Mercy Medical Center began the process of updating the equipment in our imaging services (radiology) department in 2001.  Since that time, we have spent more than $3.7 million on new equipment and technology upgrades that have elevated us to the highest level of imaging in the region.  Mercy is the area's only full-service imaging center.

Recent purchases include a 16-slice CT scanner, 3D Ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, a dual energy x-ray absoptionetry (DEXA) scanner, a mammography system, and a computer-aided detection (CAD) system for mammographic abnomalities.  A positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scanner is also available at Mercy once a month.  Each of these machines offers vastly enhanced image quality, meaning improved diagnostic capabilities for your physician.

Along with our Board Certified Radiologist, Dr. Glenn P. Moradian, our imaging staff consisting of Registered CT, MR, Ultrasound, Mammography, and Radiologic Technologists work to provide the best imaging studies for our patients.  

Computed Tomography
CT studies at Mercy Medical Center are performed on a new state-of-the-art GE Light Speed 16-slice CT scanner. The new CT machine scans and reconstructs images much faster than previous technology while producing much higher image quality. Benefits to patients include shorter scan times and less radiation exposure.

The 16-slice is the latest technology available in Computed Tomography, and Mercy Medical Center is the first in the area to have this equipment available to our patients.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Mercy’s state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla GE Signa MRI provides our patients with the best MR images available.  In addition to providing the best image quality available to date, this modality allows us to perform non-invasive contrast enhanced angiography (MRA) and the ability to detect and differentiate types of strokes, as well as perform a whole host of other types of procedures.  The new MRI also increases throughput, which means patients spend less time in the scanner. 

Nuclear Medicine
Mercy’s new Toshiba E-CAM is a dual-head gamma camera, which allows us to use shorter scan times and aids in patient comfort.  With this new technology, we are able to achieve improved image quality.
 
Types of Nuclear Medicine studies offered at Mercy Medical Center include: Cardiolites including wall-motions studies and ejection fractions, HIDA studies, bone scans, MIRALUMA, thyroid imaging, and renalgrams.

Mammography
Mercy Medical Center’s Imaging Services Department offers a revolutionary new mammography system.  The Instrumentarium Diamond emphasizes on patient comfort as well as excellent image quality.  All mammograms performed at Mercy are run through the R2 CAD system for computer-aided detection of mammographic abnormalities. 

Fluoroscopy
Mercy Medical Center utilizes DSI (Digital Subtraction Imaging) by Philips Medical Systems.  This technology is used to perform: Upper and Lower GI studies, PICC Line Placement, IVP, Barium Swallow studies, VCUG, Mylography, and various other procedures.

Mercy’s Imaging Services Department also utilizes a GE 9800 Mobile C-arm.  This unit is primarily used in the surgical suite for orthopaedic and abdominal imaging.

Ultrasonography
In 2002, Mercy Medical Center purchased a new ATL HDI 5000 Ultrasound machine.  The HDI 5000 includes sono CT, which allows better resolution and the highest quality Ultrasound imaging capability. Mercy’s Ultrasound was upgraded in 2003 to provide 3D capabilities.

Bone Densitometry
Mercy Medical Center’s Imaging Services Department utilizes a GE Lunar bone densitometer (DEXA scanner), which measures bone density painlessly.  The bone densitometer uses small amounts of x-ray to produce images of the spine, hip, or even the whole body.