Lab & Imaging

At TidalHealth, we know how important it is to have trustworthy, timely information about your health. Our lab and imaging services are designed to support you and your care team with clear results delivered by skilled professionals. Whether you need a routine blood draw or a more advanced scan, we are committed to providing dependable care with compassion and respect for your comfort.

From lab appointments that fit into your daily routine to imaging that uses the latest technology, our staff is here to guide you and answer your questions. We’re proud of the expertise of our laboratory team as well as our medical imaging specialists, including board-certified radiologists. You deserve information that helps you make confident decisions about your care, and we’re honored to play a part in that process.

Imaging Services We Offer

TidalHealth provides a wide range of imaging tests to help you and your doctor better understand your health. Our goal is to make these exams as simple, comfortable and informative as possible.

• Bone Density (DEXA) Scan
  A quick, noninvasive scan that measures bone density and calcium content to help identify osteoporosis or fracture risk. Available for patients of all ages, including children.
• CT Scan
  Uses X-rays to create detailed internal images. Our scanners provide fast imaging with low radiation and accommodate a wide variety of body types.
• Spiral CT Scan
  Provides even more detailed imaging and helps detect small abnormalities to support diagnosis, treatment planning and monitoring progress.
• CT Coronary Calcium Scan
  A low-dose, painless exam that measures calcium in the coronary arteries—an early sign of coronary artery disease.
  
  Recommended for women ages 40–70 and men ages 35–65 with risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity, high blood pressure or diabetes.
• Interventional Radiology
  Minimally invasive, image-guided procedures performed by specialized physicians using ultrasound, CT or X-ray technology.
• Mammography
  A breast X-ray used to detect signs of cancer. Regular screenings are recommended beginning at age 40, or earlier for those with family history. TidalHealth offers advanced 3D mammography for a quicker, more comfortable exam with lower doses of radiation.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs and tissues. Helpful in diagnosing injuries, diseases and other conditions.
• Nuclear Medicine
  Involves small amounts of radiotracers to evaluate how organs and tissues function. These tests can detect disease at very early stages.
• PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography)
  Shows how cells function inside the body. Commonly used to diagnose cancer, heart disease and certain brain disorders. PET scans are often paired with CT or MRI.
• Ultrasound (Sonography)
  Uses sound waves to produce images of organs and tissues. Often used during pregnancy, but also helpful for evaluating areas such as the abdomen, thyroid, breast and testicles.
• X-ray
  A quick, simple test that uses radiation to capture images of bones and other internal structures.

Support and Programs

TidalHealth offers support programs, including financial assistance for eligible patients, to ensure access to important screenings such as mammograms. Our team is always available to answer your questions and help you feel at ease before, during and after your imaging appointment.

Lab Services at TidalHealth

TidalHealth’s lab services are designed for convenience and accessibility. Many of our lab stations are located inside primary or specialty care offices, and you do not need to be a patient of that practice to use them. Most routine tests can be completed without a hospital visit.

Our team performs everything from standard blood draws to more complex laboratory studies. We focus on providing accurate, timely results with a caring and respectful approach so your care team can make informed decisions about your health.

If you have questions about specific tests or want to learn more about our services, we encourage you to reach out. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Awards & Recognition

• TidalHealth’s medical imaging department is one of the oldest and largest in the Delmarva region, a reflection of decades of trust and expertise.
• Our CT, MRI, nuclear medicine (including nuclear cardiology) and ultrasound programs are accredited by respected organizations such as the American College of Radiology and the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission for our vascular lab.
• TidalHealth is recognized as an American College of Radiology Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center, meeting high standards for imaging quality and patient care.

Preparing for Your Visit

How you prepare for your lab or imaging appointment depends on the type of test you’re having. Some exams may require you to remove clothing or jewelry, while others may have specific instructions. Our team will let you know ahead of time so you feel ready and comfortable.

For Ultrasound Appointments

You will usually lie on an exam table while a technologist applies a warm, water-based gel to help capture clear images. Most ultrasounds are simple, gentle and require no recovery time. After your exam, a radiologist will review your results and share them with your ordering provider. In some cases, the radiologist may discuss findings with you before you leave.

If you have any concerns or questions about preparing for your appointment, our team is always here to help.