Radiology

The Peoria Radiology department is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. All radiology tests are by appointment only.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor before having any Radiology exam performed.

Computed Tomography

Available ILCC Locations:

  • Peoria: Monday – Friday
  • Galesburg: Tuesday – Thursday
  • Bloomington: Monday – Friday
  • Pekin: Monday, Wednesday – Friday
  • CT Direct Line: 309-243-3420

What is a CT scan?

CT stands for Computerized Tomography. An ordinary x-ray image shows your body in two-dimensions, while CT takes x-ray images of cross-sections of your body, called “slices,” and uses a computer to create a three-dimensional picture of your internal organs. CT scanning provides clearer and more detailed information than x-rays used alone and these CT images can help your doctor diagnose many conditions.

What happens during a CT scan?

During your CT scan, you’ll lie quietly for 15-25 minutes in a comfortable, face-up position. The Licensed Radiologist Technologist may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds several times during the exam. You should feel no discomfort or pain from this exam.

How should I prepare for my CT scan?

During the 4 hours prior to your exam:

  • You may drink non-carbonated liquids (Coffee is ok, even with sugar & dairy).
  • You may not eat any food.
  • You may take ALL of your prescribed medications.

If your appointment is in the afternoon, you may eat a light breakfast before your 4-hour waiting period.

What are the types of CT Scans?

  • CT Head – Do not eat or drink four hours before the exam.
  • CT Neck – Do not eat or drink four hours before the exam.
  • CT Chest – Do not eat or drink four hours before the exam.
  • CT Abdomen and/or Pelvis – Do not eat four hours before your exam

There are no eating or drinking restrictions if you are having a CT of the spine (cervical, thoracic or lumbar), sinuses, or extremities (wrist, foot, etc).

  • There are no Diabetic medicine restrictions
  • Underwire bras will need to be removed if scanning your Chest and/or Abdomen

Contrast Exams

Intravenous Contrast (IV)

If your CT requires an intravenous contrast material or dye, a Licensed Radiologic Technologist will place an intravenous line in a vein in your arm before the exam or a power port or power picc can be used. The dye may make you feel warm or have a funny taste in your mouth.

If you are diabetic, have kidney disease, or are 55 years or older, you may need to have blood drawn before your exam. The blood test will determine the function of your kidneys before the injection of the contrast material and is performed by the technologist after starting your IV.

If you are allergic to iodine, please call CT at 243-3420

Oral Contrast

If your CT scan is of your abdomen and/or pelvis area, you will need to drink oral contrast prior to your exam. Once your exam is scheduled, you may pick up the contrast from the check-out receptionist. You may take the oral contrast by:

  1. Drinking 1 bottle (refrigerate to improve taste) at 8:00 p.m. the evening before the CT exam, then drinking another bottle one hour before your scheduled appointment. When you arrive, you will be asked to drink a glass of water with more oral contrast.

OR

  1. If you are unable to pick up the contrast or prefer the water prep, please arrive 1 hour and 45 minutes before your schedule exam time. You will be asked to drink 4 glasses of contrast material (one every 1/2 hour) before your test.

Bring along something to help pass time.

Diarrhea/loss stool is a common side effect of the oral contrast.

PET/CT Scan

Available ILCC Locations:

  • Peoria: Monday – Friday
  • Bloomington: Tuesday & Thursday

What is a PET/CT scan?

PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography, and PET/CT is the combination of two imaging techniques in one exam – a PET scan and a CT scan. The PET scan provides unique information about your body on a metabolic level while a CT scan offers anatomic information. In a PET/CT, the two are blended, allowing physicians to see more precisely where there are potential problem areas and develop the best treatment plan for each specific patient.

To further illustrate, a satellite weather image shows areas of intense weather activity, while a map only shows outlines of the states. When combined, a geographic map and the satellite image of weather patterns show exactly where severe weather is headed, allowing people in those areas to prepare.

How does a PET/CT Scan work?

You will be injected with a very tiny amount of a material your body uses, similar to sugar called FDG, through an IV placed by the technologist. The material has been made radioactive so the sensitive PET/CT scanner can locate it in your body and measure it. Following the injection, you will rest in a private room while the FDG distributes throughout your body. You will then be moved to the PET/CT scanner where the imaging procedure is performed while you lie comfortably on the scanner bed. A computer takes that information and translates it into very detailed pictures. The amount of radiation in your body is very small and leaves very quickly. Therefore, you will not experience any side effects.

Why might my physician refer me for a PET/CT scan?

