Radiology

State-of-the-art imaging for fast, accurate results from head to littlest toe

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Latest advances in diagnostic and interventional imaging.

Proven Expertise

Our accomplished technologists and expert radiologists are dedicated to delivering the highest level of care, and our patients give us a 98 percent satisfaction rate. 

Focus on Safety

Our radiation equipment features new technology, like advanced dose-reduction, and our team of physicists provides 24/7 dose monitoring for every patient, across different types of scans. 

Here for You

With convenient locations across the Puget Sound region, we offer same- and next-day exam availability with a quick turnaround time on results delivered to your inbox.

Some of our common services:

Below are links to a variety of imaging exams utilized by UW Medicine's Radiology Services. Each exam covers a range of procedures. Click on any of the following links to learn more about a given exam or procedure.

​​​​Bone densitometry is used to assess your bone health and fracture risk. This handout explains how the exam works, how to prepare for it, what to expect during the exam and how to get your results.

Interventional Radiology (IR) is one of the most exciting and advanced fields in medicine, but it is also one of the least well known. IR uses the latest in imaging technology to perform minimally invasive procedures throughout the body. Procedures that once required large incisions, general anesthesia, and days or weeks in the hospital can now be done on an outpatient basis with an incision so small that it does not require stitches.

Please select a procedure from the following list:

CT imaging—sometimes called CAT scanning—is a noninvasive test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT combines special X-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed.

Please choose from the list below to learn more about your CT procedure:

A mammogram is an imaging test to find breast cancer. It uses X-ray to take images of the breasts. There are two types of mammograms: Screening mammograms are used to find breast cancer in women who do not have breast symptoms or complaints. Diagnostic mammograms are used to look for the cause of a symptom, such as a lump in the breast.

​Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses X-ray to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of a patient through the use of a fluoroscope. A video camera allows the images to be recorded and played on a monitor. Please choose from the list below to learn more about the various fluoroscopy procedures: 

An X-ray (radiology exam) is a medical test that produces images (pictures) of a part of a body. These images help doctors diagnose health conditions. Doctors use bone X-ray to view and assess broken bones, skull fractures and spine injuries. Bone X-ray may also be used to guide orthopedic surgery (surgeries that involve bones, joints, ligaments or muscles), treat sports-related injuries and diagnose advanced forms of bone cancer. 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio frequency pulses and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures.

To learn more, please select from the following list of MRI procedures:

Patient forms to complete and return:

​​​​​Positron emission tomography (PET) and computerized tomography (CT) are both standard imaging tools that allow physicians to pinpoint the location of cancer within the body before making treatment recommendations. The highly-sensitive PET scan detects the metabolic signal of actively growing cancer cells in the body and the CT scan provides a detailed picture of the internal anatomy that reveals the location, size and shape of abnormal cancerous growths.

To learn more, please select from the following list of PET-CT procedures:

​​Ultrasound examination, also called sonography or diagnostic medical sonography, is an imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce precise images of structures within the body. The images produced through ultrasound examination often provide information that's valuable in diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions.

To learn more, please select from the following list of ultrasound procedures:

There are many types of imaging tests used to detect breast cancer, including ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammogram and breast tomosynthesis. Your care team will decide which is right for you and your condition or diagnosis.

Learn more about breast density and Washington's new breast density notification law.

This safe, effective imaging test uses X-rays to detect breast cancer. It helps doctors see abnormalities like lumps and allows them to detect cancer even before symptoms develop.

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Also called 3D mammography, this screening test produces X-ray images of the breasts from multiple angles to create a crystal-clear, 3D reconstruction. If you have dense breast tissue, your doctor might recommend this screening, which makes it easier for doctors to identify any problem areas.

MRI is a test that uses large magnets and a computer to create detailed images of structures inside your body. It does not use radiation. Breast MRI is most often used to check for breast cancer. It's is often done with contrast dye injected into a vein in the arm before or during the procedure to help create clearer images.

