Radiology Services

Diagnostic Radiology

Diagnostic Radiology uses radiation in the form of x-rays to help in the diagnosis of injury and disease. X-ray procedures are used to help health-care providers with important information about what is going on inside the body. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent illnesses from becoming worse.

An x-ray machine is used to produce a small, controlled amount of radiation to a particular part of the body. The x-ray passes through a particular part of the body and exposes a sheet of film that is located in a light tight cassette. The film is developed in a processor, with the final product being a radiograph. A radiograph is a permanent picture of the human body that looks like a photo negative. For x-ray procedures that require the observation of motion, fluoroscopy is used. Fluoroscopy uses x-rays to produce a motion image that is viewed on a monitor screen.

Diagnostic Radiology Procedures: 

  • Routine diagnostic imaging
  • Skull/Sinuses/Orbits/TMJs
  • Chest
  • Abdomen
  • Spine
  • Extremities
Fluoroscopic Procedures:

  • Upper GI
  • Lower GI (BE)
  • Cystogram
  • Myelogram
  • Barium Swallow
  • Modified Video Swallow
  • Hysterosalpingiogram
Special Procedures
The Special Procedures Department at Putnam Community Medical Center provides diagnostic images of the arterial system. Because arteries do not normally show up on x-rays, contrast agents are used to visualize the arterial system. These agents are injected through a catheter that is placed by a physician into an area of interest. Specialized x-ray equipment is used to take highly detailed, high speed arteriograms. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis, with about a 10 to 12 hour stay in the hospital.

Procedures: 

  • Carotid Arteriogram
  • Femoral Arteriogram
  • Brachial Arteriogram
  • Abdominal Arteriogram
  • Aorta/Chest Arteriogram
Mammography
Mammography is the single most effective method to detect breast changes that may be cancerous long before physical symptoms can be seen or felt. However, your physician must do it routinely, along with self-breast examinations and yearly clinical examinations.

Mammography is a x-ray of the breast. Usually 2 views of each breast are performed. Further views may be requested if something shows abnormal on the first views.

As women age, their risk of breast cancer increases. For most women, high-quality mammography screening should begin at the age of 40. Each woman and her doctor should determine the exact frequency. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammography from the age of 40. A baseline should be done sometime between the ages of 35 and 40.

The mammography department at Putnam Community Medical Center is ACR certified and holds certificates from the ACR and FDA. 

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Procedures:

  • Stereotactic Breast Biopsies
  • Needle Localization
  • Screening and Diagnostic Mammography
Other pertinent procedures done in other departments include: 

  • Sentinel node biopsies
  • Nuclear Medicine Miraluma
  • Ultrasound of breast-guided aspiration and needle localizations
CT Scan
Cat Scans or CT Scans are specialized x-rays done in the Radiology Department here at PCMC. The CT Scan machine is basically comprised of a CT table, a gantry (which houses an x-ray tube & other mechanics) and a computer. A CT Scan uses regular x-rays which are then essentially filtered through the computer to create very detailed images. These images are then reviewed by a Radiologist for interpretation and a report is sent to the ordering physician.

For some of the exams you will be asked to drink something prior to the exam. This is to assist the Radiologist to differentiate certain body parts. Some exams require the injection of IV Contrast (x-ray dye/Iodine). IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO ANYTHING, MAKE SURE YOU TELL THE TECHNOLOGIST. If you have any questions regarding your exam, please feel free to ask the Technologist on duty.

A CT Scan can be done on any part of the body, however, the routine exams are as follows:

  • CT Brain
  • CT Neck
  • CT Chest
  • CT Abdomen and/or Pelvis
  • CT Spine (Cervical/Thoracic/Lumbar)
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging is done with high frequency soundwaves that create pictures of the inside of the body. These pictures can be viewed "live" as the internal structures are actually working. No radiation, needles, or horrible drinks are used.

Ultrasound can be a useful diagnostic tool in problems involving the gallbladder, liver, pancreas, kidneys, and other internal organs. It can help with problems of the uterus, ovaries, or during pregnancy. Sonograms can also be used to evaluate veins, arteries, and the heart.

The Ultrasound Department at Putnam Community Medical Center offers diagnostic imaging in: 

  • Abdominal
  • Pelvic
  • Vascular
  • Heart Applications
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine involves the use of very small amounts of radioactive materials to diagnose - and sometimes treat disease. Nuclear Medicine can provide:

Accurate images that help health care professionals study the body's internal organs and tissues.
Valuable information and measurements of organs and tissue function.
Use as therapy as a way of fighting disease.

Procedures offered by the Nuclear Medicine Department at PDIC include: 

  • Bone Scans
  • Lung Scans
  • Cardiac Studies
  • Vascular Studies
  • Miraluma - Breast Studies
  • Sentinel Node Biopsies
  • Liver/Gallbladder Function Studies
MRI
Putnam Community Medical Center provides MRI services to both the inpatient and outpatient community. This technology uses strong magnetic fields to produce fine detailed images of the human body. This imaging modality uses no radiation in the production of images. Service is provided on Monday's, Wednesday's, and Friday's. An open magnet is provided on Wednesday's for those patients that may be claustrophobic.

MRI Procedures:

  • MRI/MRA Head
  • MRI/MRA Chest
  • MRI/MRA Abdomen
  • MRI Spine
  • MRI Pelvis
  • MRI Extremities