Diagnostic Imaging Services
The Diagnostic Imaging
Services Department strives to meet all patient and clinician
needs in diagnostic imaging. The service provides patient friendly,
state-of-the-art imaging equipment ranging from traditional
x-ray machines to specialized modalities including: CT, MRI,
PET and Ultrasound. In addition, the department uses the latest
filmless Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS)
to provide our patients and physicians with high quality medical
images and timely results. Imaging services are provided by
a staff of highly trained radiologists and technologists.
Diagnostic
Imaging Services Provided:
X-Ray
The
x-ray, or plain radiography, is a diagnostic test that uses x-ray
radiation, a form of energy, to produce images of the body. X-rays
are commonly used in evaluation of the chest, the musculoskeletal
system, and gastrointestinal and urinary tracts.
Many precautions are
taken so that x-rays will not harm you. X-ray systems are designed
to focus the x-rays precisely on a specific part of the body
and to prevent excess x-rays from being released.
How X-rays Work:
An x-ray image is produced when a small amount of radiation
passes through a body part and is recorded to produce a black-and-white
anatomical image. Areas that are difficult for x-rays to penetrate,
such as bone, appear white on the x-ray film. Areas that the x-rays
penetrate easily, such as the lungs or other areas filled with air,
appear black. Soft tissue, vessels and organs appear as various
shades of grey on an x-ray image, depending upon their composition
and density.
CT
The CT scan, or Computed Tomography scan, is an advanced diagnostic test that
uses X-rays, a special scanner and a computer to produce detailed images
of a specific area of your body. These images, when studied in sequence,
can give your physician a 3D view of your body, and as a result, a more
accurate diagnosis.
How CT Scanners Work:
The scanner is made up of a ring containing an X-ray tube and receptors. The
region of interest is placed within the ring and the X-ray tube rotates around
it. With each rotation, the tube emits X-rays. The receptors measure the amount
of X-rays absorbed during each rotation of the ring. The computer then transforms
these measurements into a visual image. This image, or slice, is viewed on
a video screen during the exam and later converted to digital or print media
for the radiologist or your doctor to study.
MRI
Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the most technologically advanced
diagnostic tools available. MRI uses a powerful magnet, low intensity
radio frequency pulses and computer technology to create detailed
images of the soft tissues, muscles, nerves and bones in your
body. In many instances, it replaces the need for X-rays, hospitalization
and exploratory surgery. There are no known side effects of MRI
and it uses no radiation
How MRI Scanners
Work:
The main
component of the MRI scanner is a magnet. This magnet causes
your body’s hydrogen atoms to align themselves in such
a way as to receive radio signals from the magnetic resonance
system. When your body receives these signals, it reacts by sending
its own radio signals back to the machine. It is this radio frequency
transmitted by your body that is computer-processed and turned
into highly detailed images.
PET
Positron Emission Tomography, or PET scan, is the latest and most advanced
diagnostic technology. It is used primarily to detect cancer and Alzheimer's
disease, to localize the origin of epileptic seizures, and to locate functional
heart tissue prior to cardiac surgery. This service is now available in an
outpatient setting. PET evaluates disease processes - not just anatomy. The
procedure shows uptake of a tracer into living tissue and differentiates normal
areas from those affected by disease.
Common applications of PET:
Neurology
(brain) - helps to localize the area causing epileptic
seizures, as well as find the best surgical site, and
assists in diagnosis of complex dementia disorders, including
Alzheimer's disease.
Cancer detection -
provides information about the following:
- Whether a tumour
is malignant or benign
- Extent of the
cancer
- Tumour recurrence
- Evaluation
for surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Alzheimer's
disease - can detect whether the patient is developing
an ailment that causes memory loss and/or mental deterioration.
Cardiac disease -
determines potential for heart muscle recovery following
coronary artery surgery; can also evaluate the amount of
viable heart tissue prior to considering a heart transplant.
PET can also diagnose the following conditions:
- Solitary pulmonary
nodules
- Non-small-cell
lung cancer
- Malignant melanoma
- Colon cancer
- Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma
- Head and neck tumours
- Other specific
uses in oncology, cardiology, and neurology
The Benefits of
PET:
- Early indication
of the extent of the disease
- A significant advance
in detection of lung cancer - far more accurate than CT studies
alone
- Helps differentiate
between post-radiation scarring and recurring disease
- Improved monitoring
of cancer recurrences
- Effective evaluation
of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- Safe, noninvasive
and painless procedure
- Interpreted by
radiologists at each center
- Complements CT
and MRI studies
- Medicare-approved
for a number of diagnoses
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves beyond
human hearing capability to produce high-quality images of soft tissues
and motion within the body. Ultrasound involves no X-rays and can provide
medical information that might have required surgery in the past .
Ultrasound can detect
aneurysms, blood clots, damaged heart tissue, abnormal growths,
diseased tissue and, during pregnancy, a baby's size, weight,
position and physical condition. Ultrasound is also used to
diagnose and treat muscle injuries and some joint problems.
How Ultrasound
Works:
The ultrasound
procedure is simple and painless. A hand-held transducer emitting
silent, high frequency sound waves is placed against the body
and slowly passed over the area being examined. The sound waves
pass through the skin and into the body. The returning sound
waves or echoes are separated and identified by the transducer,
then changed into electrical energy. Sophisticated equipment
produces images on a video monitor and then on paper or film.
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