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Diagnostic Services

Imaging
Whether it's as simple as an X-ray (a plain film of any body part) or as advanced as nuclear medicine (using radioactive materials to detect abnormal functions or disease conditions), you can feel comfortable knowing that your physician has the best tools available to aid in diagnosing your illness. Images are acquired via our computed radiographic plates, a digital way to acquire images versus wet processing a hard copy piece of film.  

Our highly-skilled technologists and other personnel provide quality services promptly in a comfortable environment. Board-certified radiologists assist your physician in making an early and accurate diagnosis, which is essential for the proper treatment of your illness. Services include:

• PET/CT Scan.   This technology, located at Ephraim McDowell Diagnostic Center at 101 Daniel Drive in Danville, combines PET and CT scanning to greatly enhance the diagnosis and identification of cancer, heart disease and brain disorders. The combined image allows the radiologist to pinpoint disease in the body and identify what organ in the body the disease is coming from.

• Open MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). This painless, non-invasive procedure uses magnetic fields and radio waves instead of X-ray to gather detailed images of the internal structures of the body. Open MRI has clear, unobstructed space on three sides, which provides a more comfortable, relaxed environment for patients. Services are available at Ephraim McDowell Diagnostic Center, located at 101 Daniel Drive in Danville.

• Positron Emission Tomography (PET).  This non-invasive technique provides unique information about the body's metabolism, cell function and exact location of a disease. It uses a radioactive tracer to aid in visualization as a special camera takes images of your body.

• Bone Densitometry. This special type of X-ray measures the calcium content in the bones and is useful for assessing an individual's risk for bone fractures. It is very low dose and can be used as a screening for osteoporosis or to monitor the positive effects of certain medications on bone mineral density.

• CT Scan. CT stands for computerized tomography, which refers to the way this exam is performed. In actuality, a CT scan is an X-ray procedure enhanced by a computer. It results in a cross-sectional view of a particular part of your body. Depending on the reasons for the CT Scan, contrast can be used to visualize blood flow. Oral contrast may be used to visualize the digestive tract. A 4-slice CT Scanner is available at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center, while a 16-slice CT Scanner serves patients at the Ephraim McDowell Diagnostic Center.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This test uses magnetic fields, not X-rays, to produce detailed images of a part of the body. It is very useful for detecting tumors and viewing the spinal canal because it films soft tissues better than other imaging methods. 

• Mammography. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that is able to reveal a small lump up to two years before it can be felt. Mammograms may be performed at the Medical Center, Ephraim McDowell Diagnostic Center and on board the mobile mammography van. A baseline mammogram should be done before the age of 40, and a screening exam every year after age 40.

• Nuclear Medicine. This service uses equipment to detect abnormal functions of disease conditions by measuring the amount of radioactive rays emitted through and concentrating in particular areas of the body. Some examples of procedures could include liver, heart, lung and gallbladder. When having this procedure, you receive an injection of radioactive material that will allow your organs to be filmed. Within a few hours, the radioactive materials will be out of your system.

• Stereotactic Breast Biopsy. A Stereotactic Breast Biopsy system utilizes a highly technical Mammotome biopsy system, which gives the patient a more accurate and less traumatic method of breast biopsy than surgery. 

• Ultrasound. This service looks at various organs using high frequency sound waves, not x-rays. This technique produces images that can be reviewed as part of the diagnostic process. It is a painless and quick procedure to evaluate body organs and track the progress of pregnancy.

• X-ray. This is a film of any body part that assists physicians in making a diagnosis. Images are acquired via our computed radiographic plates, a digital way to acquire images versus wet processing a hard copy piece of film.

• Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) PACS is a bold move from an analog, manual film processing system to a fully digital, filmless process.  It enables image acquisition, interpretation and timely review at a physician’s fingertips and makes images accessible from anywhere in-house (OR, ER, nursing floors), at home PC’s, or at any healthcare facility in the country, through fast access VPN and web browser or CD.  Lost films are a thing of the past and image quality has never been better.  Coupled with Voice Recognition Technology, report turnaround time is virtually minutes.

Cardiovascular
This diagnostic service offers you and your physician information regarding blood flow in the extremities, heart and brain. Tests include doppler color flow mapping, cardiac catheterization, segmental pressures, cardiac stress testing, holter monitoring, EKG and carotid artery screening.

• 3D Echocardiography. This is a specialized ultrasound of the heart that allows the heart to be viewed in three dimensions. It shows the valves of the heart clearly, enhancing the cardiologist’s ability to determine if there is any abnormal leaking around the heart.

• Cardiac Catheterization/Angiography. These procedures assist doctors in detecting heart and vascular disease. With a cardiac catheterization, a small tube called a catheter is inserted into the arm or groin and passed through blood vessels to the heart. Angiography is similar to cardiac catheterization. Angiography can be performed on almost any part of the body. A contrast is injected during both procedures.

• Carotid Artery Screening. This procedure uses ultrasound to determine the presence of plaque in the carotid arteries. It is useful for determining an individual's risk for strokes.

• Echocardiography. This is a specialized ultrasound of the heart. It is used to evaluate blood flow through the valves, heart muscle size and contractility.

• Transesophageal Echocardiograms (TEE). This test allows the cardiologist to view the internal structures of the heart by inserting a probe (a thin flexible tube with a special tip) down the throat. Patients are lightly sedated throughout the procedure.
  

Neurodiagnostics
This service utilizes special equipment to record brain wave activity. The brain wave activity is recorded and is read by a neurologist. This procedure aids the neurologist in evaluating the brain wave activity.

• Electroencephalogram (EEG). This procedure helps in the diagnosis of conditions involving the brain and nervous system. Electrodes are placed onto the scalp to measure and record the brain wave activity.