filter that is placed in the Inferior Vena Cava to trap any clot fragments, preventing them from traveling to the heart and lungs.
Interventional Oncology is a subspecialty field of Interventional Radiology related to the treatment of cancer and cancer-related problems using targeted, minimally invasive procedures performed under...
A minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter and a drainage tube to remove excess fluid from the abdomen.
What is PAD and what causes it? Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory problem in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your...
What is PAE? Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical outpatient treatment to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate. Using a...
A Renal Artery Duplex Scan or renal artery ultrasound is a test to check for problems in the renal arteries, the blood vessels that supply...
A minimally invasive procedure that uses a catheter and a drainage tube to remove excess fluid from the lungs.
A minimally invasive procedure where a tiny nick is made in the groin area or wrist. Using a specialized X-ray, a catheter is guided through...
What is Varicocele Embolization? A varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of veins within the scrotum that can cause pain, swelling, and infertility. A varicocele embolization...
A Venous Duplex Scan is a type of dedicated ultrasound to look at the venous system. The ultrasound uses sound waves to see the veins...
Chronic venous insufficiency happens when your legs do not allow blood to flow back up to your heart. Blood may pool in your legs, which...
A procedure that uses image-guidance and a hollow needle to open up space in fractured vertebra and fill it with a cement mixture to fuse and strengthen the bones.
Vein
A minimally invasive procedure that uses Ultrasound to guide a laser fiber into the varicose vein to collapse that vein and create greater circulation among healthy veins.
A minimally invasive procedure that accesses varicose veins directly using tiny incisions in the skin.
A procedure that uses a small needle to inject medication into the lining of a spider/small varicose vein, closing that vein and re-routing its blood to healthy veins.