Diagnostic Tests

CT IMAGING

At Nebraska Pulmonary Specialties our goal is to provide excellent imaging service.

We are an American College of Radiology accredited facility. This means we meet national standards for CT imaging. We have a state of the art 64 slice CT scanner, professionally trained technologists with more than 14 years experience, together with 9 board certified Radiologists with a combined 96 years experience.

We are one of the largest groups of Pulmonologists in the state and as such our office specializes in imaging of the Chest. We also perform CT’s of the Head and Neck to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of many respiratory conditions.

When you have your CT scan the x-ray technologist will bring you back to the CT room. Family members are asked to wait in the waiting room. You will be positioned on the table and the technologist will explain the exam to you.

The table will move you in and out of the tube (see picture) as an x-ray beam passes through your body at several different angles. A computer then takes the data and forms it into “slices.” These slices provide very detailed images of your body. Sometimes a CT is ordered with contrast or x-ray dye. In order to administer this dye, an IV will be placed in your arm. The dye may make you feel warm, almost like you have to go to the bathroom. This is normal and will subside quickly. These images help our physicians evaluate your disease process and assess in your treatment.

Diagnostic Services & Testing

N

CT Scans

N

IN-OFFICE CHEST X-RAYS

and interpretation

N

ADVANCED PULMONARY FUNCTION TESTING

N

6 Minute Walk Tests

Diagnostic Conditions Treated

N

ASTHMA/ALLERGIC LUNG DISEASE

N

COPD/EMPHYSEMA

N

LUNG CANCER

more info
N

PULMONARY FIBROSIS

N

PULMONARY INFECTIONS

N

PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

N

PLEURAL DISEASES

N

SARCOIDOSIS

Diagnostic Procedures

CT Imaging

The table will move you in and out of the tube (see picture) as an x-ray beam passes through your body at several different angles. A computer then takes the data and forms it into “slices.” These slices provide very detailed images of your body. Sometimes a CT is ordered with contrast or x-ray dye. In order to administer this dye this an IV will be placed in your arm. The dye may make you feel warm, almost like you have to go to the bathroom. This is normal and will subside quickly. These images help our physicians evaluate your disease process and assess in your treatment.

Chest X-Ray
A chest x-ray is performed by standing or sitting between an x-ray machine and film. The x-rays pass through your body and create an image on the film. A chest x-ray gives doctors a look at your lungs, heart, ribs, and other structures in your chest.
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary function tests are breathing tests to find out how well you move air in and out of your lungs (spirometry), the size of your lungs (body plethysmography), and how well oxygen enters your body (diffusion capacity). The spirometry is occasionally performed both before and after receiving an inhaled medication. The purpose of such testing is to determine your responsiveness to medication, which may affect the diagnosis and treatment options.
6 Minute Walk Tests

The six minute walk test is used by your doctor to help assess the function of your lungs. It may also be used to measure response to medical treatments.  The object of this test is to walk as far as possible in 6 minutes.  You will walk back and forth in a long hallway.  This will be at your own pace and you will be permitted to slow down, to stop and rest if necessary. 

If you use oxygen be sure to bring it for the test. You will also be allowed to use walking aids if you need them.

To prepare for this test:

  • Comfortable clothing should be worn
  • Appropriate shoes for walking should be worn
  • You will be allowed to use any walking aids (cane, walker, etc.) 
  • Continue all medications as usual
  • You may eat a light meal before the test
  • You should not exercise vigorously within 2 hours prior to starting the test
  • If you wear oxygen please bring it with you as you will be wearing it during the test.