Imaging & Radiology
Our Radiology department uses leading-edge technology to assist in providing you with fast, accurate diagnoses. From bone mineral analysis to MRI, we can assist with many radiology needs.
CT scanner
Continuing MercyOne Newton Medical Center’s dedication to providing you with better care, our Philips Ingenuity 128-slice CT scanner helps provide us with better images, faster than ever before and with a low radiation dose.
This low-radiation CT scanner creates cross-sectional images, or slices, that show the most intricate details of bones, organs, arteries and additional tissues. Not only can the machine acquire more slices and at a greater speed – an abdomen and pelvic scan that used to take 40 seconds now takes 12 seconds or fewer – it captures significantly thinner slices, measuring in sub-millimeters.
In the process of a CT scan, a tube rotates around a patient’s body, utilizing the lowest necessary dose of radiation to gather images from various angles. If a slightly grainy image does occur in the case of not quite enough radiation, rescans are no longer an immediate necessity, as they were in the past. The unit is equipped with state-of-the-art software called iDose, which cleans up visual "noise" to provide an image identical to that achieved with higher radiation.
Thanks to the combination of iDose and the dose modulation capabilities, patients at MercyOne Newton can receive as much as half the radiation, or even less, than they did in the past. MercyOne Newton was proud to be the first Iowa radiology hospital to commit to the new iDose technology.
MRI
When MercyOne Newton Medical Center installed our in-house Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Unit in 2000, we became the smallest hospital in Iowa to have a permanent MRI unit. We now have a digital Philips Ingenia 1.5T MRI. The unit features the first broadband digital magnet, along with a bore – the opening in the center of the machine – with larger width and shorter length to accommodate bigger patients and offer more space for those who struggle with claustrophobia.
This is an ideal alternative for patients who may have been seeking an open MRI machine, but were concerned about the reduced scan quality that accompanies such machines.
In addition, our MRI suite is equipped with the Ambient Experience, a program which combines lights, sound and moving images to transform a radiology room into something much more. The environments are designed down to the smallest detail, from tumbleweeds blowing through the Australian Outback to coconuts falling from palm trees on a South American beach. Several vivid, cartoon-style themes are available for younger patients. Our dedication to your comfort makes us one of the premier Iowa radiology hospitals.
Digital radiology
The Philips Digital Diagnost Eleva dual detector X-ray machine provides instant, digital capture of the X-ray image. The unit features two large image capture plates (for larger patients) and a robotic motorized column for patient comfort. Best of all, the unit captures the highest quality images at up to a 35 percent reduction in the radiation dose. Our department is now completely digital for all standard radiological exposures, with the addition of a digital portable and extra digital plate for other uses.
PACS
Our Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) uses computer technology to digitally store images from X-rays, CT scans, MRI studies, ultrasound exams and nuclear medicine on a computer system for instant viewing. This gives faster access to images, which means better care for you. PACS also allows our staff to manipulate the images to bring out the most important details, which helps in diagnoses.
Our state-of-the-art system also allows access to past studies, so physicians can easily monitor ongoing conditions (for example, the growth of a tumor or the degeneration of a bone or joint). These images also can be transferred to other authorized radiologists and hospitals located anywhere in the world. This means, regardless of where you are, MercyOne Newton Medical Center's radiology department can help medical professionals understand your medical history.
Nuclear medicine
MercyOne Newton Medical Center’s nuclear medicine camera is used to diagnose and treat a number of medical problems by giving fast, detailed images of what is going on in the body. By using a comparable amount of radiation received during an X-ray, nuclear medicine can identify abnormalities very early in the progression of disease.
3D digital mammography
Image quality is the key to early detection for patients with breast cancer. The Hologic Dimensions 3D digital mammography machine is equipped with computer aided detection software which provides a full field 3D digital view of the breast.
Cardiovascular and general ultrasound
We offer the iE33 cardiovascular ultrasound system from Philips Medical Systems, combined with 2 GE LOGIC E9 general Ultrasound machines , one also equipped with Vascular and echo capabilities as well. Mercy One Newton’s Radiology department completes its transition to a fully digital imaging department. The cardiovascular ultrasound system provides a real-time look at a patient’s heart, with functions that allow for quicker and less expensive diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions.
The iE33 allows information to be digitally transmitted directly to physician workstations, with no details lost in the process. The physicians also no longer need to dictate their findings and have them transcribed; rather, the system makes possible the autofilling of all necessary fields. And when it’s faster for the doctor, patients get results faster. That means quicker peace of mind when things look good, and quicker treatment when it’s needed.
The equipment allows for the examination and diagnosis of a vast array of cardiac and vascular symptoms and conditions, including heart murmurs, arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, hypertension, palpitations, shortness of breath, congestive heart failure, indications of stroke, carotid stenosis, blood clots, peripheral arterial disease and more.
The GE Logic E9 provides digital capability to do all general and a vast array of all OB procedures for our patients.
BMA
Additional new technology at MercyOne Newton is used for Bone Mineral Analysis (BMA). The Hologic Discovery dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) system provides a single comprehensive platform for the assessment of three major health issues: osteoporosis including vertebral fracture assessment, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.
Contact us
To learn more about MercyOne Newton and the radiology services provided to Newton, Jasper County and the Des Moines area, contact Radiology Manager Lauren Figland at 641-791-4310 or lfigland@skiffmed.com.
