The medical imaging department at Three Rivers Health now features a variety of new diagnostic equipment.
“When it comes to providing the best treatment approach, a highly precise diagnosis is key,” said Diane Knight, medical imaging manager, Three Rivers Health. “That’s why we’re continually enhancing our diagnostic capabilities, giving our community closer-to-home access to state-of-the-art care. We look forward to serving our physicians and our patients with this new technology.”
The new diagnostic technology includes:
• Digital mammography: While similar to conventional mammography, digital mammography images are collected on a digital detector and stored on computer (versus being collected and stored on film). Along with providing a high-quality breast image and quick report turnaround, digital mammography also offers a decreased radiation dose of up to 50 percent. Research has shown that this technology detects more cancers than film mammography in women younger than 50 years of age, pre-menopausal and peri-menopausal women, and women with dense breasts.
• Bone-density (DEXA) testing: DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) testing measures the density of a patient’s bones, as well as his/her rate of bone loss from osteoporosis (the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density). If left untreated, osteoporosis can increases one’s risk of bone fracture, particularly in the hip, spine, and wrist. DEXA scanning is non-invasive, safe, and painless to patients. The equipment offers advanced T-score reporting (a special bone-density measurement), fracture risk-assessment graphing, and if requested, body-mass index (BMI) calculation.
• Nuclear medicine: Nuclear medicine uses radioactive substances to image the body and treat disease. It evaluates the functioning and anatomy of the body. Nuclear medicine is useful in detecting tumors, aneurysms (weak spots in blood vessel walls), irregular/inadequate blood flow to tissues, blood cell disorders, poor organ functioning (e.g., thyroid and pulmonary function deficiencies), and more. Featuring specialized software developed by cardiologists at University of Michigan Health System, nuclear medicine technology at Three Rivers Health delivers superior image quality and better patient comfort.
• Ultrasound: The medical imaging department also has two additional ultrasound machines, which offer new zone technology and quick boot-up for emergent cases, as well as ergonomic enhancements and improvements in patient comfort. Effective for pediatrics through older adults, ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams, unlike x-rays, do not use ionizing radiation. Because they are recorded in real-time, ultrasound images can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.
Area physicians or practices looking to schedule patients for any of the above tests are encouraged to call 269.273.9638.
The new medical imaging equipment will be available for viewing by the public on Monday, January 31, from 5pm to 7pm. Tours will be conducted as part of the Chamber of Commerce gathering.
For 90 years and counting, Three Rivers Health has offered patients technology-driven care, including a wide array of inpatient, rehabilitation, outpatient, wellness, home care and hospice, and specialty clinic services.
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