Griffin Imaging & Diagnostics Center at Ivy Brook

The Ultrasound department was awarded a three-year accreditation by the American College of Radiology for the areas of General Ultrasound, Gynecologic Ultrasound, Small Part Ultrasound, and Vascular Ultrasound. We ensure that each patient receives compassionate and individualized care, resulting in an exceptional experience.

Our staff consists of highly trained, nationally certified sonographers through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS), and the facility features Philips iU22 Ultrasound. See more about our capabilities on our Ultrasound page.

Ultrasound FAQs

• When is Ultrasound used?
  Ultrasound is an excellent imaging modality to visualize many different body parts, such as the liver, thyroid vessels, and pelvic organs. This non-ionizing and non-invasive procedure helps physicians diagnose and treat their patients properly. Images are taken in real-time, which is helpful in diagnostic procedures.
  Different ultrasound techniques exist for different conditions. Examples of some of the more common types of ultrasound examinations include the following:
  • Doppler ultrasound - used to see structures inside the body, while evaluating blood flow at the same time. Doppler ultrasound can determine if there are any problems within the veins and arteries.
  • Vascular ultrasound - used to see the vascular system and its function, including detection of blood clots.
  • Echocardiogram - used to see the heart and its valves, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the heart's pumping ability.
  • Abdominal ultrasound - used to detect any abnormalities of the abdominal organs (i.e., kidneys, liver, pancreas, gallbladder), such as gallstones or tumors.
  • Renal ultrasound - used to examine the kidneys and urinary tract.
  • Obstetrical ultrasound - used to monitor the development of the fetus.
  • Pelvic ultrasound - used to find the cause of pelvic pain, such as an ectopic pregnancy in women, or to detect tumors or masses.
  • Breast ultrasound - used to examine a mass in the breast tissue.
  • Thyroid ultrasound - used to see the thyroid and to detect any abnormalities.
  • Scrotal ultrasound - used to further investigate pain in the testicles.
  • Prostate ultrasound - used to examine any nodules felt during a physical examination.
  • Musculoskeletal ultrasound - used to examine any joint or muscle pain for conditions, such as a tear.
  • Interventional ultrasound - used to help the surgeon during a minimally invasive operation or biopsy.
  • Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) - used to provide direct visualization and measurement of the inside of blood vessels.
  • Endoscopic ultrasound - used to obtain direct ultrasound examination of the inside of a body cavity or organ, using an ultrasound transducer inside an endoscope (a small, flexible tube with a light and a lens on the end).
  • Endovaginal ultrasound – used to obtain direct ultrasound examination of the inside of a body cavity or organ; ex. Uterus and/or Ovaries.
• How do I prepare for having an ultrasound treatment?
  Your physician and/or office staff will in most cases tell you how you will need to prepare for the specific test you are scheduled to have. Also, at the time of scheduling an appointment for an Ultrasound, our diagnostic facility you are using will give you instructions on how you need to prepare, if at all.
• What happens during the ultrasound exam?
  In most cases you will be asked to change out of your street clothes and put on an exam gown. This will allow the technologist/sonographer to have easy access to the area needing to be scanned. You will be positioned and made comfortable on an exam table in a manner the technologist/sonographer will need in order to image the area your physician has requested. A gel will be used with the probe to insure easy movement of the probe over your skin and insure a good signal. The technologist will continue to move the probe over your skin and change angles, and at times may apply pressure with the probe. You may also be asked to hold your breath and change positions throughout your exam.
• What happens after the ultrasound treatment?
  The technologist/sonographer will wipe off the gel that was used, and bring you to an area so you can get dressed. You will be told the radiologist will be reviewing the results and that your physician will get a report and will contact you directly.

The Center’s state-of-the-art Digital X-ray room is configured to meet the needs of geriatric, pediatric, and bariatric patients. Special radiation-reduction technology delivers the lowest dose possible while maintaining optimal imaging.

