Of course we're proud of our new, state-of the-art diagnostic imaging equipment. It's among the most advanced you'll find in the area —and rather unexpected for a hospital our size. But our true focus is on the bigger picture: wanting the best for our patients. As part of that commitment, we offer a comprehensive range of services to cover your needs from regular x-rays to cardiovascular procedures.

X-ray (or radiography) is the oldest and most often used form of medical imaging. X-ray technology passes small, highly controlled amounts of radiation through the body and captures the resulting reflections and shadows on a photographic film or plate. X-ray imaging is the fastest and easiest way for a physician to view and assess broken bones, fractures or chips. X-rays are used in orthopedic surgery, treatment of sports injuries and the diagnosis and monitoring of arthritis.

Ultrasound uses sound waves rather than x-rays to produce a medical image or picture of various organs and tissues in the body. The soundwave echoes are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. Ultrasound is used to diagnose tumors and other masses in various organs of the body and is also commonly used to determine the condition of a pregnant woman's fetus.

Vascular Ultrasound evaluates the body's veins and arteries to determine blockages to blood flow, such as clots or even congenital malformations. Ultrasound images may also be used to plan or review the success of procedures that graft or by-pass blood vessels.

Breast Imaging or Mammography uses low doses of x-rays to provide an image of the breast and breast tissue to diagnose breast diseases in women. Screening mammography refers to routinely using mammography to check for cancer in women without symptoms. It is the most effective tool available today for the early detection of breast cancer.

Diagnostic mammography refers to using a mammogram to check for cancer in women who are experiencing symptoms such as discoloration, swelling, firmness, thickening or dimpling of the skin. St. Mary’s ImageChecker system can help detect breast cancer earlier in a percentage of patients by highlighting suspicious areas for additional review by the radiologist.

Computerized Tomography, sometimes called CAT scan, uses special x-ray equipment to obtain images from different angles around the body, and then uses computer processing of the information to show a cross-section of body tissues and organs.

CT imaging is particularly useful because it can show several types of tissue—lung, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels—with great clarity. Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders. CT of the body is a patient-friendly exam that involves little radiation exposure.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI is a diagnostic technique that uses radio waves and a magnetic field to provide clear and detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. A versatile, powerful and sensitive tool, MRI can generate thin-section images of any part of the body, including the heart, arteries and veins from any angle and direction without surgery and in a very short period of time. The technique has proven very valuable for the diagnosis of a broad range of conditions in all parts of the body, including cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke, and joint and musculoskeletal disorders. MRI requires specialized equipment and expertise and allows evaluation of some body structures that may not be as visible with other imaging methods.

DEXA or dual energy x-ray absorptiometry is used to measure Bone Density of the hip and spine. This state of the art system utilizes extremely low radiation to assess the strength of the bones to determine a patient's risk for osteoporosis. Examinations are comfortable and painless and can provide valuable information to the physician for developing preventative measures for the patient.

Nuclear Medicine scans are diagnostic examinations in which radioactive material, or isotope, is injected into the patient. The isotope travels through the blood stream to the target organ. These isotopes transmit a pattern of rays representing the organ size, shape and function. The rays are detected by a special camera which, when coupled with a computer, produce an image on a screen.

Nuclear medicine images can assist the physician in diagnosing diseases. Tumors, infection and other disorders can be detected by evaluating organ function. Specifically, nuclear medicine can be used to:

• Analyze kidney function

• Image blood flow and function of the heart

• Scan lungs for respiratory and blood-flow problems

• Identify blockage of the gallbladder (cystic duct)

• Evaluate bones for fracture, infection, arthritis or tumor

• Determine the presence or spread of cancer

• Locate the presence of infection

• Measure thyroid uptake to detect hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism

St. Mary's Hospital is proud to be the first hospital in the Illinois Valley to acquire Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS). PACS is an information system that allows for the reduction in radiology report turnaround time by providing film-less reports and greater access for physicians to order and read diagnostic studies. PACS is accessible throughout the hospital and allows physicians to access their patients' records at a moment's notice.

Our competence is evident in our state-of-the-art technology and highly skilled staff caring for the patients we serve.