From X-rays and ultrasounds to DEXA scans and fluoroscopy, Rochester Radiology offers Diagnostic Imaging services for everything from a possible bone fracture to more complicated concerns. While simple procedures such as traditional X-rays are common, painless and non-invasive, we also provide specialized services that are more specific in nature, including Upper Gastrointestinal Exams (UGI), cystography, ultrasound guided biopsy and more.


Diagnostic imaging procedures performed by our experienced staff:

What is x-ray imaging?

X-ray, or plain film radiograph, is the oldest and most common type of imaging. It provides valuable information by capturing a detailed image on digital film using a small dose of radiation. It is a non-invasive exam that involves exposing a part of the body to invisible x-rays, allowing highly detailed pictures of internal structures to be produced.

Why is this exam done?

X-ray is usually the best initial test to evaluate for many problems, as it is performed quickly and uses only a tiny amount of radiation. Typically, x-rays are used for imaging of:

  • the chest for pneumonia or fluid
  • bones for fractures
  • the abdomen for kidney stones

What will happen during the exam?

A radiology technologist will escort you into a special room where he or she will take the images. Multiple images are often needed to achieve the best results and ensure proper evaluation.

What are the risks and benefits?

You will be exposed to a small dose of radiation during your exam, which in general are negligible as isolated exposure. However, the benefits outweigh the potential risk.

Please inform the technologist if you are pregnant or think there is a possibility you may be pregnant.

For children, and whenever else possible, lower doses of radiation are used. Shielding is also provided to parts of the body not being imaged.

How should I prepare?



Be sure to take all prescribed medications as scheduled.

Any special instructions for after my test?

There are no special instructions or limitations after your x-ray is taken.

X-rays are painless and commonly used procedures. They do not require any special preparation. During the exam, your child will need to remain still as the technologist adjusts the image recording plate against the area to be tested. Wearing a lead apron to limit radiation exposure, your child’s x-ray will be taken once the technologist activates the x-ray machine.

Please also see our X-Ray page for additional information on the procedure.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis refers to thinning of the bones. This condition can occur in men and women of all ages.

What is DEXA?

DEXA stands for Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. It is a fast and simple, non-invasive procedure used to measure bone mineral density (BMD). BMD measurements can help to determine your particular bone status and prediction of fracture risk.

A DEXA scan uses a special x-ray unit to image for BMD and requires an extremely small dose of radiation, less than 1/20 the amount in a chest x-ray.

How should I prepare for the exam?

Please do not take any calcium supplements the day of the exam. For the exam, you will not need to remove any clothing, but we do suggest wearing comfortable clothing and avoiding any items containing metal.

What can I expect during the exam?

Your lower back and hip will be x-rayed. The procedure takes about 30 minutes, including time for you to ask questions.

What can I expect after the exam?

Once the radiologist evaluates your BMD as compared to individuals who are similar in age, weight, sex and ethnic background, your results will be sent to your physician for further review.

Will a DEXA scan be covered by my insurance?

Some insurance companies may require prior approval for a DEXA scan. Please check with your insurance company to determine if prior approval is required. If so, you can arrange this through your primary care physician.

  • Abdominal
  • Pelvic Ultrasound
  • Vascular and Doppler Ultrasound
  • Thyroid Ultrasound
  • Testicular Ultrasound
  • Pediatric Renal Ultrasound
  • Sonoelasticity
  • Musculoskeletal Ultrasound
  • Ultrasound-Guided Prostate Biopsy

What is ultrasound imaging?

Ultrasound is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves which are invisible and inaudible to human in order to produce images. There is absolutely no radiation involved in ultrasound.

Why is this exam done?

Ultrasound provides real-time imaging of many abdominal tissues and organs using a painless and non-invasive method. It is especially sensitive in evaluating abdominal organs such as the gallbladder for gallstones, the liver, the spleen, and the kidneys. Ultrasound also provides the best imaging of the pelvic organs such as the bladder, thyroid gland, uterus, and ovaries. The carotid arteries of the neck and the veins of the legs are also commonly studied through ultrasound.

What will happen during the exam?

An ultrasound technician or sonographer will meet you and take you into a private ultrasound suite. A small ultrasound probe is placed over the area to be imaged and high-frequency sound waves are used to create images of body tissues. Once all the appropriate images are obtained, the images are reviewed with a board-certified radiologist to ensure no further imaging is needed. Again, this procedure is painless and radiation-free.

What are the risks and benefits?

There are no known risks to ultrasound imaging. There is no radiation used in ultrasound imaging.

How should I prepare for my test?

You will need to bring your prescription. You may be asked not to urinate for a few hours prior to the procedure for certain exams.

  • Esophogram
  • Upper Gastrointestinal Exam (UGI)
  • Pediatric Upper Gastrointestinal Exam (Pediatric UGI)
  • Small Bowel Series
  • Barium Enema (BE)
  • Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
  • Pediatric Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)
  • Cystography

What is fluoroscopy? Why is this exam done?

