Showmenu

Diagnostic and Medical Imaging | UC Davis Health

Diagnostic and Medical Imaging

Our world-class imaging and therapeutic procedures ensure you receive the highest quality and most timely care.

Medically reviewed by Elizabeth Morris, M.D. on Sep. 17, 2026.

Male patient going into a medical imaging machine and a female provider in a white coat starting the scan

Leaders in Imaging Technology and Procedures

We understand how important it is to get an accurate diagnosis for your condition and clear images when you have unexplained symptoms. Our specialists lead the development of new imaging instruments and approaches that help solve medical problems and detect health conditions early.

The UC Davis Health Department of Radiology faculty and research teams lead the field in innovation. You can feel confident in your diagnosis and treatment when you come to us.

Our Difference

volunteer_activism
High-Performance Diagnostic Equipment

We stay at the forefront of imaging technology by developing equipment like high-performance CT scanners. We also created the world’s first full-body positron emission tomography (PET) scanner.

location_on
Personalized Imaging and Therapeutic Services

We take a personalized approach to your care, tailoring treatments and exams to your needs. Our team supports you all the way through your test or procedure.  

volunteer_activism
Renowned Research

Our team works with researchers around the globe to improve imaging technology and procedures. We receive extensive research funding from nonprofit organizations and the National Institutes of Health.

Request an Appointment

As Sacramento's No. 1 hospital, you'll benefit from unique advantages in primary care and specialty care. This includes prevention, diagnosis and treatment options from experts in 150 specialties.

Referring Physicians

To refer a patient, submit an electronic referral form or call.

family_restroom

Patients

Call to make an appointment.

stethoscope

Diagnostic and Medical Imaging Specialties

Diagnostic and medical imaging helps our providers see inside your body. We use imaging to examine how your body’s systems function and to check for possible disorders.

At UC Davis Health, we offer routine imaging screenings, advanced diagnostic studies and radiology treatment procedures. Physicians across Northern California send people to our imaging centers for excellent care.

Our Specialty Areas:

Abdominal Imaging

Our team uses state-of-the-art technology to examine and diagnose abdominal and pelvic disorders. Our interventional radiologists use advanced imaging guidance to perform minimally invasive procedures like biopsies.

Discover our abdominal imaging capabilities
Breast Radiology

We offer the latest 2D and 3D mammograms for breast cancer screenings. We also provide diagnostic imaging using breast MRI and breast ultrasound technology.

Learn about our breast imaging services
Cardiothoracic Radiology

Our cardiac and thoracic (chest) imaging experts diagnose chest disorders using CT, MRI and X-rays. We evaluate conditions that affect your blood vessels, lungs and heart.

Read more about our thoracic radiology services
Musculoskeletal Radiology

Our musculoskeletal experts provide imaging and diagnosis of injuries, arthritis and other medical conditions. Imaging can also help check on positioning of orthopaedic hardware. We work closely with specialists in orthopaedics, rehabilitation medicine, oncology and primary care.

Learn about musculoskeletal radiology
Neuroradiology and Interventional Neuroradiology

Our neuroradiology imaging services help identify conditions that affect your central nervous system. This includes your brain, ears, eyes, nose, throat and spine. Interventional neuroradiology specialists can go a step further and offer precise treatments guided by this technology.

Discover our neuroradiology capabilities
Nuclear Medicine

We put a small amount of radioactive material into your body. The material is visible during imaging and can show how your organs and tissues function. It can also find and destroy cancer cells in your body.

Read about diagnostic radiology
Pediatric Radiology

Our caring pediatric radiologists take special care of your child. We use the lowest possible level of radiation in our imaging exams. We also make sure you and your child feel comfortable and supported during testing.

Learn more about pediatric radiology
Vascular and Interventional Radiology

We perform minimally invasive procedures guided by medical imaging. These procedures require a tiny incision and can remove blood clots and gallstones, destroy tumors and provide other treatments. You’ll have a much faster recovery than traditional surgery.

Read more about interventional radiology
Awards and Recognitions
PreviousNext
U.S. News Best Hospitals badge: Ranked in 6 specialties, 2026-27

Ranked among the best in 6 specialties

A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.

Learn more
U.S. News Best Children's Hospitals badge: Ranked in 3 specialties, 2026-27

Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals

U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in pediatric nephrology, orthopedics*, and neonatology. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)

Learn more
U.S. News Best Regional Hospitals badge: Sacramento metro, recognized in 23 types of care, 2026-27

Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital

Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and recognized in 23 types of care including acute kidney failure, cancer care, cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, diabetes & endocrinology, ear, nose & throat surgery, gastroenterology & GI surgery, geriatrics, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, hip replacement, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, neurology & neurosurgery, orthopedics, pneumonia, pulmonology & lung surgery and stroke.

