Emergency Radiology

Expert Emergency Radiology Services in Central Massachusetts and Beyond

UMass Memorial Health operates the region’s largest emergency department at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. We also have fully equipped emergency departments throughout Central Massachusetts. At all of these sites, our experienced radiologists provide prompt diagnostic imaging and interpretation so you can begin treatment quickly.

Our Emergency Radiology Care

People come to the emergency department for many reasons. Common conditions that require rapid imaging include:

• Broken bones (fractures)
• Complex traumatic injuries, such as those to the brain and spinal cord
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Heart attack
• Intestinal obstructions
• Pulmonary embolisms
• Stroke

National Recognition in Stroke and Trauma Care

UMass Memorial Medical Center is the region’s leading provider of stroke care and trauma care. We are an accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. Our trauma center also holds the highest level of accreditation. An essential factor in receiving these designations is our ability to provide 24/7 imaging and interpretation.

Emergency Radiology Services

UMass Memorial offers a full range of diagnostic imaging services, including the most advanced options. We are continually upgrading our equipment to provide faster, more detailed pictures.

Imaging tests we offer include:

X-Rays

X-rays use high-energy radiation beams to capture images of bones, joints and soft tissue. This scan takes as little as a few minutes, enabling you to start care as quickly as possible. In the emergency department, we often take X-rays using a portable machine we bring to your bedside.

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy uses X-rays to capture real-time moving images of organ systems. We may use it to check for issues such as a blockage in a blood vessel or your digestive tract.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce detailed pictures of organs and tissues. A duplex ultrasound combines a traditional ultrasound that takes still images with a Doppler ultrasound that measures blood flow. Together, they help doctors detect blocked, narrowed or damaged blood vessels. We typically perform ultrasound scans at your bedside, saving time when it matters most.

CT Scans

In a CT scan, a machine takes X-ray images at different angles, and a computer combines them into a 3D picture. Your doctor may use CT imaging to pinpoint the source of internal bleeding or check for organ damage. We also offer specialized CT tests, including CT angiography to assess blood vessels and CT perfusion imaging for diagnosing stroke.

MRI

MRI uses a strong magnetic field to capture images in thin slices. A computer combines the images to create a comprehensive view of the inside of your body. MRIs can capture details that other imaging methods may miss.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine imaging uses small doses of radioactive material to track how your body is functioning. We use several types of nuclear medicine tests in the emergency department. Examples include lung scans to look for a pulmonary embolism and gallbladder scans to check gallbladder function.