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A number of screenings are now available to help identify colon cancer. These include flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, virtual colonoscopy and double-contrast barium enema. Our radiologists work closely with physicians who specialize in diagnosing and managing colorectal issues, and our care team strives to make your experience as comfortable as possible.

How to prepare for your procedure

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Our Diagnostic Imaging team uses computed tomography, or CT, to produce a series of detailed, three-dimensional images of parts of the body. The CT is a painless, fast scan that uses both special x-ray equipment and computers to produce images that often can provide more detailed information than regular X-rays.

A CT scan can produce detailed images of organs, bones, soft tissues and blood vessels. CT scans are used to diagnose conditions such as cancer, musculoskeletal disease and trauma to certain areas of the body. The detailed results of a CT can eliminate or reduce the need for surgical biopsies and exploratory surgery.

How to prepare for your procedure

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Your physician’s office, or the physician caring for you in the hospital, must call to schedule an appointment for you. A significant amount of information is needed before each exam, including the type of exam, clinical problem and previous health history. In some cases pre-authorization is needed, depending upon insurance requirements.

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Also called a bone density test, this exam is most often used to detect osteoporosis (thinning of the bones). The exam is quick and painless and uses two very low-dose X-ray beams.

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UW Medical Center Montlake, Northwest, Roosevelt, Eastside Specialty Center & NW Outpatient Medical Center radiology scheduling: 
Phone: 206.598.7200 Fax: 206.597.4004
Call: 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Monday - Friday for radiology appointments*, and please have your referral form or imaging order faxed prior to calling. 

Harborview Medical Center radiology scheduling: 
Phone: 206.744.3105 Fax: 206.744.8206
Call 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for radiology appointments*, and please have your referral form or imaging order faxed prior to calling. 

Referring providers (only), for questions or ordering advice, please call the radiology consultant phone line at 206.598.0101.

*To schedule a mammogram directly, please call 206.668.1749​​​​​​​. X-ray exams are walk-in only at all locations. No appointment is necessary for X-ray.

UWMC referral form

Harborview referral form

Complete and sign a patient authorization to disclose, release and/or obtain protected health information. When requesting images on behalf of a patient, please include a copy of your power of attorney. Please mail, fax or email your authorization form and images request to one of the locations below.

Please include the following patient information with your request:

  • Last name, first name
  • Date of birth
  • Provider’s name
  • Address where copy is to be mailed to
  • Dates of service you are requesting
  • When you need the images

UW Medical Center Radiology
1959 NE Pacific Street, BB312
Box 375115
Seattle, WA 98195
Phone: 206.598.6206
Fax: 206.598.7690
email: radrecs@uw.edu

Harborview Medical Center
Mailbox: 359738
325 Ninth Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206.744.6730
Fax: 206.744.6374

UW Medical Center - Northwest 
Health Information Management Department
1550 N 115th St., MS D129
Seattle, WA 98133
Phone: 206.668.1748 (NWH) / 206.668.1749 (SBC)
Fax: 206.668.1398 (NWH) / 206.668.1790 (SBC)

We offer low-dose CT scans, which can detect lung cancer at an early stage, before it's likely to have spread. Low-dose CTs produce detailed images of your lungs without as much radiation exposure as a standard CT scan, allowing high-risk patients to receive regular screenings.

How to prepare for your procedure

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Our diagnostic imaging staff uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to develop detailed pictures of the inside of your body without the use of invasive techniques or x-ray radiation. The tests are performed using a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce a clear, detailed view of a patient’s internal organs and tissues. An MRI is painless and extremely safe.

An MRI can be used to assess a variety of situations – from knee or head injuries to tumors or blood and vessel disorders. MRIs have proven valuable for the diagnosis of a broad conditions in all parts of the body, including heart and vascular disease, stroke, and cancer, to name a few. In many cases, other imaging procedures, such as ultrasound or CT, may detect a problem and MRI is then used to evaluate that problem further. 

How to prepare for your procedure

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Patients may schedule an appointment directly, but must bring a completed physician referral form with them to the appointment. Your physician’s office can also call to schedule appointments.

