Diagnostic imaging helps pinpoint diagnosis, treatment
Not so long ago, an X-ray was thought to be the pinnacle of diagnostic tools. After all, it offered the never-before-imagined opportunity to peer inside the body and find potential problems. Now, the variety of diagnostic tools available is great, and each has a specific purpose.
Area residents don't have to go far to benefit from this technology — Bonner General has the latest advancements in technology providing you and your family with a comprehensive range of radiology services. Your exam is performed by a certified technologist and interpreted by an experienced board-certified radiologist. BGH's Picture Archiving and Communication system allows your imaging studies to be stored electronically. This creates a permanent and easily accessible record which is a great benefit should you require emergency care or if you need further treatment. BGH is home to the most technologically advanced medical imaging equipment available including:
A CT (Computed Tomo-graphy) scan is one of the more well-known testing services. A CT scan is a test that combines X-rays with a computer scan to produce images that are detailed "slices" showing problems with soft tissues, organs, or bones. The scan requires the patient to lie down on a bed-like platform that slides into a donut-shaped opening. The process is painless and takes about an hour.
Many people have heard that getting a DEXA (bone densitometry) test is a good idea to see if you're at risk for osteoporosis, or have already developed symptoms of the disease. A DEXA test is a quick, painless procedure that records an image of your spine and hip bones. These images give your physician a good idea of your bones' health. Over the course of time, more images may be needed to determine whether your bone health is deteriorating or remaining at a constant, healthy level.
Ultrasound is a very helpful diagnostic tool. Most commonly known for its use during pregnancy to record the development of the fetus, it can be used in a variety of additional situations. It is a painless procedure that produces images of your organs by using sound waves. The waves are sent out through a hand-held transducer (or probe). A non-greasy gel is used on the skin to help transmit the sound waves, where they can be seen on a computer screen.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is often associated with sports-related injuries. This is because an MRI is most helpful in diagnosing injuries to ligaments, muscles or tendons. An MRI is also commonly used in brain or spinal cord injuries. The MRI uses magnetic fields and a sophisticated computer to take high-resolution pictures of your bones and soft tissues. You lie as motionless as possible on a table that slides into the tube-shaped MRI scanner. The MRI creates a magnetic field around you, then pulses radio waves to the area of your body to be pictured. The radio waves cause your tissues to resonate. A computer records the rate at which your body's various parts (tendons, ligaments, nerves, etc.) give off these vibrations and translates data into a detailed, two-dimensional picture. You won't feel any pain while undergoing an MRI, but the machine may be noisy.
An Echo (Echocardiogram) is an ultrasound procedure that is specific to heart functionality. This test measures how effectively the heart is pumping blood through your body. First, images are taken of your heart at your resting rate. Then you are asked to participate in moderate physical activity (like walking on a treadmill), after which more images are taken, to get a better idea how your heart functions under stress. This test is very helpful in determining where a blockage might be, or whether a patient has a heart murmur or other defect.
The right diagnosis is imperative to prescribing effective treatment. At BGH, all diagnostic imaging records are stored in a secure digital format. This means your doctor can access your information whenever and wherever they need. This level of communication helps your doctor provide quality care. In the world of diagnostic imaging, technology is our biggest ally.