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Diagnostic Imaging |
 Diagnostic imaging services at Carroll Hospital Center offers exceptional, state-of-the-art technology you can count on. Our imaging services provide a full array of diagnostic technology, from bone densitometry, a procedure that helps diagnose osteoporosis, to a 16-slice CT scanner, capturing multiple images of a person’s anatomy at a rate much faster than traditional scanners.
Our skilled team of diagnostic imaging technicians and board-certified radiologists give our patients the confidence they deserve in the tests we provide. And, patients benefit by receiving quick turnaround with their test results and accurate diagnosis on a broad spectrum of health conditions. Results from these tests are sent directly to the patient’s ordering physician.
To ensure the level of quality and safety you have come to trust at Carroll Hospital Center, we only house equipment that is fully licensed. In addition, we partner with Advanced Radiology for some of the imaging services we provide—all in a comfortable, warm, spacious environment.
The imaging services we offer include:
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Bone Densitometry — This procedure helps diagnose osteoporosis by precisely measuring the bone density and mineral content of the bone. Using our state-of-the-art DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scanner, radiologists can detect bone loss even in its earliest stages. The DEXA scanner uses very low levels of X-rays to measure the bone density of fracture-prone areas like the hip and spine. Once bone loss is detected, it can be effectively treated by your physician.
- Computed Tomography (CT), 16-Slice Scanner — A CT scan, also referred to as a CAT scan, is a computer-assisted, X-ray imaging technique that allows radiologists to see detailed pictures of various parts of your body without surgery. The 16-slice CT scanning with GE Lightspeed is able to simultaneously capture multiple images of the patient’s anatomy (faster than traditional scanners) increasing the diagnostic capability.
While the patient lies on the examination table, small amounts of X-rays are projected through a specific region of the body. This series of pictures is processed through a computer, which converts the information from the scan into images that are photographed for the radiologist to study.
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Capsule Endoscopy — This procedure allows the visualization of unreachable sections of the bowel through camera technology. For this minimally invasive procedure, the capsule endoscope is swallowed by the patient and passes naturally through the digestive track. After the patient has swallowed the capsule endoscope, the patient will return home while the tiny camera records data images for eight hours. After the study is finished, the patient will return to the medical office to return the data recorder to the physician. Your physician will instruct you on what you can eat and drink during the study and what type of physical activity you are allowed to perform (each patient may be different based on medical history).
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Cardiac Scoring — A non-invasive screening procedure that determines your risk level for heart disease by measuring the amount of calcium in the arteries of the heart. A CT scan is used to determine the build up of calcium on the walls of the arteries of the heart.
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Diagnostic X-Ray — One of the most common forms of radiology, X-ray is a quick way to produce still and moving images that illustrate different functions of the body in various shades of gray. The visibility of internal organs can be improved using a complementary technique called fluoroscopy. During this type of examination, a patient is introduced to a substance by swallowing it, injecting it or using an enema. The substance shows greater contrast on the resulting X-rays and allows physicians to more clearly see images on a fluorescent screen.
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Dual-Headed Nuclear Medicine Camera —A diagnostic imaging tool that uses the science of nuclear medicine to provide data about a specific area of the body in half the time of a single-headed camera. A nuclear medicine test is performed by using gamma cameras. A tracer element is given to a patient and then the cameras are used to detect the gamma radiation coming from the patient. There is no radiation coming from the cameras. Since nuclear medicine images are produced over a period of time (anywhere from one minute to 30 minutes), it is critical that the patient lay as still as possible during this study.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) — A non-invasive procedure, in which magnets and radio waves interact to produce a some of the most precise, detailed 2-D and 3-D pictures of the soft tissue inside your body. The resulting images help diagnose abnormalities in the brain, spinal cord, head, chest, heart, abdomen, extremities and other body systems. This examination, which does not involve X-ray radiation, requires virtually no preparation and may help diagnose problems that are difficult or impossible to detect with other imaging methods. Exams in the MRI scanner typically take 60-90 minutes. Although Carroll Hospital Center does not offer an open MRI, its enclosed MRI is designed to be more comfortable for some people who may be mildly claustrophobic.
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Mammography — This safe, low-dose X-ray image of the inner structures of your breast is used to screen women for breast disease, such as tumors or cysts. Diagnostic mammography also provides important information for those who are experiencing symptoms, such as a breast lump or nipple discharge. During the procedure, one breast at a time is placed on a flat surface that contains the X-ray plate. A compressor presses firmly against the breast and flattens the breast tissue. Pictures are taken from several angles. One of the most accurate tests for breast cancer, mammography detects up to 95 percent of malignancies.
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Nuclear Imaging — Through the use of radioactive materials, nuclear imaging helps physicians diagnose a variety of diseases and disorders. During a procedure, patients are given a low-level radioactive compound that accumulates in a specific organ within the body. As a result, the affected organ continuously emits radiation that is detected by a highly sensitive camera, which creates an image of the area of the body being studied. Most of the pharmaceuticals used in testing naturally occur in the body, so there are no side effects or allergic reactions. Nuclear imaging can help assess the function of many parts of the body, including the heart, thyroid, bones, brain, lung, liver, kidneys, spleen and gallbladder.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) — PET scans offer the unique ability to view images of the function of the body’s tissues and organs. This procedure requires the injection of a low-level radioactive compound, which accumulates in the abnormal tissues of the body. With the help of a computer, the PET scanner can visualize even small abnormalities by creating a detailed cross-sectional image (slices) of specific organs or tissue providing early detection of diseases affecting soft tissue.
While PET scanning is often used to image the heart and brain, its major impact is in the diagnosis and staging of cancer. PET can show where tumors are located, if they are benign or malignant and if treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, is working effectively. PET can diagnose and stage many types of cancer, including lung cancer, melanoma, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, carcinoma, lymphoma and ovarian cancer. PET also can be used to study the viability of the heart muscle, which is essential to patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery or heart transplant. In addition, PET helps assess brain function, which can help diagnose and treat patients with epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Carroll Hospital Center offers PET scanning via a state-of-the-art mobile trailer that is at the hospital several times each week.
- Stereotactic Breast Biopsy — Stereotactic breast biopsy is an important diagnostic technology in the quest to diagnose breast cancer at an early stage. This minimally invasive, image-guided procedure helps physicians locate breast abnormalities and obtain tissue samples for diagnosis of some breast lesions—without surgery.
During the procedure, the patient lies face down on a special table with the breast protruding through a hole in the table. The breast is lightly compressed to immobilize it. The table is connected to a computer that processes digital images. This technique decreases X-ray exposure to the breast and allows images to be viewed on a computer monitor seconds after exposure. The procedure can be performed in less than one hour under a local anesthetic, minimizing discomfort to the patient.
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Ultrasound — Through the use of high-frequency sound waves, ultrasound technology allows physicians to examine internal structures of the body to assess any abnormalities, by reflecting sound wave echoes and recording these images and displays them in a real-time visual image. This test is often used in assessing the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, blood vessels and bladder. Ultrasound does not involve any radiation or require the use of drugs, dyes or chemicals.
- Ultrasound (Obstetrical) — The use of traditional ultrasound sound wave technology to assess the progress of fetal development, by visualizing the embryo or fetus. An obstetrical ultrasound allows the obstetrician to track fetal growth and development throughout pregnancy. Ultrasound does not involve any radiation or require the use of drugs, dyes or chemicals.
A range of cardiac testing also is available. Click here to link to the cardiovascular services offered at Carroll Hospital Center.
To schedule an appointment for imaging services, patients must have a referral from their primary care physician or specialist. Patients are seen at these convenient locations:
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