Health Star Alliance
Empowering the Patient
Diagnostic Imaging ★
Health Star Alliance patients have access to some of today’s high-level imaging tools including 3D and 4D equipment. With the introduction of new and increasingly effective technologies, patients and physicians alike benefit from the enhanced image resolution that has become possible, and in many cases, the increased speed and comfort that such technology affords.
Bone Density Testing
A method of determining your bone health is a bone density test. It can detect osteoporosis and measure your risk for fractures. A Dual x-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) test is performed using low-dose x-rays and a densitometry machine. This analyzes the level of mineral content in the bone the skeleton contains. The test is painless and non-invasive. A bone density test is recommended once every two years for patients over 65 years old.
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Coronary Calcium Score (CCS)
Health Star Alliance heart and vascular facilities provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options for all your patients’ heart health needs. Our specialists utilize innovative diagnostic tools, treatments and educational programs to ensure that your patients receive complete and advanced heart health care. Our board certified cardiologists perform Coronary Calcium Score (CCS) which visualizes hard calcified plaque and is a good screening tool. The higher the score, the more plaque build-up and the more aggressive physicians need to be with patients’ heart evaluation and care. Health Star Alliance currently offers CCS exams at three convenient locations throughout the DFW Metroplex - Plano, Fort Worth and Grapevine.
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CT Angiography
Computerized Tomographic Angiography, or CT Angiography, is a test that combines advanced x-rays with computers and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to generate multidimensional views of blood vessels throughout the body. These areas include the heart, abdomen, brain, legs and lungs. The procedure is especially useful in the following ways: detecting diseases and aneurysms in the aorta, evaluating atherosclerosis that can cause a stroke (in the neck, legs and heart), viewing injuries to major arteries throughout the body and aiding surgeons in implanting stents. In addition, CT Angiography can image tumors, organ ruptures and buildup of fluids. Contrast dye is injected into the blood vessels to better view results. The procedure is less invasive than a traditional angiogram, and superior to an MRI for vascular imaging.
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CT Scan
A CT scan (or CAT) scan is an advanced three-dimensional tool for examining such body areas as the abdomen, chest, brain, spine and pelvis so that problems such as cancer, injuries and heart disease can be more rapidly diagnosed. Using sophisticated computers and x-ray equipment, clear and cross-sectional views of the body are generated. Results can then be studied on a computer for further analysis. CT scan results can also pinpoint where to aim radiation for tumors and detect bone mineral density for osteoporosis purposes. CT is especially superior for vascular imaging, revealing abscesses, organ ruptures and fluid accumulation.
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Digital Diagnostic & Screening Mammography
Health Star Alliance facilities offer the high levels of experience and credentials to provide quality diagnostic and screening mammography services. Our facilities partner with board certified radiologists, surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists, pathologists and professionally trained technologists to assess and evaluate your patients’ individual breast health needs. We offer our patients the advanced, state-of-the-art technology for breast cancer detection utilizing digital mammography systems, which capture the sharpest images for improved visibility of the breast, allowing for early diagnosis. Digital mammography services are offered at conveniently located facilities throughout the DFW Metroplex.
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Digital X-Ray
Health Star Alliance currently performs Digital X-Ray studies at Prestonwood Imaging, conveniently located in The Texas Clinic at Prestonwood in Plano. Digital radiography is a form of x-ray imaging, where digital X-ray sensors are used instead of traditional photographic film. Advantages include time efficiency through bypassing chemical processing and the ability to digitally transfer and enhance images. Also, less radiation can be used to produce an image of similar contrast to conventional radiography. Digital Radiography (DR) or (DX) is essentially filmless X-ray image capture. A digital image capture device is used, in place of X-ray film, to record the X-ray image and make it available as a digital file that can be presented for interpretation and saved as part of the patient’s medical record. The advantages of DR over film include immediate image preview and availability, a wider dynamic range which makes it more forgiving for over-exposure and under-exposure as well as the ability to apply special image processing techniques that enhance overall display of the image.
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MRI/MRA
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) are procedures that combine radio frequency fields, a powerful magnetic field and computers to yield sharp images of the internal body. The result is higher structural and functional information. The cross-sectional pictures produced of organs, bone, soft tissues and other areas are of much higher contrast than x-rays, ultrasound or CT scans. Physicians use MRIs to view the brain, heart, liver, bones, breast, skeleton and other areas to help detect or evaluate treatment for tumors and other abnormalities such as cerebral palsy and aneurysms. MRA procedures are similar and focus on images of blood vessels throughout the body.
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Nuclear Medicine
Health Star Alliance is pleased to offer Nuclear Medicine studies at locations throughout the DFW area. Nuclear Medicine offers procedures that are essential in many medical specialties, from pediatrics to cardiology to psychiatry. New and innovative nuclear medicine treatments that target and pinpoint molecular levels within the body are revolutionizing our understanding of and approach to a range of diseases and conditions. Nuclear medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and treat disease. The radiopharmaceuticals, in imaging, are detected by the Gamma Camera that linked with computers provide very precise pictures about the area of the body being imaged. The amount of radiation in a typical nuclear imaging procedure is comparable with that received during a diagnostic x-ray, and the amount received in a typical treatment procedure is kept within safe limits. Nuclear medicine imaging is unique, because it provides doctors with information about both structure and function. It is a way to gather medical information that would otherwise be unavailable, require surgery, or necessitate more expensive diagnostic tests. Nuclear medicine imaging procedures often identify abnormalities very early in the progress of a disease long before many medical problems are apparent with other diagnostic tests.
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PET/CT
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a non-invasive imaging procedure that displays the metabolic activity of the body, before anatomical changes occur. This scan is usually combined with a CT (computerized tomography) scan that displays various anatomical features such as shape, size and location of various organs and muscles. Such diseases as cancer can be effectively detected using PET. Since cancer cells are very metabolic and synthesize the injected radioactive glucose (done before the exam), the scan reveals where the high glucose areas of the body are. In some cases, these are tumors. A PET scan can also detect if cancer has spread or is isolated to one area. PET and CT scans are highly accurate in visualizing moving organs and other body parts with higher anatomical variation in great detail, such as brain abnormalities and coronary heart disease.
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Ultrasound
Also called sonography, ultrasound is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate pictures of the body's internal areas. Real-time capture of images shows how internal organs work and move, and how blood flows throughout the body. Because images can be displayed in flat sections as well as 3D and even 4D, physicians can better diagnose and recommend treatment for medical problems. Ultrasound can help locate sources of pain, infection and swelling. It can help diagnose or evaluate damage related to heart conditions and examine most vital organs (heart, liver, pancreas, uterus, eyes, etc.). If there is a change in the pitch of the reflected sound waves, the results are evaluated to see if there is a tumor or unusual mass.
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Prestonwood Imaging Center
Prestonwood Imaging is genuinely committed to the imaging needs of each individual patient. The center offers an exceptional range of imaging services:
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