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Radiology |
Digital Mammography |
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Audubon County Memorial Hospital recently acquired equipment for
performing full-field digital mammography, becoming the first
hospital to offer this service in counties contiguous to
Audubon.
 Full-field digital mammography is an advanced imaging technique used in the detection and diagnosis of breast cancers. The hospital's transition to full-field digital mammography reduces patient exposure to radiation, provides greater access to radiologists who read the images and incorporates the use of computerized imaging techniques to facilitate the detection of tumors and other abnormalities at the earliest stages. Full-field digital mammography equipment was installed at Audubon County Memorial Hospital on Monday, July 28, 2008. The equipment was first used with patients on August 4. In September, 2009 Audubon County Memorial Hospital is recognized as a Pink Ribbon Facility for excellence in breast health and exceptional commitment and support to the women of Audubon County and surrounding communities. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Audubon County Memorial Hospital's Radiology Department (712) 563-5315. |
PACS |
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| In January of 2005, Digital Imaging equipment and a Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) were installed. Radiologists are able to read digital x-rays and other images in our reading room. These images can also be transmitted via high-speed Internet connection directly to Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines in the event of an emergency. |
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The Radiology Department at ACMH is quite progressive. Regular x-ray exams, Computerized Tomography (CT), and mammograms can be performed on a daily basis. In addition, the radiologists from Diagnostic Imaging Associates, P.C. come every Wednesday. On these days, we can perform flouroscopy exams, and breast biopsies. ACMH possesses its own ultrasound machine and currently can perform all types of ultrasound exams on every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. We also have our own bone densitometer and bone density exams can be done to test for osteoporosis, (a disease involving the loss of bone mass) on any weekday by appointment. MRI service is provided by Shared Medical Services. These exams are performed on Wednesdays and Saturdays by appointment. Nuclear medicine exams are offered every Tuesday and this service is provided by Nuclear Sonics. |
CT Scanner |
Our CT scanner was new in November of 2006 and is GE's "BrightSpeed ." This is a sixteen-slice scanner, which allows for faster scan times. Our previous scanner was a four-slice scanner. It also allows us to do some post-processing things like 3D reconstruction. Being able to do this gives the radiologist better resources to give the ordering physician a more accurate diagnosis. The multi-slice scanner allows us to do exams that could not be done here in the past. A few of these include scanning for a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) and renalithiasis (kidney stones). Renalithiasis studies can be performed without IV contrast.
In March of 2004 the radiology dept. added a modality called PET/CT. This links two modalities, (CT and Nuclear Medicine) together. This machine is used in the treatment of cancer. It is used in the planning stages and different stages throughout the treatment process. Right now this service is offered every other Saturday by appointment and is provided by Shared Imaging. |
