Southern Maine Health Care

Diagnostic Imaging | Radiology

SMHC Radiology provides a wide range of diagnostic imaging services. For more information, please call 207-283-7171 (Biddeford) or 207-490-7375 (Sanford).

Services include, but are not limited to:

  • X-rays: An x-ray is used to diagnose diseases, bone breaks and fractures by making pictures of the inside of the body using low dose x-rays.
  • CT Scans: A CT scan or CAT scan procedure uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce both horizontal and vertical cross-sectional images (often called slices) of the body. It shows detailed images of any part of the body, including bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels.
  • MRIs: Magnetic Response Imaging, often referred to as an MRI, is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of a large magnet, radio frequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
  • Mammographies: SMHC offers women screening and diagnostic mammography services that have been nationally recognized by the American College of Radiology. Traditional 2D mammography and the latest in breast screening technology, 3D mammography, are available. Learn more about SMHC mammography services.
  • Interventional Radiology: Interventional Radiology utilizes minimally-invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases in nearly every organ system.
  • Ultrasound: Ultrasound is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures within your body. Most ultrasounds are done using a hand held probe/transducer outside your body, but some exams involve placing a probe/transducer inside your body (transvaginal study).
  • Bone Densitrometry: Bone Density measures the amount of minerals, mostly calcium and phosphorous, that are contained in a certain volume of bone. These measurements are used to diagnose osteoporosis, determine how well osteoporosis treatments are working, and to predict how likely bones are to break.
  • Nuclear Medicine: Nuclear Medicine is a method that uses radioactive substances to make pictures of areas inside the body. The substance is injected into the body and locates and binds to specific cells or tissues, including cancer cells. Images are made using a special machine that detects the substance.