Bartlett Regional | HouseCalls | Spring 2016

Ultrasound and sonography Ultrasound and sonography exams are performed by sonographers, who are specially trained to use this technology. Ultrasound utilizes high-frequency sound waves to view soft tissue structures, such as internal organs, vessels and muscles. The transmission of these sound waves and the returning sound waves, or echoes , that are reflected off body structures create the ultrasound images. Unlike an x-ray or CT scan, ultrasound offers no radiation exposure to the patient. Bartlett offers general diagnostic ultrasound exams as well as more specialized exams such as echocardiograms and vascular studies and can perform 3-D reconstruction on some studies, including obstetrics. We also perform ultrasound-guided biopsies. Nuclear Medicine Nuclear medicine offers radiopharmaceutical diagnostic scans. Our leading-edge, dual-head SPECT gamma camera offers quality imaging. Also available is a thyroid probe and well counter for dedicated thyroid readings. On-site, board-certified radiologists read all exams. Nuclear medicine is unique in that it offers doctors a noninvasive look at both structure and function in the human body. Bartlett is licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. MRI MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, a noninvasive technique that uses harmless radio waves rather than x-rays to create images. It is particularly useful for imaging soft tissues of the body, such as the brain, spinal cord, muscles and ligaments, and detecting abnormal tissues such as tumors. The MRI machine utilizes a very powerful electromagnet, which is 30,000 times stronger than the earth’s magnetic field. The presence of the strong magnetic field means that metal objects of any kind are not permitted within the scan room at any time. Some metal implants do not rule out using an MRI scanner, but some do, and it is important to tell the technologist about any implants or metallic objects. An MRI scan can last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the scan being performed. The scan consists of sequences lasting from 15 seconds to 7 minutes, during which the scanner makes knocking noises, which can be quite loud. All patients are provided with hearing protection, and some scans allow the patient to listen to music during the scan. For some patients, claustrophobia may be an issue, as the space within the MRI can be confining. Consequently, children and those with claustrophobic anxiety may need light sedation, which will need to be ordered by the patient’s referring physician. www.bartletthospital.org 5