DR. JOHN V. ROBERTS M.D.
NPI 1417110990
Radiology - Diagnostic Radiology in Durham, NC

An MRI scan of the pelvis before and after contrast is a non-invasive imaging technique. It uses magnetic fields and radio waves to capture detailed images of your lower abdomen. Contrast dye, safe for the body, improves image clarity. This helps detect abnormalities more accurately.

A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is a non-invasive medical test. It uses special X-ray equipment to create detailed images of your abdominal and pelvic areas. This helps doctors examine organs, tissues, and vessels. No contrast dye is used in this procedure.

A CT scan of the chest without contrast is a non-invasive imaging procedure. It uses special X-ray equipment to produce detailed images of your chest area, including your lungs and heart. It can help diagnose conditions such as lung diseases or heart disorders. It doesn't involve any dyes or contrast agents.

An X-ray of the abdomen, 1 view, is a quick and painless imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the structures in your abdomen, such as the stomach, liver, and intestines. This can help identify issues like blockages, infections, or injuries.

A chest X-ray, 2 views, is a quick, painless test that creates pictures of the structures inside your chest, such as your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Two different angles are used to get a comprehensive view. This helps in diagnosing conditions like pneumonia, heart problems, or lung cancer.

A CT scan of the upper spine without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test that uses X-rays to capture detailed images of your neck and upper back. It helps in identifying issues like fractures, tumors, or infections. No dye (contrast) is used in this scan.

A CT scan of the chest with contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses X-rays and a special dye to get detailed images of your blood vessels in the chest. This helps in diagnosing conditions related to heart and lungs.

An MRI scan of the lower spinal canal without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of your lower spine. This helps identify issues like disc problems, tumors, or nerve conditions. No dye is used.

A chest X-ray, 2 views, is a quick, painless test that creates pictures of the structures inside your chest, such as your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Two different angles are used to get a comprehensive view. This helps in diagnosing conditions like pneumonia, heart problems, or lung cancer.

A limited ultrasound scan of the abdomen is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses sound waves to produce images of the abdominal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. This helps to identify any abnormalities or issues.

A nuclear medicine study from skull base to mid-thigh with a CT scan involves using a small amount of radioactive material and CT imaging to examine body tissues and organs. This helps detect any abnormalities by providing detailed images of the body's internal structure.

An MRI scan of the brain without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your brain. It helps in detecting abnormalities like tumors, stroke, inflammation, or infection.

Screening 3D breast mammography is a procedure that uses low-dose X-rays to create detailed images of the breast. This allows for early detection of any unusual changes or growths. It's a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that typically takes about 30 minutes.

Screening mammography is a preventative measure that uses low-dose X-rays to take images of the chest area. It's a key tool in early detection of abnormalities, helping to identify issues before they become symptomatic. It is recommended annually for certain age groups.

An MRI scan of the lower spinal canal without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of your lower spine. This helps identify issues like disc problems, tumors, or nerve conditions. No dye is used.

A CT scan of the lower spine without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses X-rays to create detailed images of your lower back area, helping to detect conditions like fractures, infections, or tumors. It's painless and generally quick.

A complete ultrasound scan behind the abdominal cavity is a non-invasive imaging procedure. It uses sound waves to create pictures of the structures and organs located at the back of your abdomen. It helps in diagnosing health conditions and monitoring ongoing treatments.

A CT scan of your abdomen and pelvis with and without contrast helps visualize your internal organs better. Contrast is a special dye that improves the clarity of the images. It's taken orally or injected into your veins before the scan. The process is painless and quick.

This is a non-invasive procedure using sound waves to visualize veins in an arm or leg. It involves applying gentle pressure and performing certain movements. It helps identify any abnormal blood flow or clots, ensuring vascular health.

An X-ray of the pelvis, 1-2 views, is a quick and painless imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the lower part of your torso. These images help to detect any abnormalities or injuries in your hip bones and surrounding structures.

An X-ray of the lower and sacral spine involves capturing images of your lower back area, including the tailbone. This procedure helps in identifying problems like fractures, infections, or deformities. 2-3 different angle views provide a comprehensive picture.

An X-ray of the lower and sacral spine involves capturing images of your lower back and tailbone area. It helps in identifying issues like fractures, arthritis, or other abnormalities. At least four different angles or 'views' are taken to get a comprehensive picture.

An MRI scan of the upper spinal canal without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your upper spine. This helps doctors identify issues such as injuries, infections or diseases. No dye is used.