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A nuclear medicine examination produces images that can help a physician diagnose a specific disease or disorder, or capture images of infections or tumors in specific organs. A patient is given a small amount of a radioactive compound that localizes in specific body organ systems. This compound gives off energy, which a special camera can detect and use to produce an image that can be viewed on a computer. Nuclear medicine exams are commonly used to evaluate blood flow and function of the heart, respiratory and blood flow to the lungs, kidney functions and the presence of cancer, among others. The radiation levels that a patient receives are generally comparable to that of a standard X-ray exam.

How to prepare for your procedure

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Your physician’s office must call to schedule an appointment. A significant amount of information is needed prior to scheduling each exam, including the type of exam you need, the reason for the procedure, and certain details from your health history

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A positron emission topography (PET) scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging test used to examine body tissues and organs to identify medical conditions. PET scans are often performed alongside CT scans to increase diagnostic accuracy by combining the results from these two powerful tests.

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This type of nuclear medicine imaging produces especially detailed results of organ and tissue structure and function by using a gamma camera that rotates around you. It's most commonly used to diagnose or monitor brain, heart and bone problems. Our SPECT scans are highly effective and present little risk. 

UW Medicine MyChart allows you to access test and imaging results and other health information online any time you need it. If you're signed up for MyChart, you can sign in to view your results at your convenience.

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Inform yourself to make the best choices for your health and care with UW Medicine patient education resources.

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Emotional support is an important part of your treatment. Support groups and community resources can help you and your loved ones through treatment and recovery.

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Most of our imaging procedures have a low risk of side effects from radiation exposure. But we continually work to reduce the radiation dosage of imaging tests while maximizing the benefits of these powerful disease-fighting tools. And each of our patients is closely monitored by a team of on-site physicists.

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Radiation safety info website

Shielding for Radiology Exams

  • Patient information for CT Doses - English

There are many types of routine radiography used to produce different types of images depending on each patient’s individual clinical needs. X-ray, fluoroscopy and tomosynthesis are common among them.

How to prepare for your procedure

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An X-ray is a simple medical imaging test that produces a one-dimensional image of a part of the body—often the bones or chest—so that doctors can diagnose health conditions. At UW Medicine, we use digital X-rays, which have 70 percent less radiation than film X-rays.

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During this imaging test, a continuous X-ray beam is passed through a body part and sent to a video monitor. Fluoroscopy allows doctors to closely observe an area of the body in motion, such as the heart, joints, bowels, bones or muscles, in order to evaluate function.

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Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves similar to the sonar that dolphins and submarines use. Ultrasound imaging is used to study many of the body’s organs by using high frequency sound waves instead of radiation. When sound waves are recorded, they are immediately displayed on a monitor in real time. Although most individuals are familiar with an ultrasound as the device that allows them to see a picture of an unborn child, physicians also use ultrasound to see images and movement inside the patient’s body, including the body’s blood flow, and the size and function of many internal organs including the heart, pancreas, liver, bladder and kidneys.

How to prepare for your procedure

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Patients can schedule an appointment directly, but they must bring a completed physician referral form with them to the appointment, or have their physician call or fax the referral.

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Vascular and interventional radiology (VIR) specialists deliver minimally invasive image-guided treatments for numerous conditions occurring throughout the body.

VIR specialists utilizes many non-surgical, minimally invasive treatments as alternatives to open surgical procedures. VIR radiology procedures are generally easier for the patient because they involve small incisions, minimal pain and shorter recovery times.

VIR radiologists use their expertise in X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, ultrasound, and other medical imaging technology to guide small instruments, such as catheter tubes, through the blood vessels or other pathways to treat medical conditions, rather than open surgery.

Examples of vascular and interventional radiology procedures include vertebroblasty, kyphoplasty, radio frequency ablation of tumors, angiography, balloon angioplasty and stenting to open clogged blood vessels, uterine fibroid embolization, spinal pain injections, and needle biopsy, among others.

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