CT Scan
Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Equipment
Computerized tomography, better known as CT or CAT scans, is a specific type of X-ray equipment utilized to obtain images from inside the body processed to create a cross-section, 3-dimensional image. This multi-sided image allows your medical team to look at inner body tissues from different angles. CT scans are non-invasive tests used for a wide variety of tests. At Mee Memorial Healthcare System, we work with state-of-the-art CT scanners, which have a doughnut-type shape in which the X-ray source rotates and emits a beam recorded by a detector. These recorded images are computer-processed to reconstruct a 3D image.
How Does a CT scanner work?
CT scan works like other x-ray exams. With CT scanning, several x-ray beams and x-ray detectors rotate around you. Sometimes, the exam table will move during the scan so that the x-ray beam follows a spiral path. A special computer program then processes this data to create a two-dimensional cross-sectional images of your body
For children, the technique will be adjusted to their size and the area of interest to reduce the radiation dose.
What Can a CT scan help diagnose:
CT scan can help diagnose the following conditions:
- Detecting tumors and masses of the liver, kidney, or pancreas
- Helping to detect blood flow while diagnosing kidney disorders or pulmonary problems
- Identifying blood clots
- Scanning the heart to diagnose coronary artery disease
- Checking the head and brain for tumors, hemorrhages, bone trauma, or blood flow obstruction
- Detecting changes in the lungs, such as scarring, tumor, collapsed lung(s), and pleural effusions
- Assessing bone fractures, such as aiding in the diagnosis of a spinal cord injury or evaluating osteoporosis or arthritis
- And more
CT scans may require follow-up diagnostic testing, including MRI scans or X-rays, to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. For example, if your CT scan shows a “normal” result, but you continue to experience symptoms, you should speak to your doctor about further test options, or ask for a referral to a specialist who can expand on the diagnostic investigation.
CT scans are stored electronically and can be delivered via email, when necessary.
To schedule a CT scan appointment at Mee Memorial Healthcare System, please call 831-385-7130.
Ultrasound scan
An ultrasound scan, sometimes called a sonogram, is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body. The images can provide valuable information for diagnosing and treating a variety of diseases and conditions.
How Does an Ultrasound scanner work?
A trained technician presses a small, hand-held device called transducer against the area being studied and moves it as needed to capture the images. The transducer sends sound waves into your body, collects the ones that bounces back and send them to a computer, which creates the images.
What Can an Ultrasound Help Diagnose?
Ultrasound is used to diagnose/view the following conditions:
- View the uterus and ovaries during pregnancy and monitor the baby’s health
- Diagnose gallbladder disease
- Evaluate blood flow
- Guide a needle for biopsy
- Examine a breast mass
- Check your thyroid gland
- Detect genital problems
- Assess joint inflammation
Digital Mammography
Is the most common screening method for breast cancer screening. Mammography uses low energy x-rays to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening.
How Does Mammogram work?
You will stand in front of the x-ray machine. Your breast is placed on a small platform. A clear plastic plate presses down on the breast for a few seconds. The technologist will then take several pictures of the breast.
What Can Mammogram Help Diagnose?
Mammogram is widely used to diagnose the following conditions:
- Breast Cancer detection
- Check and examine breast lump
- Examine breast thickening
- Examine liquid leaking from the nipple
Bone Density Test
A bone density test determines if you have osteoporosis, a disorder characterized by bones that are more fragile and more likely to break. A bone density test enhances the accuracy or calculating your risk of breaking bones. Bone density uses x-rays to measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a segment of bone. The bones that are most commonly tested are in the spine, hip and sometimes the forearm.
How Does Bone Density work?
In bone density scanning, the machine sends an invisible beam of low-dose x-rays with two distinct energy peaks through the bones being examined. One peak is absorbed mainly by soft tissue and the other by bone. The soft tissue amount can be subtracted from the total and what remains is a patient’s bone mineral density.
Dexa machines features special software that compute and display the bone density measurement on a computer
What Can Bone Density Scan Help Diagnose?
Doctors use bone density testing to:
- Identify decreases in bone density before you break a bone
- Determine your risk of broken bones
- Confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis
- Monitor osteoporosis treatment
