Link to Radiology Org. website

History of Imaging

Almost everyone has undergone a medical imaging – or radiology – test. Most often these tests are a simple x-ray administered at your local clinic or the screening mammogram women receive as part of an annual exam. Imaging tests can also be very complex, using the latest developments in sound waves, radioactive particles and magnetic fields to peer inside the body and create images that reflect normal structures and abnormalities. Advances in imaging technology continue to be made at Vernon Memorial Healthcare. We have state-of-the-art technology and a staff that is knowledgeable in how to use it.

IMPROVEMENTS IN TECHNOLOGY
Improvements in technology mean radiologists and radiology technicians can spend more time with patients rather than equipment. This can also mean a reduction in the amount of time patients need to spend in radiology examination rooms. Wait times and inconveniences for patients are also reduced. Vernon Memorial’s Imaging Services Department continues its commitment to purchasing advanced, appropriate technology in order to provide the best possible care for our patients.

X-RAYS
Orthopaedic imaging continues to be the most used and fastest growing imaging service at Vernon Memorial. This is due largely to growing patient demand for orthopaedic services. Approximately 300 orthopaedic related x-rays are conducted each month along with another 500 general or emergency related x-ray exams. X-rays consist of electromagnetic waves of energy which penetrate the body to varying extents depending upon the density of the structures being viewed. The result is black and white images of interior portions of the body.

MAMMOGRAPHY
VMH mammography technicians perform on average 159 mammograms per month. A mammogram is a low-dose x-ray of the breast. It can detect a breast lump nearly two years before it can be felt. Screening mammograms evaluate breast health in women with no symptoms, and are used for those who seek routine breast evaluation. A new state-of-the-art mammography machine will soon be in place at Vernon Memorial. This new machine, according to lead mammography technician, Cindy Favor, will be more comfortable for the patient. "The paddles have been redesigned so that it doesn’t pinch so much in the chest wall," Favor said. The new machine also is more powerful and presents a sharper image. Manager of Imaging Services, Steve Burke, says a future goal of the department is to improve patient privacy by developing a more private area for mammography screenings. New scheduling hours which are being implemented will also cut back on the wait time for appointments.

CAT SCANS - COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY
One of the more common imaging tests used in diagnosing is computed tomography or CT (also called CAT) scans. The Toshiba Asteion VR Computed Tomography System used at VMH delivers images in half a second. The Imaging Services Department at VMH conducts about 117 scans per month under the guidance of lead technician, Tonya Rood. CT scans are similar to ordinary x-rays because they are produced when a beam of high energy radiation passes through the body. A CT scan uses a pencil thin beam to create a series of pictures from different angles. This information is fed into a computer that calculates how the images overlap and shows a clear slice, or cross-section of the body. CT scans reveal both bone and soft tissues, including organs, muscles and tumors and is one of the best tools for studying the chest and abdomen. CT scans are an important tool in diagnosing head and spine injuries, lung and liver disease, cancer, tumors, blood clots, internal bleeding and other diseases and illnesses. For trauma patients, like auto accident victims, this technology can be lifesaving by providing better, more precise images.

ULTRASOUND
Vernon Memorial Healthcare performs 140 ultrasound exams per month in a new suite especially designed for this service. Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves which are reflected by tissue in the body. The sound reflection is processed by a computer to produce a photograph or a moving image on television. Ultrasound imaging is used extensively for evaluating the eyes, pelvic and abdominal organs, heart, and blood vessels, and can help a medical provider determine the source of pain, swelling, or infection in many parts of the body. Ultrasound is also used to image the breasts and to guide biopsy of breast cancer. Medical providers often request an ultrasound study for examination of the fetus during pregnancy. Ultrasound is a painless, non-invasive procedure that takes just minutes.

MRI - MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Another common radiologic test is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which like CT, displays a cross-section of the body. MRI is currently a contractual service provided at VMH on Saturdays and Thursday mornings. Due to growing usage, upwards of 44 exams per month, MRI is being given strong consideration as a future in-house service staffed by VMH radiologic technologists. MRI uses powerful magnetic fields instead of radiation and offers the advantage of presenting cross-sectional views from several angles. MRI technology has emerged as an important non-invasive technique to diagnose abnormalities. MRI provides imaging of the brain, spine, chest, abdomen, extremity and joint. It is a mainstay for diagnosing tumors anywhere in the body.

FLUOROSCOPY
Fluoroscopy is slowly decreasing in usage at VMH due to the increased use of CT and Ultrasound for diagnosis. Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures - similar to an x-ray "movie." A continuous x-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined, and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the body part and its motion can be seen in detail. Fluoroscopy is used in examinations and procedures, such as barium x-rays. In barium x-rays, fluoroscopy allows the medical provider to see the movement of the intestines as the barium moves through them.