Learn more
Magnet recognized badge: American Nurses Credentialing Center

The nation’s highest nursing honor

UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.

Learn more
NCI badge: Designated comprehensive cancer center

World-class cancer care

One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.

Learn more
LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader badge: 2024, Healthcare Equality Index

A leader in health care equality

For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.

Learn more
See more
conditions

Conditions We Diagnose and Treat with Imaging

We diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions with diagnostic and medical imaging. Advanced imaging techniques allow our experts to see inside your body and give you an accurate diagnosis. For some conditions, we can use medical imaging during your treatments.

Blood Clots

Blood clots can form in your veins and block blood flow. They can cause pain if they sit near the surface of your skin. Other blood clots move through your blood vessels and block oxygen from getting to organs like your lungs or heart.

Learn more about vein problems
Bone and Muscle Injuries and Conditions

Your bones and soft tissues can lose strength or get injured. These conditions can cause pain and make it harder to move around.

Read more about musculoskeletal radiology
Cancer

Cancer can grow anywhere in your body and spread to other organs and tissues. Diagnostic imaging can help your care team design an individualized treatment plan.

Find out more about cancer care
Gallstones

Gallstones form in your gallbladder, a small organ near your liver, causing pain and inflammation. Your care team may recommend surgery to remove your gallstones.

Learn about gallbladder surgery
Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland in your neck releases hormones that affect how your body uses energy. When it releases too much (hyperthyroidism), it can cause symptoms like a fast pulse, irritability and muscle weakness.

Discover more about an overactive thyroid
Liver and Kidney Disease

Your liver and kidneys filter your blood, taking the nutrients you need and removing what you don’t. Kidney disease can cause high blood pressure and toxin buildup. Liver disease can affect how well your brain works and cause swelling in your abdomen and legs.

Lung Conditions

Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or infections like pneumonia can make breathing difficult.

Read more about respiratory infections
Neurological Conditions

Conditions that affect your brain and nerves include strokes, aneurysms, seizures and spine conditions like herniated discs.

Find out more about neurology
Pelvic Floor Disorders

Your pelvic floor muscles hold organs like your uterus, bladder, vagina and rectum in place. These muscles and the tissues connecting them can get weak or injured. Pelvic floor disorders can cause problems controlling your bladder and bowels and can let your pelvic organs drop too low.

Learn more about pelvic floor disorders
Uterine Fibroids

Non-cancerous tumors called uterine fibroids grow in your uterus. They can cause heavy period bleeding and pain with sex and urination.

Read more about endometriosis and uterine conditions
Vascular Disorders

Vascular disorders cause your veins and arteries to get inflamed or become narrow or too wide. This can cause symptoms like bulging veins, warm or cool skin areas, numbness and swelling.

Read more about vascular disorders
family_history

Types of Diagnostic and Medical Imaging

We use different types of imaging to identify specific conditions or to examine certain parts of your body. Imaging tests are usually painless. Sometimes, you’ll need to drink a substance or receive an injection before the scan. You may have to lie still for a long time. Your care team will work with you to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. 

Imaging types include:

Computed Tomography (CT) Scans

During a CT scan, you lie on a table, and X-ray equipment takes pictures of your body. Some CT scans use contrast dye to highlight areas inside your body. You may receive contrast dye in a drink, through an injection or with an enema.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI exam looks inside your body using a magnet and radio waves. During an MRI, you lie still on a table that slides into a machine. We give you earplugs to wear during an MRI because the machine makes loud clanking noises.

Nuclear Medicine Scans

We give you a small dose of radioactive material (called a radiotracer) during a nuclear medicine scan. You lie still on a table while a special camera takes pictures. The camera can detect how your body reacts to the radiotracer.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to take pictures (sometimes called sonograms). Ultrasound tests monitor a baby’s growth during pregnancy. They also help identify conditions that affect your blood vessels, glands and organs.

X-Ray

X-rays take pictures using electromagnetic waves. We use X-rays to check for bone fractures. They can also help us detect conditions like pneumonia and breast cancer.

Imaging FAQs

Diagnostic and medical imaging help your providers identify and treat many medical conditions. Because of imaging technology, we can detect many disorders early and prevent serious complications. Imaging also lets us offer minimally invasive surgical procedures that reduce your recovery time.

A CT sends X-rays through your body to create a 3D image of the target area. An MRI uses magnet-based technology and radio waves to create highly detailed images.

The timing of your imaging test depends on which test you need. Your care team can take some X-rays in a few minutes, but an MRI can take an hour or more.

Having a CT scan to get your diagnosis carries more benefit than risk. Too many scans can slightly increase your chances of developing cancer. Your care team will fully explain your personal risk so you can decide which tests you want.