Hospital Services
> Imaging Center
Healing cannot begin until an illness is properly diagnosed. Today's technology
makes that easier than ever before, and Graham Hospital's full range of diagnostic
services make it more convenient than ever. Based on our commitment to provide
high-quality care, Graham Hospital has invested in state-of-the-art equipment,
from general radiology to mammography, from CT scan to ultrasound, from nuclear
medicine to fluoroscopic services. We even perform special procedures like
biopsies. It is high-tech care performed in a compassionate setting, close
to home.
The radiologists are board certified or board eligible, and are
available 24 hours a day. All technologists are also highly trained,
registered specialists, with certifications in radiology (RT),
nuclear medicine (NM), ultrasound (RDMS), and other specialties.
Some technologists are cross-trained in different areas, allowing
them to perform various tests (CT Scan and X-rays for example).
The Imaging Center is located on the ground floor.
The Imaging Center offers the following services:
Fluoroscopy
The upper or lower GI examination is performed by a radiologist. A
radiologist is a physician who specializes in the study of
imaging exams. For both the upper and lower GI exam, a technologist
will gently position you on a special tilting table supporting
a piece of equipment called a Fluoroscope (an x-ray machine combined with
a television screen). For the upper GI you will be asked to drink
a liquid barium mixture(s). For the lower GI you will be given
an enema. Your radiologist will watch the barium flow through
your digestive tract. Digital spots will be taken of the areas
your doctor wishes to study.
Nuclear Medicine
Different isotopes are used to study various organs, allowing
radiologists to detect and diagnose a range of conditions, including
heart abnormalities, liver disease, and bone infections. Patients
are injected with a special radio-pharmacologic agent, such as
thallium, and then lie on a table as their bodies are scanned by
a large camera.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field
and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and
structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI gives information that
cannot be seen on x-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan.
For an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is placed inside a
special machine that is a strong magnet. Information from an MRI can be
saved and stored on a computer for more study. Photographs or films of
certain views can also be made.
MRI is used to find problems, such as tumors, bleeding, injury, blood
vessel problems, or infection. An MRI may be done using contrast
material to see abnormal tissue clearly. An MRI can be done for the:
head, chest, blood vessels, abdomen, pelvis, bones and joints.
Appointments are available 5 days per week. To schedule an MRI, please
call: 309-649-5109.
Ultrasound
The individual performing the ultrasound study on you is known
as a sonographer. This technologist
is highly skilled and educated, and works under close supervision
of the radiologists.The technologists will assist you onto an
examination table, and a warm transmission gel will be applied
to the area of your body that will be examined. The transducer
sends a signal to an on-board computer that processes the data
and produces the ultrasound image. A diagnosis is made from this
image.
CT Scan
The CT technologist has completed a rigorous course of education
and training, and works under close supervision of the radiologist
to assure the most accurate results. Prior to your CT scan, the
technologist will explain the procedure to you. This is done for
two reasons: to solicit your cooperation, and
to put your mind at ease regarding what is taking place. Next
you will be gently positioned and secured on the table. It is
important that you be secured because even the slightest movement
during the split seconds of imaging can blur the picture. You
will then be moved into a donut shaped opening in the scanner.
The technologist will have you in full view at all times and will
be in constant communication via a two-way microphone. During
this brief time you may hear the whirling of the equipment as it
produces the images. You may also feel slight movement of the
table as it prepares for the next scan.
Digital Mammography
The technologist performing your mammogram is highly skilled in
providing detailed images of the breast, which are used to
detect cancer or other abnormalities. At Graham Hospital we
perform both screening and diagnostic mammograms. Graham is accredited
by the American College of Radiology and participates in National
Breast CancerAwareness Day, and with outside agencies who fund
mammograms for the uninsured. We accept self-requested screening
mammograms. To schedule, call 309-647-5240, ext. 2617.
Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) System
Computer analysis of mammographic images is
used as
an aid to detect potential abnormalities by marking suspicious
areas for
the Radiologist to review.
Bone Mineral Densitometer (BMD)
Bone Mineral Densitometer (BMD) is a state-of-the-art piece of
technology that measures the density of bones. The test, which
uses a small amount of radiation, is sensitive enough to detect
bone loss at an early stage. The BMD can detect low bone density
before a fracture occurs, and monitor treatment over time. To
schedule an appointment, call 309-649-5109.
Special Procedures
The Radiologists are specially trained to perform drainage procedures
and biopsies with the guidance of fluoroscopy, CT Scan,
or ultrasound equipment. The radiologist will study the results
of your exam and discuss them with your doctor, who will then discuss
them with you. For more information about tests, please call 309-649-5174.
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