Radiology

Peach Regional Medical Center's Radiology Department is equipped with modern and effective technology and offers Outpatient, Emergency Department, Fluoroscopy, and Inpatient Radiology Services in a patient friendly environment.

Our goal is to maintain excellence in the delivery of patient imaging, providing imaging resources for quality patient care. Our department is staffed with highly qualified professionals including our board certified Radiologist and licensed and certified Radiologic Technologists.

CT Scans

CT scans, formerly known as CAT scans, are a Radiology procedure using X-rays and computers to generate Computed Tomography images of the internal organs of the body.

Most body parts can be scanned using this method. There is little discomfort for the patient during the exam, which can last from 30 to 60 minutes. Patients may be required to drink a special liquid and or have an injection to enhance the images being obtained of the internal organs. Numerous scans, or “cuts” as they are called, are made as the table moves in predetermined increments during the scanning process. Certified Radiological Technologists perform all exams.

Mammography

Early detection is the BEST protection. Mammography, along with an exam by a health care practitioner, is the best tool for early breast cancer detection. The compression during Mammography is very important to spread the breast tissue apart to detect millimeter size nodules hiding in the breast.

Although breast cancer affects more than 200,000 women in the U.S. each year, this disease can be treated if detected early.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRI exams are used to generate images of nerves, muscles, ligaments, tendons and other internal organs throughout the body.

Wire loops emit a radio frequency that, together with a very powerful magnet, makes the MRI picture. The radio frequency turns on and off very quickly. This makes a loud knocking sound during the exam, which requires patients to wear ear plugs and headphones. Feel free to bring your favorite CD to listen to during your exam!

MRI exams do NOT use Radiation; the machine is a strong magnet. Our Radiology department staff along with our MRI technologists will review your history so you may enter the MRI suite safely.

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures - similar to an x-ray movie. A continuous x-ray beam is passed through the body part being examined, and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor allowing the body part and its motion to be seen in detail.

Fluoroscopy is used in many types of examinations and procedures, such as barium x-rays, cardiac catheterization, and placement of intravenous (IV) catheters (hollow tubes inserted into veins or arteries). In barium x-rays, fluoroscopy allows the physician to see the movement of the intestines as the barium moves through them. In cardiac catheterization, fluoroscopy enables the physician to see the flow of blood through the coronary arteries in order to evaluate the presence of arterial blockages. For intravenous catheter insertion, fluoroscopy assists the physician in guiding the catheter into a specific location inside the body.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine uses low-level radioactive substances to image the body. Nuclear medicine looks at both the physiology (functioning) and the anatomy of the internal workings of the body to determine diagnosis and treatment.

Radioactive substances can be used to evaluate the function of certain organs such as the gallbladder and thyroid. It can also be used to visualize fractures or cancer in the bones, that are too subtle to be seen on general x-rays. These materials are either ingested or injected into the body.

In Nuclear Medicine Imaging, ingested or injected radioactive substances do not harm the body. Most of the radioisotopes used in nuclear medicine decay quickly in the body, usually within a few hours. These materials have lower radiation levels than a typical X-ray or CT scan, and are eliminated in the urine or through the bowel.

Ultrasound (Ultrasonography)

Ultrasound is a medical imaging technique that uses high frequency sound waves and their echoes. The technique is similar to the echolocation used by bats, whales and dolphins.

In Ultrasound, the machine transmits a high-frequency sound wave into the body using a probe that is placed on the skin using a jelly-like substance. The Radiologist then interprets the images he sees on the computer monitor.

Among the Ultrasounds performed at Peach Regional are Obstetrical, Abdominal, Gynecological and others. This procedure requires a referral from your Physician.

Echocardiography

An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound test that uses high-pitched sound waves to produce an image of the heart. The sound waves are sent through a device called a transducer and are reflected off the various structures of the heart. These echoes are converted into pictures of the heart that can be seen on a video monitor.

An echocardiogram, or echo, is used to evaluate heart wall thickness and motion, as well as the structure and function of the heart valves. An echocardiogram can also be used to estimate the amount of blood pumped out of your left ventricle with each heartbeat (ejection fraction).

An echocardiogram can help identify areas of poor blood flow in the heart, areas of heart muscle that are not contracting normally, previous injury to the heart muscle caused by impaired blood flow, or evidence of heart failure, especially in people with chest pain or a possible heart attack. In addition, an echocardiogram can detect a blood clot in the heart, evaluate the heart valves for abnormalities, and identify pericardial effusion. A fetal echocardiogram can be used to detect congenital heart defects before birth.