An MRI scan of the brain, both before and after contrast, helps visualize different brain structures. Initially, images are taken without a contrast agent. Then, a safe dye is injected which helps highlight certain areas, providing clearer, more detailed images.

An X-ray of the hip with 2-3 views is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce pictures of the hip joint. These images help in diagnosing conditions like fractures, arthritis, or other abnormalities. The process is quick and painless.

A CT scan of your abdomen and pelvis with and without contrast helps visualize your internal organs better. Contrast is a special dye that improves the clarity of the images. It's taken orally or injected into your veins before the scan. The process is painless and quick.

A DXA bone density measurement is a simple, quick, and non-invasive procedure that assesses the strength of your bones. This test uses X-rays to measure the amount of minerals, mainly calcium, in the hip, pelvis, and spine. It helps in early detection of osteoporosis or other bone diseases.

An X-ray of the knee with 1-2 views is a quick, painless test that produces images of the knee bones. It helps identify fractures, infections, or changes in the knee joint. During the procedure, you'll be asked to stay still while the X-ray machine captures the images.

A CT scan of the face without contrast is a non-invasive imaging procedure. It uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of your face, including bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels. It's often used to diagnose diseases, injuries, or abnormalities. No contrast dye is used in this procedure.

A CT scan of the pelvis without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of your lower abdomen area. It helps in detecting issues like injuries, inflammation, or abnormal growths. It doesn't involve any dye injection.

An X-ray of the knee, 3 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the knee from three different angles. This helps medical professionals to diagnose and monitor conditions like arthritis, fractures, or infections. The process is quick and painless.

A nuclear medicine study of bone and/or joint whole body involves injecting a small amount of radioactive material into your body. This material travels to your bones and emits energy. A special camera captures this energy, creating images of your bones to help identify any abnormalities.

A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast is an imaging procedure. A special dye, called contrast, is used to make certain areas more visible. This can help identify issues such as infections, tumors, or other abnormalities. The procedure is painless and usually takes about 30 minutes.

A CT scan of the middle spine without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of your mid-spine area. This scan helps doctors identify issues like fractures, tumors, or infections. No dye is used in this procedure.

An X-ray of the shoulder, with a minimum of 2 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of your shoulder bones. This helps in diagnosing conditions like fractures, arthritis, or other abnormalities. The procedure is quick and painless.

An X-ray of the lower and sacral spine involves capturing images of your lower back area, including the tailbone. This procedure helps in identifying problems like fractures, infections, or deformities. 2-3 different angle views provide a comprehensive picture.

A limited ultrasound scan of one breast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your breast. It helps identify any unusual growths or changes. It's safe, quick, and typically painless.

Diagnostic digital breast tomosynthesis is a 3D imaging test that allows doctors to examine your breast tissue layer by layer. It's performed on one or both sides. It helps in detecting abnormalities more accurately. It's often done in addition to other tests.

An X-ray of the abdomen, 2 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to capture pictures of the structures inside your belly. The two views provide different angles, helping doctors see your organs clearly and detect any issues.

An MRI scan of the pelvis before and after contrast is a non-invasive imaging technique. It uses magnetic fields and radio waves to capture detailed images of your lower abdomen. Contrast dye, safe for the body, improves image clarity. This helps detect abnormalities more accurately.

A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is a non-invasive medical test. It uses special X-ray equipment to create detailed images of your abdominal and pelvic areas. This helps doctors examine organs, tissues, and vessels. No contrast dye is used in this procedure.

An X-ray of the shoulder, 1 view, is a quick, painless test that produces images of the bones and tissues within your shoulder. It helps diagnose conditions such as fractures, infections, or arthritis. You'll be positioned to capture the best view, then a small dose of radiation creates the image.

A CT scan of the chest with contrast is an imaging procedure. A special dye (contrast) is used to highlight specific areas in your body, providing clearer pictures of your chest. This helps in diagnosing conditions related to your lungs, heart, and other chest structures.

A complete ultrasound scan of the abdomen is a non-invasive imaging procedure. It uses sound waves to produce images of the organs in your abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. It helps in diagnosing, monitoring, and planning treatments.

Diagnostic mammography involves using special imaging technology to capture detailed images of both breasts. This procedure helps in identifying any unusual changes or abnormalities. It's a crucial step in ensuring breast health and early detection of potential issues.

An X-ray of the thigh bone is a non-invasive imaging test. It involves passing a small amount of radiation through the thigh to produce images of the bone structure. At least two different angles are captured for a comprehensive view. This helps detect fractures, infections, or other abnormalities.

