Radiology & Imaging Tests

UNM Health is a regional leader in radiology imaging and testing.

We offer the latest and most advanced equipment, techniques and service in New Mexico. From MRIs to CAT scans, ultrasounds and fluoroscopy, we have the technology to diagnosis your or your loved one in a comfortable, convenient setting.

Imaging Tests & Services

CT Scans

Computer tomography (CT) imaging is also known as a CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan. CT scans help doctors see internal organs, bones and tissue through radiation and computer processing. CT scans create images of sections of the body in “slices.”

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Echocardiogram

This test uses sound waves to produce images of the heart, allowing your physician to examine how your heart is beating and pumping blood. It also tells your doctor the size and shape of your heart, as well as if there is any tissue damage.

Fluoroscopy

This uses x-rays to obtain real-time moving images with a fluoroscope (a tool with a fluorescent screen). We offer this test at our UNM Hospital and UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center locations.

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MRI

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test uses a powerful magnetic field and computers to visualize soft tissue and organs in detail. MRI arthrograms take images of joints such as the shoulder, hip or knee using contrast.

MRIs are different from CTs in that they do not use radiation. Our cutting-edge scanner provides high-resolution imaging and is the only MRI system with fiber optic technology.

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MRI Brochures

MRI Arthrogram Brochures

Ultrasound

Also called a sonogram, an ultrasound is a non-ionizing (meaning no radiation) test. This study is performed with a handheld device that sends out high-frequency sound waves. The waves create real-time images of soft tissues such as organs and vessels.

Ultrasound imaging is safe, painless and noninvasive and helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions.

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X-Rays

General imaging, also known as x-rays, is a type of medical imaging made by projecting x-rays through the body onto a detector. X-rays are most commonly used to detect broken bones. We offer X-ray walk-in services at several locations.

Women's Imaging

Bone Density Test (DEXA)

This study, also called a DEXA scan, uses x-rays to measure the grams of calcium and other materials in a bone segment. It can determine the presence of osteoporosis, which is a condition that can cause bones to become fragile and break.

Mammography

This test uses low-energy x-rays as a screening and a diagnostic tool to potentially detect breast cancer early. Our department offers the most advanced equipment, including:

3D breast tomosynthesis that captures several top-quality images, reducing the number of false readings
A 3 Tesla MRI that delivers greatly increased image clarity that improves resolution of abnormalities for all body parts
Low-dose CT scanners that reduces exposure to harmful radiation by 40%

Interventional Radiology Experts

Also known as surgical radiology, this is a medical sub-specialty of radiology that uses minimally invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system. UNMH offers the most advanced interventional radiology treatments in the state.

Interventional radiology reduces the need for surgery and lowers your recovery time. The UNM Health team includes eight subspecialty-trained interventional radiologist, a neurointerventional radiologist and neurosurgeons who perform neurointerventional procedures.

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Schedule a Mammogram Today

Our goal is to ensure follow-up care is met. If you have had previous mammograms at another facility, for your first visit to UNM Health please bring a CD copy and reports with you. Or you can call us in advance so we may retrieve a copy for your new test reading.

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Before Your Visit

Your safety is our priority—please talk to your doctor about any allergies, concerns or questions you may have before your test.

Contrast Medication

Before your imaging, we may need to give you contrast medication. Also known as "X-ray dye," contrast is a liquid that helps us bsee your organs and blood vessels better. Contrast may be used in X-rays, CAT/CT scans, MRIs and fluoroscopy studies.

We give contrast medication through an IV or as a liquid you drink. If your test requires contrast, we will ask you to:

Drink a cleansing fluid to clear out your system
Follow up on any medications you are taking
Have a blood draw to review your kidney functions
Not eat prior to the exam

What if I'm allergic to IV contrast?

Some people may be allergic to IV contrast. If you have had a reaction to the dye before, please let your doctor know. We will recommend a different option, such as:

A different imaging test (i.e., MRI, ultrasound)
A study without IV contrast
Medication prior to the study