Registered technologists staff the diagnostic imaging department at Washington County Hospital and Clinics.
You will find information below on the following services:
CT Scans
"CT" or "CAT" scan are common terms used to describe a radiographic test known as "computerized tomography". The CT scanner is a circular-shaped machine that takes pictures of cross-sections of the body, referred to as "slices". A CT can see inside the brain and other parts of the body - areas that cannot be seen with x-rays. This makes it possible to diagnose certain diseases earlier and more accurately.
Preparing for a CT exam
Most CT scans require contrast. CT scans of the head and chest require you to have nothing to eat or drink for 2 hours prior to the test. CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis require you to drink barium. One bottle is taken the night before the exam, another the day of the exam.
Exam Day:
- Please arrive 10--15 minutes early to complete the registration process.
- CT scans of the head (brain) require removal of jewelry, hairpins, etc.
- CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis require changing into a patient gown.
You may be asked to sign a consent form if I.V. contrast (x-ray dye) is to be used. I.V. contrast is injected into the bloodstream through a small needle in the arm or hand. It is used to "highlight" the vessels and organs of the abdomen (which aid in diagnosis). You may also have blood drawn in the laboratory prior to an exam that uses I.V. contrast to check for adequate renal (kidney) function.
Bone Densitometry
Bone mineral densitometry is a quick and accurate measurement of bone mass that is used to diagnose osteoporosis. This procedure is able to identify osteoporosis and the risk for osteoporosis at a much earlier stage than conventional methods (i.e., x-rays). Using the bone densitometer, physicians can measure bone density and follow it over time. Changes in diet, exercise and/or medication can prevent further bone deterioration.
Washington County Hospital and Clinics uses a DEXA (Duel Energy X-ray Absorbitometry) which is the most effective means of measuring bone mineral density (BMD).
The bone density exam:
To measure bone mass with a DEXA machine, a person lies on a flat padded table and remains motionless while the "arm" of the instrument passes over the whole body or over selected areas. While the measurement is performed, a beam of low dose x-rays are detected by a device in the instrument's arm. The machine converts the information received to an image of the skeleton and analyzes the quality of bone the skeleton contains. As little as a 1% loss in bone density can be detected.
For the spine measurement, the person's lower legs rest on a Styrofoam cube with hips flexed. For a hip measurement, the toes are placed in a "pigeon-toed' position to rotate the hips and provide the largest projected area to measure. It is important to remember that, if the patient moves while the measurement is taken, errors can occur.
A computer plots the results of the patient's bone density against "population norms" or any previous DEXA scans. Results are then interpreted and treatment may include diet, vitamins or drug therapy to increase BmD and reduce the risk of spine and hip fracture by 50%. Bone densitometry is not painful and the DEXA instrument does not enclose the patient.
Mammography
- One in every eight women will develop breast cancer.
- Breast cancer kills every 12 minutes.
- Every five seconds a lump is found in a woman's breast.
A mammogram is a low-level x-ray of the breast. A mammogram is the most accurate method to date, of detecting breast cancer. It can detect lesions in breast tissue which might otherwise go unnoticed because they are very small or deeply buried and cannot be felt during palpation. This makes mammography a particularly valuable tool in detecting early breast cancer.
The mammography department at Washington County Hospital and Clinics is accredited by the American College of Radiology and certified by the FDA and Iowa Department of Health. Five registered mammography technologists are on staff at Washington County Hospital and Clinics.
Mammography Services
Screening and diagnostic mammograms are performed at Washington County Hospital and Clinics. A screening mammogram is a routine screening exam performed when there are no specific breast complaints. A diagnostic mammogram is performed when a patient has a specific complaint such as a lump or focal point of breast tenderness.
Preparing for a Mammogram
A mammogram is a simple test that requires little planning. Schedule the test for 7 to 10 days after the first day of your period when your breasts are less tender.
Exam day
On the morning of your test, wash your breasts and underarms. Do not use deodorant, powder or perfume. Wear a blouse that you can remove easily.
During your test you will need to undress from the waist up. The technologist will position your breast to get the best results. Each of your breasts will be compressed. You may feel some discomfort, but compression helps get the most complete x-ray image with the least amount of radiation. Compression is not dangerous and does not damage breast tissue. We encourage you to remain as relaxed as possible and please know that any discomfort will be very brief. 0nce the exam is complete, the technologist may have you wait a few minutes to make sure the images are readable.
After the test
You may resume your normal activities right away. Occasionally, more pictures are needed. You will be called to schedule them. You will receive a card in the mail with your test results.
American Cancer Society recommendations:
- Symptom-free women should have a baseline mammogram before the age of 40.
Age 20 - 40:
- Physical examination of breast by a physician every 3 years
- Monthly breast self-exam
Over age 40
- Physical examination of breast by a physician every year
- Monthly breast self-exam
- Screening mammogram every year after the age of 40.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
MRI provides excellent anatomical detail without the use of radiation. MRI uses a strong magnetic field (far stronger than the earth's magnetic field) that scans the hydrogen protons in the human body. Very sophisticated electronic hardware and computer software are used to produce the images on a computer screen. These images are then transferred to film to be studied by a specialist.
