Ravalli County Diagnostic Services
Advanced Imaging Services at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital
Imaging tests tell medical professionals a lot about what’s going
on in a patient’s body, which is why Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital
has invested in state-of-the-art equipment to provide our patients with
the most accurate and efficient tests possible. Our diagnostic services
are capable of revealing much more about a condition than physical examinations
can. These tests are painless and our staff will be happy to answer any
questions you have about the process. You can learn more about our diagnostic
services from the brief overviews below.
To view our Imaging videos, click here.
3-D Mammogram
Every mammogram patient of the Marcus Daly Breast Health
Women’s Center has access to 3-D digital mammography equipment (Tomosynthesis). “This
advanced digital technology helps provide the most accurate diagnosis
for our patients,” said Judy Rothie, Mammographer.
3-D Mammograms produce dynamic, high quality 3-D images that radiologists
and manipulate and enhance during evaluation. This reduces false positives
and patient stress.
Schedule your 3-D mammogram today!
Ultrasound
At Marcus Daly Imaging, our patients have access to 3-D and 4-D Ultrasound
imaging procedures and experienced sonographers. The GE Logiq E9 ultrasound system with 4-D ultrasound technology provides
physicians and their patients with real-time 3-D images during obstetrics,
abdominal, and vascular ultrasound exams. This advanced technology incorporates
a complete set of 3-D and 4-D imaging features that help physicians and
technologists improve the patient's overall experience. Ultrasound
is a widely used diagnostic tool to safely image the human body without
pain. Our credentialed sonographers in conjunction with our board certified
Radiologist perform ultrasounds on patients of all ages, from embryos
to the elderly.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy is used to make a diagnosis when imaging studies
indicate a mass or micro calcification. Stereotactic biopsy is a minimally
invasive alternative to a surgical biopsy. Stereotactic mammography pinpoints
the exact location of a breast mass by using a computer and x-rays taken
from two different angles. The additional images are obtained to confirm
that the needle tip is on the lesion, at that time tissue samples are
obtained. The procedure takes roughly thirty to sixty minutes. A pathologist
will examine the removed specimen(s) and make a final diagnosis which
is sent to your referring medical provider.
Bone Densitometry
DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) uses low-energy X-rays to measure
the density of bones and can be useful in diagnosing osteoporosis. According
to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, Bone Mass Density tests are
recommended for all women ages 65 and older and younger women with a higher-than-normal
chance of fracture for their age. At Marcus Daly Imaging, you can get
your Dexa Scan and enroll in the Osteoporosis Clinic.
When measuring bone density, the DEXA scan is usually performed on the
lower spine, hip and sometimes the forearm. DEXA scan provides detailed
information specific to the density of the bones and compares the results
to standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). The resulting
scan is reviewed by our board certificated radiologist who then generates
a report to your referring medical provider.
64-Slice CT Scan
Marcus Daly Imaging offers the most advanced 64-slice CT (Computed Tomography)
Scanning System, “GE Revolution Evo”. This brand new state
of the art CT technology can improve patient outcomes with the high resolution
scans and lowest dose possible. It is simple and fast and arguably the
most valuable diagnostic imaging tool. It scans the body’s organs
in greater detail than regular x-rays to help find disease related abnormalities
and predict side effects of treatments. The 64-slice CT can scan the entire
body in about 30 seconds providing 4-times greater detail than a standard
CT. This detail allows for more precise diagnosis and patient specific
care plans.
MRI Scan
Patients will experience the latest in Magnet Resonance Imaging (MRI),
the GE Optima MR450w MRI machine inside a customized constructed suite.
The Wide-bore, 32-channel GEM Suite MRI Technology offers greater patient
comfort and the high quality images.
This MRI technology uses radio frequency (RF) to produce images and does
not emit radiation. The wide-bore model is wider and shorter than the
standard MRI. The entire area is less confined than a standard MRI, helping
claustrophobic patients to feel more at ease. We encourage our patients
to relax, choose their choice of music, and ever consider plugging in
their own iPod if they wish.