Fluoroscopy is the term used for continuous, or moving, x-ray imaging. If you think of an x-ray as a digital photo, fluoroscopy is like a digital movie. The technique of fluoroscopy is used for a series of exams, mostly used to evaluate the GI system (esophagus, stomach, bowel, and colon) or the genitourinary system (kidneys, ureters, and bladder). For GI tests, fluoroscopy uses barium as a contrast agent, either after drinking it or after administering through a tube in the rectum. For fluoroscopic exams of the bladder, contrast is gently used through a Foley catheter. Types of studies that use fluoroscopy include esophogram, upper GI series, small bowel series, barium enema, IVP, VCUG, and cystography.

What are the risks and benefits?

Excessive exposure to radiation can be harmful, but the exposure during a fluoroscopy exam is generally minimal and the benefits of an accurate diagnosis far outweigh the risk. Moreover, we use every safety precaution to use the least possible amount of radiation, especially for children. It is important to inform your doctor of any recent illnesses or medical conditions as some conditions may increase the risk of an adverse effect.

Women should always inform their physician and the technologist if they are pregnant or may be pregnant. Nursing mothers should wait 24 hours after receiving IV contrast before resuming breast-feeding. Allergic reaction to contrast (mild or severe) is also a rare but possible risk. Our team is well-prepared to deal with such reactions should the need arise.

Barium Enema(BE)

What is a barium enema (BE)?

A barium enema is a common method of diagnosing problems in the colon (large intestine). The barium enema exam uses barium sulfate (a thick, chalky liquid) and a fluoroscope, which is like an x-ray video camera, to take pictures of your colon. It is a safe procedure and our staff will do everything possible to make you comfortable during the exam.

How should I prepare for my exam?

Before your barium enema, you must consume a diet of only clear liquid for 24 hours preceding your appointment. This includes fruit juices (no pulp), soda, tea or coffee (without cream), broth, popsicles, Italian ices, hard candy, and JELL-O. You should try to consume an 8 oz. glass of water every hour for 10 hours the day before your appointment as well.

You must also:

  • Take Citrate of Magnesia (10 oz.) 24 hours prior to the exam
  • Take 3 tablets (5 mg each) of Dulcolax the evening prior to the exam after dinner
  • Tap water enemas two hours before the exam (1 pint to 1 quart) until returns are clear
  • Do not eat or drink the morning of the exam
  • Do not smoke or chew gum the morning of the exam

What can I expect during the exam?

The x-ray technologist will position you on your side on the examining table. The technologist will then insert a lubricated enema tube into your rectum. As the barium enters your colon, you may have cramps and feel a strong urge to use the bathroom.

As the barium fills your colon, the radiologist takes x-ray pictures. The radiologist may reposition you or push on your abdomen to make sure that all the loops of your colon fill with barium. The technologist will put air into your rectum to make the colon more visible. This may give you a cramping feeling, but this feeling is normal and will go away.

The entire procedure usually takes about an hour.

What can I expect after the exam?

Once the exam is completed, you will be allowed go to the bathroom and expel the barium. The remaining barium usually passes out in small amounts over the next few days. You will be able to resume your regular or prescribed diet and medications. Eating normally and drinking plenty of fluids will help remove the barium from your system.

It is normal for barium to give a whitish color to your bowel movements for a day or two. Watch for signs of constipation. If you have not had a bowel movement two or three days following your barium examination, it may be necessary to take a laxative.

Rochester Radiology will send the results of your exam to your physician so that he or she can make a diagnosis and explain to you what the findings mean.

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

What is Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)?

IVP uses x-rays and an injection fluid (contrast media) to diagnose abnormalities or blockages that may occur in the kidneys, ureter, and/or bladder and to check for normal kidney growth and function.

If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, discuss this with your physician before undergoing this procedure.

A contrast solution will be used in your exam, so be sure to let your physician know if you have any allergies. If you are a diabetic, please inform our office at the time your appointment is scheduled.

And lastly, be sure to bring with you a complete list of all medications that you are currently taking.

How should I prepare for the exam?

Before your IVP:

  • Take 3 tablets (5 mg. each) of Dulcolax, OR 10 OZ. OF Citrate of Magnesia, the night before the exam.
  • Do not eat or drink anything after 10:00 pm the night before the exam.

What can I expect during the exam?

After changing into an examining gown and completing a medical history form, the technolopgist will position you on the examining table where the nurse will inject the contrast solution into a vein in your arm. As the contrast solution filters through your kidneys and into your bladder, the technologist takes x-ray pictures from various angles.

The entire procedure usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes.

What can I expect after the exam?

After the radiologist evaluates the results of your IVP exam, Rochester Radiology will send the information to your referring physician in order for him or her to make a diagnosis and review next steps with you.

You can contact Rochester Radiology by phone at 585-336-5000 or by e-mail through our secure and confidential contact page.

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