Bone Densitometry

A bone densitometry exam is used to determine the bone mineral content usually in the spine and hip. Bone densitometry is used to detect osteoporosis as well as to monitor the effectiveness of any treatment for osteoporosis.

CT Scan

Computerized tomography (CT) is a technology that generates two and three dimensional body images with x-rays. The data from the multiple X-ray images are turned into pictures on a screen. CT can make images of every part of the body including the bones, nerves, muscles and organs. Use of state-of-the-art scanners allow the capability to perform special vascular and skeletal examinations and cardiac scoring.

PET Scan

PET stands for Positron Emission Tomography. A PET scan uses a small dosage of a chemical called radionuclide combined with a sugar. This combination is injected into the patient. The radionuclide emits positrons. A PET scanner will rotate around a patient's head to detect the positron emissions given off by the radionuclide. Because malignant tumors are growing at such a fast rate compared to healthy tissue, the tumor cells will use up more of the sugar which has the radionuclide attached to it. The computer then uses the measurements of glucose to produce a picture that highlights areas that have a greater chance of being cancerous.

The combined benefit of PET and CT is available at St. Joseph's Hospital with the GE Discovery ST (“See and Treat”) imaging scanner. Discovery ST combines the fastest and most sophisticated CT scanner with the most advanced PET system providing better cancer care from diagnosis to follow-up.

Diagnostic Radiology

General x-ray is the most common form of medical imaging. An x-ray uses high-energy radiation waves to make images that can help diagnose disease. X-rays can show the following: bones, teeth, bone fractures and other abnormalities of bone; joint spaces and some abnormalities of joints such as osteoarthritis; the size and shape of the heart; changes in density of some softer tissues and collections of fluid. Fluoroscopic x-ray is a “real-time” procedure that can visualize internal structures in motion.

ECGs

An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a graphic recording of the heart's electrical activity. It records the rhythm produced by the heart muscle. An ECG can help to find the cause of symptoms such as palpitations or chest pain. Heart disorders that can be detected with an ECG include abnormal heart rhythms, a heart attack and if it was recent or some time ago and an enlarged heart.

Laboratory

Full service oriented laboratories providing phlebotomy services including home draws, on-site clinical testing, employment-related drug screening, EKG and other cardiac related monitoring event procedures.

Mammography

Mammography is a procedure that uses x-ray to image the breast for early detection of breast cancer. It can detect most breast cancers at an early stage, before symptoms develop. Our mammographers have attained advanced certification in the specialty of mammography.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a technology utilizing a strong magnetic field and a specially designed computer to create detailed images of internal structures of the body including bones, joints and blood vessels. MRI images are clear and can be superior to x-ray images. Unlike an x-ray, an MRI scan does not use radiation. Different types of tissue show up in different colors on a computer-generated image making it easy to identify any abnormalities.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is different from other radiology procedures because it evaluates function and structure as well as anatomy. The patient is given a small safe dose of radioactive material that is attracted to the area of concern. The patient is then imaged by a special camera that works with a computer to produce an image for interpretation.

Radiology

The medical specialty that uses various imaging methods for diagnosistic purposes.

Ultrasound Imaging

A radiology technique which uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the organs and structures of the body. Ultrasound imaging has many uses including: obstetrics, to monitor growth of the baby and check that there are no abnormalities; in urology, for diagnosis of urinary bladder and kidney disease; to look for blockages of blood flow in blood vessels; to diagnose vascular aneurysms; to look for abnormalities of the heart valves or other heart structures; to diagnose abnormalities of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, thyroid gland, lymph nodes, ovaries or testicles and breast.