Radiology Services
The Radiology Department at Loring Hospital is committed to providing excellent patient care and high quality imaging in today's ever changing world of technology. We offer a wide variety of modalities available to imaging departments. These modalities include Radiography, Computed Tomography (CT), Ultrasound, Digital Mammography, Bone Densitometry, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Nuclear Medicine. We have recently purchased new Digital Mammography and Computed Tomography equipment and our Mammography and Radiography suites have been remodeled.
Interpretations of exams are provided by Mercy in Des Moines
HOURS
7:00 a.m to 5:00 om Monday - Friday .
Mammograms - 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday - Friday or the first Saturday of the month
Annual mammogram party in March and October, or if you have a group, by appointment
Nuclear Medicine is provided to our patients through a mobile service (DMS Nuclear Imaging). This service is available every other Tuesday.
MRI is provided to our patients through a mobile service (Shared Medical Services). This service is available on Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
Bone Densitometry and CT - 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday - Friday
DIGITIAL MAMMOGRAPHY
Digital mammography is considered the best method of detecting lesions in the breast tissue. It has the ability to detect lesions that are too small or too deep to be felt with BSE (breast self-exam). This makes digital mammography an important tool in detecting early breast cancer.
The American Cancer Society recommends that all women ages 40 and over have a screening mammogram annually. If you experience a change in your breasts, such as lumps, thickening, swelling, dimpling, skin irritation, distortion, retraction or pain, you should contact your physician.
The mammography technologists are board certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and licensed by the State of Iowa. The Mammography Department is certified through the FDA and the State of Iowa.
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
Nuclear Medicine is a method of obtaining diagnostic images by giving the patient a small dose of a radioactive isotope. Pictures are then taken with a special camera, which is able to detect the location of the radiopharmaceutical (isotope) in the body and create images, which the physician can evaluate.
The radioisotope dose is given by an IV injections in the arm, or by swallowing a capsule. The area of the body being imaged determines the way in which the dose is given. The radiation dose to the body is comparable to an x-ray exam and there are no side effects with the materials used.
Some exams require a delay after the dose is given and before the pictures are started. This may be required to allow time for the dose to collect in the organ being studied. Exams of the bones, heart and thyroid often have delays. The patient may be asked to lie down or sit in front of the camera. Scans range in time from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the type of exam being done. For many of the exams there are no special instructions to prepare for the test, however some do require a prep which should be explained when the test is scheduled.
MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)
MRI is a way of taking pictures of your body and its chemical make-up. It's a safe way to make an image of your body that does not use radiation. It uses a strong magnetic field supplied by a magnet and radiowaves. There are no known biological hazards associated with MRI.
An MRI examination requires the patient to lie on a table. The area of the body to be scanned will be positioned in the center of the magnet. The patient will enter the magnet either feet or head first, depending on the type of exam being performed. A small device called a surface coil may be placed near the part of the body to be scanned in order to improve the images. There is no preparation for a MRI exam.
BONE DENSITOMETRY
The Radiology Department is pleased to offer on-site, a sensitive, specific test for diagnosis of osteoporosis and monitoring of its treatment.
Dexa is a method used to measure bone mass. It is one of the three methods cited by the National Osteoporosis Foundation as useful and safe in the evaluation of osteoporosis. As with other bone density examinations, Dexa uses a small amount of radiation, which is restricted to the region covered by the scans taken in the spine and both hips. The data is used to measure the risk factor and determine the necessity and choice of therapy. The examination takes approximately 15 minutes.
ULTRASOUND
An ultrasound test uses reflected sound waves to produce an image of the organs in the body. The words "ultrasound study", "ultrasound exam", and "sonogram" all mean the same thing. An ultrasound does not use x-rays and there are no documented risks associated with ultrasound.
During an ultrasound the patient is asked to lie down on the exam table. A gel is applied to the part of the body being examined and then a small instrument called a transducer or probe is passed over that area by the sonographer. The patient may be asked to move into different positions or to hold their breath to improve imaging. Some ultrasound examinations require special preparations, which will be explained during scheduling.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) - 16-SLICE SCANNER
Computed Tomography is a type of radiologic exam where the x-ray source rotates around the patient. A computer then interprets the information and creates a cross-sectional image or a "slice". Computed tomography is probably better known as CT scan or CAT scan.
The patient is asked to lie on a table and the area being scanned will be moved into the scanner. For most exams the patient will lie on his or her back. Some of the exams require the patient to hold their breath. Also depending on the type of exam requested, an intravenous contrast may be administered. Preparation is required for some examinations, which may involve drinking an oral contrast and/or fasting. These preparations will be explained at the time of scheduling.
CONTACT
Appointments may be made by calling 712-662-7105 and asking for Radiology. If you have any questions, please contact April Peterson, Radiology Department Manager, at 712-662-6344 or 6343.