At Winchester Medical Center, our 65,000 square foot Diagnostic Center provides state-of-the-art imaging technology and a convenient outpatient laboratory center.
Our outpatient laboratory is available for patients who need routine blood draws or are prescribed blood work by their doctor. Orders can be accessed through Valley Health MyChart or brought with you. No appointments are necessary; first come, first served, with the exception of glucose testing, which should be scheduled by calling
540-536-8988
.
Our location provides all the services listed below and even has a wing dedicated to women’s services, complete with separate waiting and dressing areas. The WMC Diagnostic Center is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology and is a Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) certified facility. This single location is dedicated to your convenience and offers:
CT Scan
What is a CT scan?
A CT (computed tomography) scan uses multiple X-ray images to create detailed cross-sectional views of the body. It helps detect conditions like cancers, fractures, heart disease, and internal injuries by providing clear images of bones, muscles, organs, and blood vessels. Another term for CT scan is CAT scan.
Before Your Appointment
- You must schedule your CT scan in advance and have a valid order from your provider
- Review your MyChart account for exam-specific instructions, including directions for oral contrast, if ordered
- Oral contrast is not available for pickup at the Diagnostic Center
On the Day of Your Exam
- You may be asked to change into a gown, depending on the type of CT scan
- Most CT scans take 10 to 30 minutes, based on the area being examined and the level of detail needed
- If your exam includes a contrast enema, wear loose, comfortable clothing for after the procedure
- Please do not bring children unless another adult is present to supervise them
Cardiac CTs, TAVRs, CT Myelograms, and CT Cystograms are only offered at Winchester Medical Center, not at the Diagnostic Center.
Mammography
What is a mammogram?
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast. It helps find breast cancer early, often before symptoms appear. Early detection gives you more treatment options and better outcomes. There are two types of mammograms: screening and diagnostic. Each serves a different purpose.
Screening Mammograms
A screening mammogram checks for early signs of breast cancer when you have no symptoms.
What to know about screening mammograms:
- Recommended every year starting at age 40, unless you have a strong family history that requires earlier testing
- You may self-refer if you are age 40 or older
- You must be established with a provider so your results can be shared and followed
- A screening mammogram usually takes about 20 minutes. It uses a low dose of radiation and is designed to detect changes in breast tissue early.
- Results are not provided on the same day as your exam
Diagnostic Mammograms
A diagnostic mammogram is used to evaluate a specific concern. You may need a diagnostic mammogram if you have:
- A breast lump
- Breast pain
- Skin or nipple changes
- A callback after a screening mammogram
What to know about diagnostic mammograms:
- A physician’s order is required
- A breast ultrasound is often scheduled the same day for further evaluation
- You receive your results during your visit so next steps can be discussed
What to Know Before Your Mammogram Appointment
On the day of your appointment:
- You will undress from the waist up and wear a gown provided by the imaging center
- Do not wear deodorant, powder, lotion, or perfume
- Please do not bring children unless another adult is present to supervise them
During the exam:
- Each breast is briefly compressed to obtain clear images
- Compression may feel uncomfortable, but it lasts only a few seconds
- At least two images of each breast are taken
IMPORTANT: If you have had mammograms at another facility, bring those images or arrange for them to be sent before your appointment. Prior exams help the radiologist compare changes over time.
What to Expect After Your Mammogram
Once a radiologist reviews your exam:
- Results will appear in your MyChart account, usually within one to two weeks
- If follow-up imaging or care is needed, your provider will guide you through the next steps.
- A written results letter will also be mailed to the address on file.
MRI
What is an MRI?
An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a medical test that creates detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves, not radiation, to show organs, soft tissues, and bones.
MRI images help your care team evaluate many conditions, including joint problems, spine issues, brain and nerve concerns, and changes in soft tissue. The detail provided by MRI can help guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.
What to Know Before Your MRI Appointment
An MRI is a safe and widely used imaging test. Because the exam requires special equipment and preparation, appointments must be scheduled in advance.
Please review the following before your visit:
- Do not bring children with you unless another adult is present to supervise them
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal, including zippers, snaps, buttons, or jewelry
- Tell your provider or technologist if you have metal implants, pacemakers, or other medical devices
A More Comfortable MRI Experience
If you feel nervous about an MRI, we're here to help. The Diagnostic Center offers an ambient experience in the MRI suite, with soft images displayed on the unit and nearby walls, along with music during your exam. Many patients say this setting helps them feel more at ease. If you have concerns about enclosed spaces or anxiety, tell us when you schedule your MRI so our team can help you prepare.
What Happens During an MRI
During your exam:
- You will lie on a padded table that slides into the MRI scanner
- The scanner is open on both ends
- The exam may take 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the type of MRI ordered
- The machine makes loud tapping or knocking sounds while images are taken
- Earplugs or headphones are provided to reduce noise
It is important to remain still during the scan, so the images are clear. If you feel uncomfortable at any point, you can alert the technologist using the call button provided.