 

PET/CT can provide early diagnosis and accurate identification of whether or where the cancer has spread. During and after treatment, PET/CT can assess whether the treatment has been successful, by showing a decrease in glucose utilization by the tumor. PET/CT can be used for restaging, and provides early detection and localization of cancer recurrence. It can be critical in evaluation of patients in whom previous surgery or radiation therapy has resulted in scarring and distortion of normal anatomy which can hinder evaluation by CT or MRI.

How should I prepare for my PET/CT Scan or Pet Bone Scan?

It is very important that you follow these instructions prior to your PET/CT scan. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the PET/CT Technologists at (309) 243-3417.

On the Day Prior to your Pet/CT Scan:
  1. No strenuous activities; don’t break a sweat!  (Exercise, heavy lifting, hard yard work can change how your scan looks).
  2. If you have been running a fever or taking antibiotics for an active infection, please call us and let us know and we will check with your doctor to see if you should be rescheduled to a later date after the infection has been cleared.
  3. Evening meal should be high protein (meats, fish, vegetables), lower carbohydrates. Please avoid pastas and minimize breads, potatoes, and vegetables with the word “sweet” in their name!  (This is VERY important if you are diabetic)
  4. A technologist will call you to review your preparations and may provide additional instructions needed.
On Your Pet Bone Scan Day:
  1. No dietary or medication restrictions
  2. No jewelry or metal clothing
  3. Procedure will take 90 min with a one hour wait followed by a 30 min. scan.
On Your Pet/CT Scan Day:
  1. You may not eat or drink anything other than water for 6 hours prior to your PET/CT scan including candy, mints, gum, sugary drinks, caffeine, or cough drops.
  2. No smoking for 6 hours prior to your PET/CT scan.
  3. If your exam is in the afternoon, 6 hours before your appointment time you can have a high protein breakfast (eggs and meat), but NO cereal or any other carbohydrate     and NO caffeine. Remember; DO NOT eat anything 6 hours prior to your
  4. We encourage drinking all the water you want.
  5. All medications can be taken with water. This includes pain medications and patches. If you are diabetic, see instructions following.
  6. Wear loose comfortable clothing. The less metal on your clothing the better.  Sports bras will not have to be taken off, but bras with metal hooks will have to be removed.
  7. Please do not bring any children or somebody who is pregnant with you to this
  8. You are welcome to bring books, computers, or IPODs to help pass the time as the entire process will take approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours, with an average one hour wait followed by a 30 min scan.
Instructions for Diabetic Patients:
  • On the day of your test check your glucose in the morning and as long as you are not lower than 60 mg/dl follow the instructions below:
  1. Take all oral diabetic medications.
  2. Insulin – If you have a morning appointment take half your normal insulin dose in the fasting state. If you have an afternoon appointment and you are able to eat before the 6 hour fasting window, take your full insulin dose.

**IMPORTANT**
If you begin to experience low blood sugar symptoms, please check your sugar and if you are getting low drink a glass of juice and call the PET/CT department at (309) 243-3417 for possible additional instructions.

X-Ray

Available ILCC Locations:

  • Peoria: Monday – Friday

What is an X-ray?

An x-ray is a quick, painless exam that produces images of internal body structures. X-rays use small amounts of ionizing radiation to produce what appears as an internal digital image made up of different densities. Dense materials, such as bone and metal, show up as white on X-rays, the air in your lungs and bowel shows up as black, and the fat and muscle appear as shades of gray. ILCC relies on licensed Radiologic Technologists to perform general X-rays, including chest, extremity, spine, and more. Radiation exposure from an X-ray is low, and the benefits from these tests far outweigh the risks.

How should I prepare for my X-Ray exam?

During your visit, you may be asked to change into a gown, depending on the body part being X-rayed. You may be asked to hold your breath and remain very still while a quick exposure is made.  Most X-ray exams last between 10 and 30 minutes.  Your images will be immediately available for your Physician’s review, but will take about 24hrs to receive a report back from the reading Radiologist.

Bone Densitometry (DEXA Scan)

Available ILCC Locations:

  • Peoria: Monday – Friday

What is a DEXA scan?

A Dexa exam determines your risk for osteoporosis. The test is completely painless and provides your risk score in just a few minutes. If you take calcium or Vitamin D supplements, please stop taking them one day prior to your exam. On the day of your exam, wear elastic waist pants and tennis shoes if possible. The entire exam will take about 15-20 min.  You may eat and drink as normal.

What are the risk factors for osteoporosis

The following are risk factors for osteoporosis:

  • Small, thin frame
  • Female
  • Asian ancestry
  • Early menopause
  • Family history of osteoporosis
  • Avoidance of dairy foods
  • Low vitamin D intake
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Smoker
  • Caucasian ancestry
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Excessive caffeine intake

For more information, or if you believe you are at risk, please discuss your concerns with your doctor.