Modalities

MRI

The Magnetom Symphony 1.5T by Siemens with Power-class is one of the world’s most demanded 1.5 MRI systems in its class. It uses cutting-edge applications that will accelerate your imaging performance like never before. When you use this system, you will be able to view the smallest details with incredible clarity. With the Power-class you will be able to do more and see more during your exams.

The Magnetom Symphony 1.5T is very easy to use system allowing you to get started using it right away. Once you get started using this system, you will be able to breeze through your exams. You will be able to provide your patients with faster and more comfortable exams that they deserve. It provides up to a 75% reduction in scan time.

Is there any risk?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is very safe. There are no health risks associated with the magnetic field or the radio waves used by the machine. However, some special circumstances limit the use of a magnetic field. It is important for you to tell us if you have any of the following:

• Cardiac pacemaker or artificial heart valve
• Metal plate, pin or other metallic implant
• Intrauterine device, such as Copper-7 IUD
• Insulin pump or other infusion pump
• Aneurysm clips
• Previous gun wound
• Inner ear implant
• Metal fragments in your eye or other parts of your body
• Permanent (tattoo) eyeliner

How should I prepare for the exam?
No special preparation is needed. You can eat normally and take medication as usual, unless your doctor has given you other instructions. You may find it easier to relax if you avoid drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages prior to your exam.

How long will the exam take?
The length of the exam depends on the type of MRI exam your doctor has ordered. Most exams are completed within 30 to 60 minutes.

How do I get my exam results?
After your exam, the radiologist will review your images and a report will be sent directly to your doctor. Reports are available within 24 hours. Your doctor will discuss the results of the exam with you.

Meet Medica’s MRI Technologist –

       

Debbie Carpenter                              Ann Lancaster

MRI Tech/Site Manager                    MRI Technologist

CT

A computerized tomography (CT) scanner is a large, doughnut shaped machine which uses X-rays that pass through the body to create computerized images of the bones, blood vessels and internal organs. As your body passes through the doughnut shaped hole, X-rays are projected to make a cross section image of the body. These images enable the physician to more accurately see the internal organs and soft tissue. The images can be reconstructed into a three dimensional picture. CT provides much more detail than a standard X-ray.

What are the risks?
Radiation in CT exams is minimal due to modern technology and the brief duration of the exam. However, X-rays can harm a developing fetus. Please be sure to inform your physician or the technologist if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before having a CT exam.

How should I prepare for the exam?
You may be asked to drink only clear liquids and abstain from solid foods prior to your exam. You should tell your physician if you are pregnant, have asthma, are taking medication, or are allergic to any foods; especially shellfish. It is best to wear comfortable clothes such as sweats if possible. You will be asked to remove eye-glasses, watch, jewelry, dentures or partial plates, hearing aids, hairclips, and any other metallic objects you are carrying.

How long will the exam take?
The length of the exam depends on the type of CT exam your doctor has ordered. Most exams are completed within 5-30 minutes.

How do I get my exam results?
After your exam, the radiologist will review your images and a report will be sent directly to your doctor. Reports are available within 24 hours. Your doctor will discuss the results of the exam with you.

Jennifer Haraka,  CT Technologist

Medica Forsyth will be upgrading to a 16-Slice Siemens CT at the end of November, 2013

Siemens Somatom Emotion 16 CT Scanner
The Somatom Emotion 16 by Siemens is a CT scanner with a 16-slice configuration. When you buy the Somatom Emotion 16, you are going to take CT to a higher level. By using this scanner, you will obtain top quality images with minimal life-cycle cost. You will also have access to a wide range of clinical application that is tailored to the needs of your clinic.

The Siemens Somatom Emotion 16 scanner has been designed with a 70 cm aperture and a 50 cm scan field. It has a patient table that can hold patients up to 440 pounds. The Somatom Emotion 16 offers reconstruction on the fly with up to 16 images per second. When you buy the Somatom Emotion 16, you are going to receive a scanner that is powerful and cost-effective. It will allow your clinic to perform routine exams as well as detailed and high resolution exams as well.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging is a noninvasive medical test that helps detect changes in the appearance of organs, tissues, and vessels or detect abnormal masses, such as tumors.

Ultrasound imaging uses high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. The sound waves help determine the distance of an object, its size, shape, and consistency (whether the object is solid, filled with fluid, or both). Unlike an X-Ray, an Ultrasound exam does not use ionizing radiation. The images are captured in real-time and can show the structure and movement of the body’s internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

What are the risks?
There are no known health risks.

How should I prepare for the exam?
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam.

Additional preparation depends on the type of examination you will have. For some Ultrasound exams, you may be asked not to eat or drink for up to 12 hours before your appointment. For other exams, you may be asked to drink up to six glasses of water two hours prior to your exam and avoid urinating so that your bladder is full when the scan begins.

You will receive your preparation instructions for your exam when the exam is scheduled.

How long will the exam take?
Most Ultrasound exams are completed within 20-40 minutes.

How do I get my exam results?
After your exam, the Radiologist will review your images and a report will be sent directly to your doctor. Reports are available within 24 hours. Your doctor will discuss the results of the exam with you.

Meet Medica Forsyth Ultrasonographers:

Karen Kuchvalek                                         Ammy Purdy

Ultrasonographer                                      Ultrasonographer

DEXA

Bone density scanning, also called Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) or Bone Densitometry, is used to measure bone loss.

A DXA exam is most often performed on the lower spine and hips. In children and in some adults, the whole body may be scanned.

What are common uses for Bone Density (DXA)?
DXA is commonly used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that often affects women after menopause but may also be found in men. Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of calcium and structural changes that cause the bones to become thinner, fragile and more likely to break.

DXA is effective in monitoring the treatment for osteoporosis and other conditions that can cause bone loss.

Are there any risks?
Radiation in DXA exams is minimal due to modern technology and the brief duration of the exam. However, X-rays can harm a developing fetus. Please be sure to inform your physician or the technologist if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before having a DXA exam.

How should I prepare for the exam?
You should not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam.

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your ultrasound exam.

If you recently had a barium examination or have been injected with a contrast material for a computed tomography (CT) scan or radioisotope scan. You may have to wait 10 to 14 days before undergoing a DXA test.

Please be sure to inform your physician or the technologist if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before having a DXA exam.

How long will the exam take?
Most DXA exams are completed in approximately 20-30 minutes.

How do I get my exam results?
After your exam, the radiologist will review your images and a report will be sent directly to your doctor. Reports are available within 24 hours. Your doctor will discuss the results of the exam with you.

Matt Whitehair, Technologist