X-Ray FAQ

• What are X-rays?
  X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. In a health care setting, an x-ray machine generates individual x-ray particles, called photons. These particles pass through the body. At Griffin, a mix of both digital and computer-generated technologies are used to capture the images that are created. This information is sent from a computer to a display monitor for viewing. Structures that are dense (such as bone) will block most of the x-ray particles, and will appear white. Metal and contrast media (special dye used to highlight areas of the body) will also appear white. Structures containing air will be black and muscle, fat, and fluid will appear as shades of gray.

Our facility is equipped with a GE Lightspeed 16 slice scanner. This scanner has a larger bore to better accommodate bariatric patients. The Center is accredited by the American College of Radiology in both adult and pediatric imaging. All of our board-certified technologists have taken the pledge for both the Image Gently and Image Wisely Campaign.

As an added convenience, the Pharmacy Coordinator can arrange for oral contrast to be delivered to patients' homes, as requested. To take advantage of the complimentary Oral Contrast Delivery Program, contact Central Scheduling 24 hours prior to your appointment by calling (203) 732-7101. This program is only offered Monday through Friday, and is available to Valley residents (Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Oxford, Beacon Falls, and Shelton).

CT Scan FAQs

• How do I prepare for a CT Scan?
  No special preparation is necessary unless your healthcare provider gives you special instructions. For example, if you are having a CT scan of your abdomen or pelvis, you should not eat solid food for several hours before the scan. You may be instructed to drink a contrast liquid prior to your exam. This contrast will enhance various organs and tissue so the radiologist can better view the anatomy. Please note: for the test, wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal fastenings such as zippers, or clasps - because metal may interfere with the test.
• What happens during the procedure?
  CT scanning can be done in either a hospital, off-site imaging center or mobile unit. You will lie down on a moving table, which will slide you into the donut-shaped scanner. Inside the scanner, multiple X-ray beams are passed very quickly through your body at different angles. The unit's computer system translates this information into multiple diagnostic images and sends them to a display console for the technologist, radiologists and/or physicians to view. A solution of dye (also called contrast) may be injected into a vein during your exam, or you may also be instructed to drink a contrast liquid prior to your exam. This contrast will enhance various organs and tissue so the radiologist can better view the anatomy. CT Scans are quick and usually only last for 5 minutes or so. You may be on the table longer however, depending on proper positioning and/or if the physician or radiologist wants to view the images before you are taken off the table. CT exams are painless, you will be made comfortable and you can talk to the technologist at any time during the procedure.
• What happens after the procedure?
  If you were given dye for the scan, drinking a lot of fluids after the procedure may help your body rid itself of the dye. Rarely, some people may have an allergic reaction to the dye and so are questioned about allergies prior to using this type of contrast. Most reactions happen right away so the technologist can easily and safely counteract any reaction with an injection right then and there.
  Be sure to tell your technologists if you have any concerns with this type of contrast.
• What are the benefits of the procedure?
  A CT scan provides detailed pictures in a cross section format to help your healthcare provider diagnose your problem.
• What are the risks associated with this procedure?
  In this procedure your body is exposed to radiation. Exposure to radiation can be dangerous if you are exposed to it often or in large amounts, however radiation doses for diagnostic exams are very well monitored and controlled, and with the latest increasing gains and improvements in diagnostic imaging using x-rays, optimal imaging results can now be obtained with much lower doses of radiation.
  All of our technologists and staff are members of the ACR’s (American College of Radiology) Imaging Gently and Image Wisely Campaigns. This organization provides guidelines and training to those personnel operating medical equipment that generates ionized radiation, to ensure the lowest dose possible is administered to our patients to obtain the optimal level of image quality for radiologists and physicians to diagnose your problem. If you are pregnant, you should not have a CT scan without first discussing the possible risks with your healthcare provider.
• When should I call my healthcare provider?
  Call your provider during office hours if you have questions about the procedure or its result. You should also call your provider right away, at any time of day, if:
  - You have a worsening of the pain or other symptoms you had before the test.
  - You are having symptoms of an allergic reaction: itching, rash, or sweating. If your throat is swollen or you have trouble breathing, call 911.