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Medical Imaging
Multi-Slice CT
MRI
Diagnostic Ultrasound
Mammography
Nuclear Medicine
Diagnostic X-ray
Fluoroscopy
Bone Densitometry
The primary purpose of Medical Imaging at Pella Regional Health Center is to provide the best possible service to the patient through the attending physician. As we strive to provide this level of care we must keep our patients' welfare and safety foremost, remembering to make special efforts to protect them from injury, whether through mechanical or radiological means. We do our best to protect our patients from infection, emotional stress, apprehension and other problems that might be encountered in our department, while making their visit in Medical Imaging as pleasant and rapid as possible.
The most commonly ordered screening X-ray is the chest X-ray. This is used to view heart size and shape, lungs, mediastinum, and the bones in the chest.
All Medical Imaging procedures are performed by a Registered Radiologic
Technologists with Iowa Permits to Practice. These professionals carry
additional certifications in their specific imaging modalities.
For more information about diagnostic imaging, please visit www.radiologyinfo.org.
It is the patient education website developed by the Radiological Society
of North America (RSNA) and the American College of Radiology (ACR). RadiologyInfo
does not provide medical advice or serve as a referral service. The site
is fully supported by RSNA and ACR.
Multi-Slice CT
Computed Tomography (CT) is one of the most safe and reliable examination methods available today. It is fast, simple and completely painless.
CT works with an X-ray system that rotates around you taking cross section images of your body. CT builds up images different body structures by scanning in a series of slices which are later assembled with a computer to form a complete picture. The CT allows for the inside of your body to be dependably and precisely portrayed.
Unlike most X-ray examinations, CT can detect minor changes (in tissue, for example) very early on. CT makes it possible to portray parts of the body in 3-dimensional format so overlapping areas can be easily examined.
Areas that can be examined by CT include:
- Brain
- Sinus
- Face
- Neck
- Thorax
- Abdomen
- Pelvis
- Extremities
- Calcium Scoring
- CT Angiography
MRI
MRI is an advanced, state-of-the-art medical imaging exam which uses a large magnet, radio waves of a certain frequency, and a computer to analyze the parts of the body being imaged. MRI is able to look in detail at body structures especially soft tissues like muscles, cartilage, tendons, and structures of both the brain and the spine.
We offer MRI services Monday-Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm.
Scans
- Brain
- Cervical Spine
- Thoracic Spine
- Lumbar Sacral Spine
- Upper Extremities & Joints
- Lower Extremities & Joints
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Pelvis
- Temporomandibular Joints
- Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) for arteries/veins of the head and neck
Each patient must have a screening form completed to check for metal and electrical implants prior to their exam. This list is reviewed by the technologists to determine if there are any safety issues before proceeding. An average exam lasts anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes but may be longer. The films are then interpreted by a radiologist and a report is sent to your physician.
Diagnostic Ultrasound
An ultrasound is a safe and painless diagnostic procedure which uses high-frequency sound waves. The sound waves are directed from a small hand-held device, called a transducer, which sends and receives these signals. A small amount of clear ultrasound gel is applied to the skin to ensure good transducer contact. The transducer slides over the skin sending and receiving ultrasonic pulses which are then converted into images on a television screen. The pictures obtained during this procedure are recorded digitally and are read by a radiologist.
The most common types of Ultasounds are:
- Obstetrical (Baby)
- Cardiac (Heart)
- Abdominal
- Kidney
- Pelvis
- Breast
- Testicular
- Venous Doppler (usually leg veins looking for clots)
- Carotid Doppler (main arteries in the neck)
Mammography
Mammograms, along with self and clinical breast exams, are powerful tools in screening for breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms after the age of 40.
Our department offers a large assortment of informational brochures regarding breast health to our mammography patients. We also offer a video on self breast exams and breast care which can be viewed in the comfort of our education room.
We offer Stereotactic Biopsy procedures in our mammography suite. Stereotactic Biopsy allows the removal of small samples of breast tissue for pathologic evaluation without the need for anesthesia or open surgery.
Digital Mammography
Pella Regional Health Center now offers digital mammography to all patients.
Digital Mammography uses a computer, rather than x-ray film, to record x-ray images of the breast. The images are captured and stored digitally, instead of on film, allowing radiologists to manipulate the images. The images become a more versatile diagnostic tool and can then be enlarged or highlighted.
Second Look
Early and accurate detection is important for better prognosis and treatment of breast cancer and now there's a new tool in the fight against breast cancer---it's at Pella Regional Health Center. Second Look™, a new computer-aided detection (CAD) system from iCad Medical Systems will assist the Medical Imaging department and Radiologist in the screening and diagnosis of breast cancer.
"It's been our policy at PRHC that the technologist performing the exam, who sees multiple mammogram cases daily, documents their own interpretation to be reviewed by Dr. Henry," says Marilou Ozinga, Mammography Quality Assurance Coordinator. "This technology serves as a second 'pair of eyes' for Dr. Henry. Now in additional to this second pair of eyes, the films are also run through Second Look as another tool for the Radiologist in the interpretation of monographic exams."
Studies have shown that in recent years, the widespread use of regular mammography screening has been a major contributor to improvements in breast cancer survival rates. CAD works much like a spell-checker on a computer, only instead of looking for miss-spelled words, this system seeks out areas that may be cancerous.
To fit your busy schedule, routine mammography examinations are now available in the evenings at Pella Regional Health Center.
Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.
To schedule a mammogram, please call 641.628.6620.
Additional Links
National Breast Cancer Foundation
American College of Radiology
American Cancer Society
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine is the use of very small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose injuries and diseases.
Nuclear Medicine can provide:
- Accurate images that help healthcare professionals study the body's internal organs and tissues
- Valuable information regarding the function and integrity of specific organs in the body
Nuclear Medicine is an important medical tool that is:
- Safe. Only tiny amounts of short lived radioactive material are used. Nuclear Medicine has about the same risks as common X-rays.
- Effective. Nuclear Medical can be used to analyze kidney function; image blood flow and the function of the heart; scanlungs for respiratory and blood flow problems; identify blockage of the gallbladder; determine the presence or spread of cancer; measure thryoid function; and evaluate bones for fracture, infection, arthritis or tumor.
Nuclear Medicine works when a radioactive material called an "isotope" is administered to a patient via an injection, IV, capsule or inhalation. The isotope then travels to target organ and tissue where it gives off gamma rays. The images and results are studied by the radiologist and a patient's personal physician.
Diagnostic X-ray
Hours
Monday-Friday: 7:00 am-11:00pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8:00 am-12:00pm
Call Coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Fluoroscopy
- Upper G.I. Exams
- Barium Enema (Colon) Exams
- Small Bowel Studies
- Hysterosalpingograms
- Sialograms
- Arthrograms
- Video Swallowing Studies
Bone Densitometry
Osteoporosis affects nearly 28 million Americans and causes 1.5 million bone fractures each year. Early detection of osteoporosis is vital, as early treatment can greatly improve the quality of life for people. With the proper combination of diet, exercise and (if necessary) medication, the effects of osteoporosis and osteopenia can be halted, and for some, reversed.
Bone Densitometry with Dual Energy X-ray Abosorptiometry (DEXA) is a precise and rapid method to monitor osteoporosis and osteopenia. Health Enterprises provides Pella Regional the DEXA service on a mobile basis. The mobile DEXA Scanner is a precise, fast, high resolution imaging modality to identify and monitor bone mineral density. This is a referral-only test, please consult with your primary care doctor.