A low-dose CT scan of the chest is a quick, painless procedure that uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed images of your lungs. It's a key tool for early detection of lung cancer, especially for those at high risk.

An X-ray of the upper spine, with 2-3 views, is a painless procedure that employs a small amount of radiation to capture images of your neck and upper back. It assists in diagnosing conditions like arthritis, fractures, or spinal deformities.

An MRI scan of the abdomen before and after contrast provides detailed images of your abdominal organs. Initially, images are taken without a contrast agent. Then, a safe dye is administered, usually via an IV, to highlight certain areas, giving a clearer picture to help diagnose various conditions.

An MRI scan of the middle spinal canal without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of your spine. This helps doctors identify any abnormalities or issues in your spinal canal. No dye is used in this procedure.

An ankle X-ray is a quick, painless imaging test. It involves capturing at least three different images or 'views' of your ankle using small amounts of radiation. These images help identify any abnormalities or injuries, such as fractures or arthritis.

An X-ray of the lower leg, 2 views, is a quick, painless test that produces images of the bones in your lower leg. It helps to identify fractures, infections, or diseases. Two different angles are used to provide a comprehensive view of the leg's structure.

An ultrasound of the head and neck blood flow is a safe, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of blood vessels. It helps detect abnormalities like blockages or clots, ensuring optimal blood flow.

An ultrasound of your abdomen and pelvis arteries and veins is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of your blood vessels. This helps in assessing the flow of blood, identifying blockages, or detecting other abnormalities. It's a safe, painless process.

An X-ray of the foot, minimum of 3 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the bones and tissues in your foot. This helps to identify fractures, infections, or other abnormalities. Multiple views ensure a comprehensive examination.

An X-ray of the middle spine, or thoracic spine, involves capturing two different images of the area. This non-invasive procedure uses small amounts of radiation to visualize the bones and tissues in your back, helping to identify any abnormalities or injuries.

An MRI scan of the abdomen without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures of your abdominal organs. This procedure doesn't involve radiation or dye injection.

This is a diagnostic procedure where a machine emits a small amount of radiation to capture images of your ribs from at least three different angles. It helps to identify issues like fractures or infections. It's a quick, painless process.

A CT scan of the neck with contrast is a non-invasive imaging procedure. A special dye is administered to highlight the soft tissues in your neck, making them easier to see. This helps detect issues like infections, tumors, or other abnormalities.

An X-ray of the abdomen, 1 view, is a quick and painless imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the structures in your abdomen, such as the stomach, liver, and intestines. This can help identify issues like blockages, infections, or injuries.

An MRI scan of the upper spinal canal without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your upper spine. This helps doctors identify issues such as injuries, infections or diseases. No dye is used.

An ultrasound scan of the scrotum is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses sound waves to create pictures of the structures within the lower abdominal area. This helps to assess any discomfort or abnormalities you might be experiencing. The procedure is safe and painless.

Diagnostic mammography of 1 breast is a detailed imaging test that allows doctors to closely examine a specific area in the breast. It's often used when a routine screening reveals an abnormality. This test can help identify any unusual changes or issues.

A CT scan of the chest without contrast is a non-invasive imaging procedure. It uses special X-ray equipment to produce detailed images of your chest area, including your lungs and heart. It can help diagnose conditions such as lung diseases or heart disorders. It doesn't involve any dyes or contrast agents.

A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast is a medical imaging procedure. A special dye, called contrast, is used to make blood vessels more visible. The scan produces detailed images of your abdomen and pelvis, helping doctors to diagnose conditions or plan treatments.

An X-ray of the hand, minimum of 3 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the bones in your hand from different angles. This helps in diagnosing fractures, infections, arthritis, or other abnormalities. It's quick and painless.

An MRI scan of the lower spinal canal with contrast is a non-invasive imaging procedure. It uses magnetic fields to generate detailed images of your lower spine. A contrast agent is injected to enhance these images, helping doctors see issues more clearly.

An X-ray of the forearm, 2 views, is a diagnostic procedure where two different pictures of your forearm are taken using a small amount of radiation. These images help doctors assess your bone health and identify any fractures, infections, or other abnormalities.

An X-ray of the wrist, minimum of 3 views, is a diagnostic procedure that uses radiation to create images of your wrist from different angles. This helps detect fractures, infections, or other abnormalities for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

An X-ray of the foot, 2 views, is a quick, painless test that produces images of the bones and structures inside your foot. Two different angles are used to provide a comprehensive view. This helps doctors diagnose fractures, infections, or other abnormalities.

