Radiology
Located at Ashley County Medical Center
Ashley County Medical Center’s radiology services offer high-quality diagnostic testing for patients of all ages with a variety of illnesses. Our tests enable our physicians to comprehensively evaluate the patient’s illness, diagnose the problem, create a personalized plan of care, and monitor the treatments provided. The radiology department at our center is staffed by 12 employees, made up of 11 technologists and a secretary. Our radiology services are available 24/7. During weekdays, the department is staffed from 7am to midnight. During the weekend, the department is staffed 7am to 11pm. All other hours are covered by call.
Ashley County Medical Center is a state of the art medical facility serving South Arkansas and North Louisiana. We are the first medical center in the nation to install the DRX-Excel Plus system! This system provides rapid digital x-ray imaging and fluoroscopy exams and emits up to 80% less radiation. We also provide highly accurate and low dose CT scans and Digital Breast Tomosynthesis also known as 3D mammography!
Bone Densitometry Test
A bone densitometry test measures the amount of energy your bones absorb.
This indicates the bones’ density and strength. Those with osteoporosis
and other conditions that cause bone loss benefit from this test, which
can help diagnose your condition and track the effectiveness of bone loss
treatments. At Ashley County Medical Center, we utilize state-of-the-art
equipment that minimizes X-ray exposure. Overall, the test takes about
30 minutes. For the majority of the time, your technician will be by your
side, except for when the X-rays are being taken. Your results will be
interpreted by a radiologist or endocrinologist to get an accurate picture
of your progress.
CT Scanning
Ashley County Medical Center is excited to announce the addition of GE
Healthcare’s leading CT imaging technology, the Optima CT660 Freedom
Edition Scanner. This offers our physicians and patients the most updated
technology, with reduced radiation exposure. A CT scanner takes X-ray
images from different angles all around your body. These images are grafted
together to form detailed, two-dimensional pictures. CT scans can be used
for a wide range of medical purposes, such as bone fractures or in preparation
for orthopedic surgery. Each exam typically lasts no longer than 15 minutes
and is interpreted by a specialist in the bodily area under examination.
General Radiography
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Ashley County Medical Center’s skilled and experienced radiologists
are able to provide exams for virtually every area of the body using advanced,
state-of-the-art equipment. General radiography tests are performed in
an X-ray room where images of the chest, abdomen, skull, spine, or extremities
may be taken. Before the test, you will be asked to sit or lie on an X-ray
table where a technologist will position the X-ray over the affected area.
During X-ray exposure, you will be asked to remain still for several moments.
IVP’s, barium swallows, UGI’s, and barium enemas and a variety
of other miscellaneous tests are performed here.
MRI Scanning
Ashley County Medical Center has acquired the latest in MR technology by
installing the new Vantage TitanTM from Toshiba.
The new open-bore of the 1.5T Vantage Titan MR system is:
- 18 percent larger than other 1.5T systems on the market and features a
- Large 71-centimeter patient aperture
- Outstanding homogeneity
- Largest available clinical field-of-view (FOV) of 55 x 55 x 50 centimeters
In addition to the Vantage Titan MRI, ACMC also offers the Sentient Suite from Sentient, an innovative, calming and stress-relieving approach to diagnostic imaging suite design. The Sentient Suite Patient Experience reassures, coaches and relaxes a patient who is about to undergo a medical scan, such as a MRI. The Sentient Suite creates a whole new approach to the scanning room-one that is designed from the patient’s point of view and give total control back to the patient over the environment.The Sentient Suite greatly helps claustrophobic patients and children typically require less sedation; adults find the positive distraction helps ease anxiety.
Every scan is read by a radiologist with specialty training. An MRI machine produces a strong magnetic field and radio waves. As the atoms in your body react to this energy, the MRI uses this response to construct detailed images. MRI’s are often used to look at soft tissue, including internal organs, the brain and spinal cord, and breasts. Most exams require a contrast, meaning that you will be given an injection to make the images more vivid and informative. Exams typically take 45 minutes. Your physician will walk you through preparation for this test.
Mammography Services
Using the latest technology from Fuji ASPIRE Cristalle 3D Mammography.
Combing digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), also referred to as 3D, with
2D mammography can help to find the smallest of breast cancers or breast
abnormalities which otherwise may be missed or hidden within the breast tissue.
Nuclear Medicine
Patients receiving a nuclear medicine exam will be given a small amount
of radioactive tracer material, known as a radiopharmaceutical. Often,
this is given either as an injection or as a gas that is inhaled. A special
camera takes pictures to see how your body absorbs and processes the tracer.
These exams are often used to detect or monitor various types of cancer.
Ashley County Medical Center uses cutting-edge technology, such as SPECT/CT
imaging, and minimizes radiation exposure as much as possible. Depending
on the exam, you may be finished in two hours, or need to return periodically.
Specific instructions will be given to you before your appointment.
Ultrasounds
An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves in order to create images of internal body structures. This exam is non-invasive and doesn’t use radiation. Ultrasounds are often used to look at internal organs such as the liver, reproductive organs, or blood vessels. Our state-of-the-art equipment ensures that our radiologist gets an ideal view. Scans will be read by a specially-trained radiologist. Ultrasounds typically take 30 to 60 minutes. An ultrasound is usually painless, the most you may feel is pressure from a handheld wand, called a transducer. You may be asked to change positions or hold your breath during the exam.
