DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING (Diagnostic Radiology)

Computed Tomography (CT)
Echocardiography
DEXA (Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry)
Mammography (low dose)
Nuclear Medicine
Routine X-ray
Special Procedures
Ultrasound/Sonography
Vascular Radiography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Scheduling

The Diagnostic Imaging Department offers multiple imaging modalities with a technically knowledgeable, nationally registered and state licensed staff. There is also a full-time radiologist on staff.

Computed Tomography (Low dose CT)
CT is the method of choice when looking at the body cavities. CT uses x-ray radiation to penetrate the body in planes or slices with a very thin collimated beam. Many exams require special patient preps including fasting or blood work. Often contrast is introduced to make a clearer more defined picture. This can be done with oral contrast that highlights the digestive tract and/or IV contrast that moves through the venous system to enhance organs, veins and vessels within the body.

CT is available 24/7 for emergency patients. Outpatients are scheduled Monday through Friday.

DEXA
Bone density exams are offered weekdays. These exams allow for measurements of the density of the bones in the hip and spine to evaluate patients who are at risk for osteoporosis.

Echocardiography
This is a speciality exam that uses an ultrasound machine to send sound waves through the heart and evaluate its funcion in a non-invasive manner. These procedures are scheduled Monday through Friday.

Mammography (low dose)
Mammography is currently the only breast screening imaging exam that is FDA approved. WNH is a FDA certified, ACR/MQSA accredited mammography provider offering both screening and diagnostic services. These exams require no special patient preps. Mammograms can be scheduled Monday through Friday.

Nuclear Medicine
The nuclear medicine exam introduces a radioactive isotope into the body that attaches to the site of interest and allows a receiving camera to make an image from the resulting emission of radiation. The isotopes which may be administered orally, intravenously or by inhalation, allow for visualization and function of the heart, digestive organs, bones, the respiratory system, thyroid/parathyroid and infection processes. These exams often require patient preps (fasting or discontinuation of certain medications).

Service must be scheduled as the isotope is ordered from an outside source. Exams may be scheduled Monday through Friday.

Routine X-Ray
WNH offers emergency x-ray services 24/7. Outpatients may be scheduled Monday through Friday. A technologist is available to provide these services through the emergency room at all other hours.

Special Procedures
With a full-time radiologist on staff WNH is able to offer a complete line of specialty procedures which include upper and lower G.I. exams (UGI/BAE), hysterosalpingograms, myelography, and arthrograms as well as image guided procedures such as biopsies, thorocenteses and paracenteses. These exams require the presence of the radiologist and often multiple technologists as well as some patient preps, so they must be scheduled.

Ultrasound/Sonography
Ultrasound uses sound waves to pass through the body and create images of many of the organs within the body. This is a non-invasive form of testing requiring no radiation. Sonography may require some preps, including fasting or filling the urinary bladder.

Sonography is provided on an emergency basis 24/7. Outpatients are scheduled Monday through Friday.

Vascular Radiography
WNH offers a variety of vascular studies in several of the departments. Ultrasound provides Carotid, Venous and Arterial Doppler studies. MRI offers MRA studies of the head, neck, renal, pelvic and lower extremities. CT is able to supply angiographic studies of the aorta and pulmonary vessels.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
MRI is produced without ionizing radiation and the images are created using a magnetic field to create images. WNH offers a free standing closed MRI 1.5-Tesla unit. Imaging can be obtained in multiple planes similar to CT. MRI is most often used to evaluate the brain, spine and joints, and can also obtain vascular information. Although there is no patient prep for these exams, they often require an IV injection of gadolinium to enhance the imaging.

MRI exams are scheduled Monday through Friday.

Scheduling
To schedule an outpatient procedure a providers order (including the diagnosis) is required. Exams may be scheduled through Central Scheduling at (620) 221-2300.