An X-ray of the upper spine with 4-5 views is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses radiation to capture detailed images of the bones and structures in your neck and upper back. This procedure helps identify issues like fractures, infections, or deformities.

An MRI scan of the abdomen before and after contrast provides detailed images of your abdominal organs. Initially, images are taken without a contrast agent. Then, a safe dye is administered, usually via an IV, to highlight certain areas, giving a clearer picture to help diagnose various conditions.

An ultrasound study of arm or leg veins with compression and maneuvers is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of your veins. This helps identify blood clots or other vein problems. During the procedure, pressure is applied to the veins and certain movements are performed to assess blood flow.

A limited ultrasound scan of the abdomen is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses sound waves to produce images of the abdominal organs such as the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. This helps to identify any abnormalities or issues.

A CT scan of the head's blood vessels with contrast is a diagnostic procedure. A special dye (contrast) is injected into your body to make the blood vessels visible on the scan. This helps identify issues like blockages or abnormalities in your head's blood vessels.

An X-ray of the ankle, 2 views, is a quick, painless test that produces images of the bones and joints in your ankle. Two different angles are used to provide a more complete picture. It helps detect fractures, sprains, arthritis, or other abnormalities. It's safe and typically takes only a few minutes.

A complete ultrasound scan behind the abdominal cavity is a non-invasive imaging procedure. It uses sound waves to create pictures of the structures and organs located at the back of your abdomen. It helps in diagnosing health conditions and monitoring ongoing treatments.

A DXA bone density measurement is a simple, quick, and non-invasive procedure that assesses the strength of your bones. This test uses X-rays to measure the amount of minerals, mainly calcium, in the hip, pelvis, and spine. It helps in early detection of osteoporosis or other bone diseases.

A chest X-ray, 3 views, is a non-invasive imaging test that helps doctors view the heart, lungs, bones, and blood vessels in your chest. It involves taking three different images from various angles to provide a comprehensive view. It can detect conditions like pneumonia, heart problems, or lung cancer. You won't feel any discomfort during the procedure.

A CT scan of the chest before and after contrast is a non-invasive imaging procedure. Initially, images of the chest are taken without contrast to get a baseline. Then, a contrast dye is administered, usually through a vein, to highlight specific areas, making them easier to see. The procedure helps in diagnosing various chest conditions.

This procedure helps analyze kidney function using a safe radioactive substance and special imaging. The substance is administered through an injection and travels to your kidneys. Images are then taken to assess blood flow and overall kidney function.

An X-ray of the upper arm with a minimum of 2 views involves capturing images of your arm from different angles. This helps in assessing the bones and surrounding tissues for any abnormalities or injuries. It's a quick, painless procedure.

A blood creatinine level test measures the amount of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product that your body produces when it uses energy. High levels may indicate that your kidneys aren't working properly. This test is often used to monitor kidney health.

A CT scan of the neck's blood vessels with contrast is a diagnostic procedure. It uses X-rays and a special dye to create detailed images of your neck's blood vessels. This helps doctors detect issues such as blockages or abnormalities.

An elbow X-ray with a minimum of 3 views is a non-invasive imaging test. It helps visualize the bones of the elbow from different angles. This aids in diagnosing conditions like fractures or arthritis. The procedure is quick, painless, and usually takes around 15 minutes.

An X-ray of the hand, minimum of 3 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the bones in your hand from different angles. This helps in diagnosing fractures, infections, arthritis, or other abnormalities. It's quick and painless.

An X-ray of both hips with 3-4 views is a safe imaging procedure. It involves capturing multiple pictures of your hip joints from different angles. This helps in diagnosing conditions like arthritis or fractures. You'll need to stay still during the process for clear images.

An X-ray of the upper spine, with 2-3 views, is a painless procedure that employs a small amount of radiation to capture images of your neck and upper back. It assists in diagnosing conditions like arthritis, fractures, or spinal deformities.

An X-ray of the hip with 2-3 views is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce pictures of the hip joint. These images help in diagnosing conditions like fractures, arthritis, or other abnormalities. The process is quick and painless.

An elbow X-ray, 2 views, is a quick, painless imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce detailed images of your elbow from two different angles. This helps in diagnosing conditions like fractures, infection, or arthritis. It's a safe and effective way to monitor your elbow health.

An X-ray of the wrist, 2 views, is a diagnostic procedure where two different images of your wrist are taken using a small amount of radiation. This helps identify any abnormalities or injuries such as fractures or arthritis. It's a quick, non-invasive process.

