Radiology at Saint Francis Medical Center offers a full range of diagnostic tools to help doctors detect various conditions and diseases and determine the best treatment for their patients.
Staffed by experienced physicians, technicians and nurses,Radiology utilizes advanced technology and equipment (including a Picture Archival Communication System) to manage and deliver medical images and information. Radiology offers the following services:
64-slice computerized tomography (CT)
The 64-slice CT at Saint Francis Medical Center is a high-speed scanner offering exceptional 3-D imaging within seconds that enables physicians to diagnose a wide variety of diseases and conditions. The high-resolution technology provides rich visual detail and extremely accurate results. The 64-slice CT also features advanced applications for vascular and cardiac studies that help reduce invasive diagnostic procedures.
Computerized tomography (CT)
Computerized tomography (CT) uses special computer-enhanced X-rays to obtain multiple cross-section images of the body to create a detailed picture. The two CT scanners on-site at Saint Francis Medical Center provide doctors with excellent information on anatomical features and tissue density, enabling them to detect tumors, masses and certain diseases and evaluate vascular structures and bones.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) utilizes strong magnets and pulses of radio waves to manipulate the natural magnetic properties in the body to give physicians highly defined images of the interior of the body. Using a short-bore MRI doctors at Saint Francis Medical Center can diagnose brain diseases, stroke, infections and tendonitis, as well as visualize shoulder injuries or torn ligaments and evaluate masses in soft body tissue, bone tumors, cysts or herniated discs.
Nuclear medicine
Nuclear medicine at Saint Francis Medical Center is a special diagnostic technique that uses safe, painless procedures to image the body and document organ function. Nuclear treadmill stress testing, for example, enables doctors to evaluate heart function and blood flow. This powerful imaging technique is effective at identifying various abnormalities or diseases.
Open MRI
Saint Francis Medical Center is the first healthcare facility in the region to offer a 1.5 Tesla Open Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner. The state-of-the-art Open MRI accommodates patients up to 550 pounds and performs 85 percent of scans with the patient's head remaining outside the tunnel, leading to greater comfort. Located on the first floor of the Health and Wellness Center, the scanner provides higher resolution images (made possible by the strength of the 1.5 Tesla magnet) and better accommodates pediatric patients and neonates, producing a clear image despite patient movement during the scan.
Positron emission tomography (P.E.T.)
Positron emission tomography (P.E.T.) at Saint Francis Medical Center provides advanced diagnostics for cancer, neurological disease and heart function. Unlike MRI, CT or X-rays that show the internal structures of the body, P.E.T. scans show activity in the tissues of the body and help physicians diagnose various diseases and conditions.
P.E.T./CT
P.E.T./CT at Saint Francis Medical Center combines position emission tomography (P.E.T.) and computed tomography (CT) into one scanner. The system allows clinicians to both visualize tissue and organs as well as observe their function. P.E.T./CT scanners also enables physicians to better diagnose ailments such as cancer, neurological diseases and bone masses, as well as pinpoint the exact location of the disease.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a painless procedure that uses sound waves to create images inside the body. Sound waves that are inaudible to humans "bounce" off organs and tissues and are then captured by a computer to create 2-D images. Physicians at Saint Francis Medical Center use ultrasound from head to toe to diagnose lesions, internal bleeding and blood flow in the upper and lower extremities of the brain. Ultrasound also has applications for obstetrics and biopsies.