What to Expect After Your MRI
After your MRI is complete:
- You may return to your normal activities unless your provider gives other instructions
- A radiologist will review your images
- Results are sent to the provider who ordered your MRI
In many cases, results are also available through your MyChart account. Your provider will discuss the findings with you and explain any next steps in care.
PET-CT Scan
What is a PET Scan?
A PET scan, or positron emission tomography scan, is an imaging test that shows how organs and tissues in your body are functioning. It uses a small amount of a radioactive tracer to highlight areas of unusual activity. This information helps providers evaluate certain diseases, monitor treatment response, and plan next steps in care.
PET scans focus on how the body works, not just how it looks. This added detail can support more precise care decisions.
What to Know Before Your PET Scan Appointment
PET scans require careful preparation. Following instructions closely helps ensure accurate results.
Before your visit:
- Arrive at the Outpatient Diagnostic Center 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
- Plan to be at the Diagnostic Center for two to three hours.
- Make sure you have received preparation instructions from scheduling or your ordering provider.
If you do not have preparation instructions:
- Review your MyChart account for PET scan instructions.
- Contact the provider who ordered your exam for guidance.
On the day of your exam:
- Please do not bring children unless another adult is present to supervise them.
- Your imaging team will review the process with you and answer questions before the scan begins.
After your PET scan is complete:
- You may return to normal activities unless your provider gives different instructions.
- A radiologist will review your images.
- Results are sent to the provider who ordered your exam.
- Your provider will discuss the findings with you and explain any next steps in care.
Ultrasound
What is an ultrasound?
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create diagnostic images of organs. It does not involve magnets or radiation and is considered safe for patients of all ages. Most exams are completed within 20-40 minutes.
What to Know Before Your Ultrasound Appointment
Before your appointment, you will receive a reminder message with instructions for your visit. These details explain when to arrive and what to do when you check in.
On the day of your exam:
- You will be taken to a private exam room and asked to lie on an exam table
- You may be asked to change into a gown, depending on the type of ultrasound
- Please do not bring children unless another adult is present to supervise them
If your exam requires special preparation, such as drinking fluids or fasting, follow the instructions provided in your reminder message or MyChart account.
What Happens During an Ultrasound
During the exam, a trained sonographer will apply a small amount of gel to your skin. The gel helps a handheld device, called a transducer, move smoothly and capture clear images. You may feel light pressure as the transducer moves over the area being examined. Most patients find the exam comfortable and easy to tolerate.
What to Expect After Your Ultrasound
After your ultrasound is complete:
- You are free to leave once all imaging is finished
- There is no checkout process
- A radiologist reviews your images and sends results to the provider who ordered your exam
- Results are available in MyChart after review
- If you are having a diagnostic breast ultrasound, you will receive your results before leaving the imaging center.
X-Ray
What is an X-ray?
An X-ray is an imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to take pictures of the inside of the body. It helps medical providers see bones, lungs, and some organs to find injuries or illnesses.
The Diagnostic Center offers several types of X-rays, including:
- Standard X-ray
- Fluoroscopy
- DEXA/Bone Density
- Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
Valley Health offers several types of X-ray exams. Review the information below to understand what to expect and how to prepare for your visit.
Standard X-ray
A standard X-ray uses a small amount of radiation to create images of bones and certain tissues. These exams are often used to evaluate injuries, joint pain, and lung conditions.
Before your visit:
- A valid provider order is required
- The order must include the order date, your full name, date of birth, the exam requested, diagnosis, and the ordering provider’s signature
- Walk-in visits are welcome. No appointment is required
On the day of your exam:
- You may be asked to change into a gown, depending on the type of X-ray
- Please do not bring children unless another adult is present to supervise them
After your exam:
- Results are typically available within seven to 10 days, though timing may vary
- All results are sent to the ordering provider and released in MyChart after radiologist review
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is a type of X-ray that captures real-time images to help providers evaluate movement or function inside the body. Please know an appointment is required.
On the day of your exam:
- You may be asked to change into a gown
- Follow any preparation instructions provided by scheduling or your provider
After your exam:
- Results are sent to the ordering provider and made available in MyChart after review
DEXA Scan (Bone Density Test)
A DEXA scan measures bone density and helps assess bone health.
Before your visit:
- An appointment is required
- Do not take calcium or vitamin D supplements for 24 hours before your exam
On the day of your exam:
- You may be asked to change into a gown
After your exam:
- Results are typically available within seven days, though timing may vary
- Results are sent to the ordering provider and released in MyChart after radiologist review
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
An HSG is a specialized X-ray exam used to evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes. Please note an appointment is required.
On the day of your exam:
- You will change clothes from the waist down
After your exam:
- Results are typically available within one to two days, though timing may vary
- Results are sent to the ordering provider and released in MyChart after radiologist review
