New 64-Slice CT Scanner and Digital Mammography

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New 64-Slice CT Scanner and Digital Mammography

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New 64-Slice CT Scanner and Digital Mammography at HAH Offers Physicians and Their Patients to Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Technology.

Until recently, those in need of a Multi-Slice CT Scan had to travel some distance to receive this advanced diagnostic screening. Hillsboro Area Hospital announced to area physicians and patients that they have added a XA 64 SLICE CT SOMATOM Scanner developed by Siemens Medical Solutions to its Radiology Department. The new 64 Slice CT Scanner improves diagnosis and treatment of patients in the central region of Illinois.

The new CT Scanner provides the finest image quality while reducing x-ray exposure to the patient. Its innovative design provides optimal patient comfort by eliminating the closed-in feeling which is sometimes associated with CT scanning. “Once again, we’ve demonstrated our commitment to be the community’s front door to a world of health care”, said Rex Brown, Hillsboro Area Hospital CEO. “With our state of the art CT scanner, we are providing physicians and their patients with outstanding diagnostic information. For example, we can now scan most geriatric, pediatric and trauma patients in a single breath hold, which results in more accurate diagnosis while increasing patient comfort and also reducing examination time”, says Trinity Flowers, Supervisor of the Hillsboro Area Hospital’s Imaging Center. “This new technology allows us to take care of our patients in the best way and in a patient friendly environment.”

In addition to the installation of the Multi-Slice CT Scanner, Hillsboro Area Hospital has also added Digital Mammography to its Radiology Department. Through a special live purse auction fundraising event sponsored by the Hillsboro Area Health Foundation, $12,000 was raised to help purchase the Siemens Digital Mammography unit. Digital Mammography is a recent enhancement to traditional mammography and replaces x-ray film with solid-state detectors that convert x-rays into electrical signals. These detectors are similar to those found in digital cameras. The electrical signals are used to produce images of the breast that can be seen on a computer screen or printed on special film similar to conventional mammograms. Digital Mammography also allows for shorter wait times for patients.

“We continue to raise the bar for other organizations on the level of care we provide to those we serve. With the addition of CT and Digital Mammography to our department, we expand diagnostic services to substantially more patients in the region than ever before while offering community members options for receiving advanced care close to where they live”, says Trinity Flowers.

Digital Mammography has greatly aided in the detection of early breast cancers. Recent studies show that as many as one in five cancers are still overlooked because the mammographic changes may be very subtle. It is the logical next step for locating some of these cancers. Digital Mammography has a number of attributes that may help a small breast tumor stand out from surrounding normal tissue. It is recommended over conventional film mammography at detecting breast cancer especially for women who are under age 50 (no matter what level of breast tissue density they have), as well as for those who are premenopausal (defined as women who had a final menstrual period within 12 months of their mammogram).

For additional information about the advanced imaging technology at Hillsboro Area Hospital or to schedule a CT Scan or Digital Mammogram, call 214-532-4196.