Imaging
Conventional MRI - A conventional, state of-the-art mobile Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) unit is at the hospital every Thursday. MRI is a non-invasive and usually painless medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (x-rays) but instead uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves, and a computer to produce images of internal organs, soft tissues, and bone. Detailed MR images allow physicians to better evaluate parts of the body and certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with other imaging methods such as x-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT or CAT) scanning.
Open MRI - On Sundays, a special 1.5T open-bore MRI, the Siemens Espree, comes to the hospital to accommodate all patients, including those who are claustrophobic or desire more open space around them during the scan. The scanner offers little horizontal obstruction to the patient's view, making for a very open feel. Those with claustrophobia often can forgo sedation, resulting in a safer and more efficient process. A companion can maintain physical contact with the patient in the MRI, which can be helpful for children or the very anxious. As with a standard MRI scanner, the open MRI has an in-room microphone and ceiling mounted loud speaker which supports two-way communication with the MRI technologists and allows the patient to listen to music. Munson Healthcare Charlevoix Hospital’s MRI technical staff is certified by the American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT) and has advanced training in MRI exams.
Diagnostic X-Ray - X-rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging. An x-ray (radiograph) is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Imaging with x-rays involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body. A radiologist can view these on a high resolution computer monitor. X-ray exams provide valuable information about your health and play an important role in helping your doctor make an accurate diagnosis. In some cases, x-rays are used to assist with the placement of tubes or other devices in the body or with other therapeutic procedures. Certified technologists are available at our hospital around the clock to perform X-rays as needed. Our 10 X-ray technologists are cross-trained, experienced, and committed to providing great hometown care to our community.
Click here to learn more about nuclear medicine.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan - Computed Tomography (CT) scanning, sometimes called computed axial tomography (CAT) scanning, is a non-invasive, painless medical test that is used as a diagnostic tool and as a guide for interventional procedures. Charlevoix Area Hospital has a 64-slice CT scanner used to obtain precise diagnostic images of all areas of the body. A CT scan combines multiple x-ray images at different angles around the body and uses a computer to produce cross-sectional and three dimensional images of the area being studied. CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue, and blood vessels are able to provide greater detail than conventional x-ray exams. Our CT staff consists of extensively trained and knowledgeable individuals who are nationally certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and are required to complete continuing education on a yearly basis to remain certified. Our CT department is compliant with the State of Michigan radiation exposure guidelines. Exposure doses for all CT scans are monitored and recorded to ensure that patients are not exposed to excessive radiation. Our CT department also supports and practices the national “Image Gently” program for pediatric imaging.
Services Offered:
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CT Head
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CT Chest
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CT Abdomen / Pelvis
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CT Extremities
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CT Biopsies
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CTA Head
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CTA Chest
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CTA Abdomen / Pelvis
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CTA Extremities
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Image Gently
Click here to learn more about radiation exposure in X-ray and CT exams.
Diagnostic Ultrasound - Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves scanning part of the body with high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body that help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. The images obtained during an ultrasound are captured in real-time, meaning they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs. Ultrasound imaging is usually a painless procedure and does not involve ionizing radiation (x-rays). A specialized ultrasound exam called Doppler Ultrasound uses an ultrasound technique that evaluates blood as it flows through blood vessels. Our hospital has two sonographers on staff who are registered by the American Registry of Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Their expertise lies in the performance of the exam and not in its interpretation. Our technologists are unable to give any results at the time of your exam.
Services:
- Abdomen/Retroperitoneum: Aorta and Kidneys
- Breast / Breast Biopsy and Fine Needle Aspirations (FNAs)
- Carotid
- Soft Tissue Masses
- OB - 3D and 4D capability
- Pediatric
- Pelvis /Transvaginal
- Scrotum
- Thyroid -Thyroid FNAs/BXs (Fine Needle Aspirations/Biopsies)
- Venous
- Surgical Guidance Procedures
Bone Density - Bone density tests are quick and painless. Bone density scanning, also called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), is an enhanced form of x-ray technology that measures bone loss. DXA is today's established standard for measuring bone mineral density. Bone density scans are most often used to diagnose osteoporosis, a condition that typically affects women after menopause, but also may be found in men and rarely in children. Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of calcium, as well as structural changes, causing bones to become thinner, more fragile, and more likely to break. DXA is most often performed on the lower spine and hips. The scan takes only a few minutes and is done by a machine that slides above a person lying flat on an exam table.