Member News Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 17, 2009
Provena United Samaritan Medical Center Adds 64-Slice CT Scanner
Provena United Samaritans Medical Center has expanded its medical imaging capacity and capability with the recent addition of a 64-slice Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner.
Images from the 64-slice CT can be used to detect everything from infectious disease to cancer to musculoskeletal disorders. The new unit's lower radiation dose and exceptional speed make it ideal for applications including pediatric, trauma, angiography, and cardiovascular diagnostics.
"One exciting thing for us, aside from being able to scan more patients in less time," states Janet Ragle, RN, BSN, Director of Diagnostic Imaging," is that we now have the ability to perform coronary angiograms for faster diagnosis of our chest pain patients."
Another advantage to the 64-slice CT is the capability for faster stroke assessment. Every minute a stroke goes untreated, 1.9million of that patient's brain cells die and cause permanent damage. The faster scanning capabilities allow physicians to diagnose the stroke so clot-busting drugs can be provided, when applicable, to stop the stroke and potentially reverse the condition.
The acquisition of the new machine is part of a larger $2.7 million project which includes the Women's Center, which will be completed in January 2010, as well as facility upgrades in Diagnostic Imaging areas, such as remodeled waiting areas and a new Cardiovascular Lab.
For more information on the 64-slice CT scanner or other Diagnostic Imaging services at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, call 217-443-5245 or visit www.provena.org/usmc.