An X-ray of the hand, 2 views, is a non-invasive imaging test that uses a small amount of radiation to produce pictures of the bones in your hand. Two different angles are captured to provide a comprehensive view. This helps in diagnosing injuries or conditions affecting your hand.

A CT scan of the leg is a non-invasive imaging test that uses X-rays to capture detailed images of your leg's bones, muscles, and blood vessels. It doesn't use contrast dye and doesn't cause any pain. It helps in diagnosing injuries or diseases.

An X-ray of the spine, 1 view, is a quick and painless imaging procedure. It uses radiation to capture images of the bones in your spine. It helps in detecting issues like fractures, infections, or tumors. You'll be positioned, the machine captures the image, and you're done. It's a safe, routine procedure.

An MRI scan of the middle spinal canal without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of your spine. This helps doctors identify any abnormalities or issues in your spinal canal. No dye is used in this procedure.

An X-ray of the thigh bone, 1 view, is a quick, painless procedure that uses a small amount of radiation to create images of the inside of your thigh. It helps doctors to diagnose and monitor conditions like fractures, infections, or tumors.

An X-ray of the foot, minimum of 3 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of the bones and tissues in your foot. This helps to identify fractures, infections, or other abnormalities. Multiple views ensure a comprehensive examination.

An X-ray of the abdomen, 2 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to capture pictures of the structures inside your belly. The two views provide different angles, helping doctors see your organs clearly and detect any issues.

An ultrasound scan of the head and neck soft tissue is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of the soft tissues in these areas. It helps identify any abnormalities or issues, such as tumors, cysts, or infections. It's painless and doesn't involve radiation.

An X-ray of the middle spine, or thoracic spine, involves capturing two different images of the area. This non-invasive procedure uses small amounts of radiation to visualize the bones and tissues in your back, helping to identify any abnormalities or injuries.

An X-ray of the shoulder, with a minimum of 2 views, is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a small amount of radiation to produce images of your shoulder bones. This helps in diagnosing conditions like fractures, arthritis, or other abnormalities. The procedure is quick and painless.

An X-ray of the hip, 1 view, is a quick, painless test where a small amount of radiation is used to produce images of the hip joint. This helps in diagnosing conditions like arthritis or fractures. You'll be positioned so that the X-ray machine can capture the best image of your hip.

A CT scan of the neck with contrast is a non-invasive imaging procedure. A special dye is administered to highlight the soft tissues in your neck, making them easier to see. This helps detect issues like infections, tumors, or other abnormalities.

This is a diagnostic procedure where a machine emits a small amount of radiation to capture images of your ribs from at least three different angles. It helps to identify issues like fractures or infections. It's a quick, painless process.

A single contrast x-ray of the esophagus is a non-invasive procedure where a radiopaque substance is swallowed to highlight the esophagus. This allows doctors to capture clear images of the area, aiding in the diagnosis of any abnormalities or issues.

This process, known as a swallowing study, uses imaging technology to view how food and liquid move from your mouth to your stomach. It helps identify any issues you may have swallowing, which can be crucial for determining the best treatment plan.

An ultrasound of leg arteries or artery grafts is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from inside your body, specifically your leg arteries or grafts. This helps in detecting any blockages or abnormalities.

A CT scan of the neck's soft tissue without contrast is a non-invasive imaging technique. It uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of your neck area, helping to identify issues like infections, injuries, or tumors. No special dye (contrast) is used in this procedure.

An MRI scan of the brain without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your brain. It helps in detecting abnormalities like tumors, stroke, inflammation, or infection.

A CT scan of the lower spine without contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses X-rays to create detailed images of your lower back area, helping to detect conditions like fractures, infections, or tumors. It's painless and generally quick.

An MRI scan of the upper spinal canal before and after contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of your spine. Contrast dye is injected to enhance these images, providing clearer visuals for accurate diagnosis.

An ultrasound scan of the scrotum is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses sound waves to create pictures of the structures within the lower abdominal area. This helps to assess any discomfort or abnormalities you might be experiencing. The procedure is safe and painless.

An ultrasound of the head and neck blood flow is a safe, non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create images of blood vessels. It helps detect abnormalities like blockages or clots, ensuring optimal blood flow.

A CT scan of the chest with contrast is a non-invasive imaging test. It uses X-rays and a special dye to get detailed images of your blood vessels in the chest. This helps in diagnosing conditions related to heart and lungs.

A CT scan of the abdominal aorta and both leg arteries with contrast is a medical imaging procedure. A special dye is injected to make your blood vessels visible on the scan. This helps to check for any blockages or abnormalities in these areas.