- About
RAO’s board-certified radiologists and leading-edge diagnostic procedures unite to provide the best chance of early, accurate detection.
- Services
No center in Marion County matches RAO’s comprehensive list of services.
- Breast Aspiration
- Breast MRI
- Breast Needle Localization
- Breast Ultrasound
- Cardiac Scoring
- CT (CAT Scan)
- CT Angiography (CTA)
- CT Enterography
- DEXA (Bone Densitometry)
- Digital Mammography
- Fluoroscopy
- MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography)
- MRI
- Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan
- Nuclear Medicine Gallium Scan
- Nuclear Medicine Parathyroid Scan
- Nuclear Medicine Thyroid Scan
- Open MRI
- PET/CT
- Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
- Ultrasound
- Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
- X-Ray
- Patient Center
Our radiologists, technologists and staff are devoted to your physical and emotional health and comfort throughout your care.
- Referring Clinicians
Our privileges at all Marion County hospitals and quick PACS image and report transmission and digital storage make us the perfect clinical partner.
- Women's Imaging
From screening digital mammography to breast MRI and osteoporosis testing, we specialize in healthier living through early detection.
- Center for Vascular Health
- Teleradiology
- Locations / Contact
We have five convenient locations in Marion County, including two Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence.
- Medical Imaging Center
- Medical Imaging Center at Windsor Oaks
- Women's Imaging Center
- TimberRidge Imaging Center
- Center for Vascular Health
* ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence
Services
- Breast Aspiration
- Breast MRI
- Breast Needle Localization
- Breast Ultrasound
- Cardiac Scoring
- CT (CAT Scan)
- CT Angiography (CTA)
- CT Enterography
- DEXA (Bone Densitometry)
- Digital Mammography
- Fluoroscopy
- MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography)
- MRI
- Nuclear Medicine Bone Scan
- Nuclear Medicine Gallium Scan
- Nuclear Medicine Parathyroid Scan
- Nuclear Medicine Thyroid Scan
- Open MRI
- PET/CT
- Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
- Ultrasound
- Ultrasound-Guided Breast Biopsy
- X-Ray
About Breast Aspiration
What is breast aspiration?
Breast aspiration or fine needle aspiration is a procedure that uses a fine gauge needle and a syringe to sample fluid from a breast cyst or remove clusters of cells from a solid mass. With this procedure, the cellular material taken from the breast is sent to the pathology laboratory for analysis if needed.
Where is breast aspiration offered?
Breast aspiration is offered at the Women’s Imaging Center.
What to Expect
The skin of the breast is cleaned with antiseptic. The procedure is usually done under image guidance using either stereotactic mammography or ultrasound. Stereotactic mammography involves using computers to pinpoint the exact location of a breast mass based on mammograms (x-rays) taken from two different angles. The computer coordinates will help the physician guide the needle to the correct area in the breast. With ultrasound, the radiologist will watch the needle on the ultrasound monitor to help guide it to the area of concern. Breast aspiration does not require stitches and can be performed on an outpatient basis. A very small bandage is placed over the area after the procedure. Many patients resume their normal routine the same day of the breast aspiration procedure.
Patient Prep
For your convenience, please wear a two-piece outfit. Do not use deodorant, powder, or perfume under the arm or breast area.