MRI scans are used to detect cancer in organs and tissues, injuries, disorders and diseases of the musculoskeletal system; as well as diagnose brain and nervous system disorders such as stroke, tumors, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord conditions and diseases.
Preparing for MRI
There is no special preparation for MRI scans. However, there are some important considerations:
- If you are claustrophobic (afraid of closed or tight spaces) please mention this to your doctor.
- Patients that have a pacemaker cannot have an MRI.
- Patients that have metal in their body (artificial joints, metallic valves, etc.) must let us know when scheduling. These patients may not be able to have the scan.
- Patients who are claustrophobic, and their physician orders sedation, must bring someone to drive them home.
- Patients that have had stents placed in their body within the last 2 months cannot have an MRI.
- Patients who have had brain or heart surgery (or angioplasty) need to check with their doctor to make sure that it is safe to have this exam.
Exam Day
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete the registration process. When it is time for the exam, patients are asked to complete a questionnaire prior to the scan. This information is gathered to ensure patients' safety and to obtain the highest quality images possible. The technologist will explain the procedure and answer any questions. Due to the use of magnetic fields, clothing with metal and jewelry should not be worn as it may degrade image quality. Patients may be asked to wear a hospital gown to avoid this problem. Patients are assisted onto a table and guided into a machine. During the exam, knocking or thumping sounds will be heard. Results of the exam will be forwarded to the ordering physician.
Nuclear
Nuclear medicine images (or scans) involve the intravenous injection of a small amount of a radioactive tracer. Images are then taken from several angles with a special camera. The radioactive drugs are very low concentration (the radiation dose is equal to that of a chest x-ray), thus there are no side-effects.
Preparing for a Nuclear Medicine exam
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete the registration process. The technologist will escort you to the exam room and explain the testing procedure and answer any questions you may have. An isotope will be given either by injection, by mouth or by inhaling. If your exam requires you to come back at a later time, you will be instructed to do so. If the exam requires scans to begin immediately, you will be assisted onto a table or asked to sit in front of a scanner. Acquiring the Nuclear Medicine image takes time, and it is very important that you remain still while images are being obtained. This can take from 5 minutes to 1 hour. During the exam, the scanner may move around you. When the exam is completed, the technologist will assist you off the table and you may leave. Results of the exam will be forwarded to your physician, who will explain them to you.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to examine various organs and tissues in the body. Ultrasound is a safe and painless examination. It is used to detect diseased or damaged tissues, locate abnormal growths and identify a wide variety of changing conditions.
Ultrasound is used during pregnancy to check a baby's health and development. It provides information on the size and growth rate of the baby. It can also detect multiple babies, certain birth defects and other conditions that could lead to problems during pregnancy or delivery. Parents are given a picture of the baby or a CD at the end of the exam. In accordance with standards set by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, videotaping is not provided. The examination is performed by a trained technologist who works under the direct supervision of a Radiologist.
Preparing for an ultrasound exam
All ultrasound exams of the abdomen require you to have nothing to eat or drink for 4 to 6 hours prior to the exam. Pelvic ultrasounds require you to drink four eight-ounce glasses of water one-half hour prior to the exam and not void until after the exam. Ultrasound exams of the arms, legs and neck require no special preparation.
Exam Day:
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete the registration process. The technologist will escort you to the dressing room, where you will change into a patient gown. Once inside the exam room, the technologist will explain the exam and answer any questions. To begin the exam, you will be asked to lie down on the table while the technologist applies a small amount of gel to the area that is to be scanned. The technologist will use a transducer, moving it across the area to be examined while applying mild pressure. The exam will take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to complete. After the exam, the technologist will assist you off the table and you will be free to change and leave. Results of the exam will be forwarded to your physician. Your physician will explain the results.
Note: Some exams (i.e., pelvic and prostate ultrasounds) require additional procedures to be performed. The technologist will explain these procedures prior to the exam.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disorder characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) that results in an increased risk of fracture. Measurement of BMD is the strongest predictor of fracture risk-- the lower the bone mineral density, the greater the risk of fracture.
Osteoporosis Facts
- 43 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone mass (osteopenia).
- 1 out of every 2 women and 1 in 5 men will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime.
- Osteoporosis is responsible for 1 million fractures annually (300,000 hip fractures, 500,000 spinal fractures, 200,000 wrist fractures).
- 12% - 20% of hip fracture patients die within one year after fracture.
- One-fourth of all women over 60 have experienced a spinal compression fracture (small vertebral breaks that gradually collapse the spine resulting in a "dowager's hump" (hump back).
- 25% of the elderly who fracture their hip require long term institutional care, representing the second-leading cause of nursing home placement (behind stroke). Approximately 50% of elderly patients with hip fractures never regain the same level of functional independence.
Clinical Signs and Symptoms for Osteoporosis
- Loss of height
- History of recurrent or non-traumatic fractures
- Kyphosis (hump back)
- Back pain due to fracture or deformity
- Risk Factors for Osteoporosis
- Thin, small build
- Early menopause
- Family history of osteoporosis or osteoporosis-related fractures
- Body fat less than 20%
- Lifestyle factors (inactivity, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, smoking)
- Caucasian or Asian ethnicity
- Chronic use of steroids, excessive thyroid hormone, certain anti-convulsants
- Gastrointestinal Disease, Liver Disease and Kidney Disease