New CT at Mahaska Health Partnership allows for Personalized Scans
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Mahaska Health Partnership continues to bring innovative technology to our community. The latest addition, a new computed tomography (CT) scan system, was installed in February. This machine is not only top of the line in terms of technology, but allows radiation dosages for scans to be tailored to each patient, making CT scans safer for everyone.
The new machine, which replaced an existing 6-slice CT machine, is a 64-slice system that produces ultra-high resolution 3-D images. These higher quality images allow providers to see items on scans they may have not been able to detect previously.
A new power injector was also installed with the scanner that further helps to tailor care for individual patients. “Prior to this new machine, we were giving the same 125 mL iodinated contrast doses to each person, regardless of size. Now, we are able to tailor them to each patient, and we have yet to give that high of a dose to anyone. The smaller the dose, the less the kidneys have to filter, which helps make the scan less harmful to the body.
“Not only are we tailoring the contrast doses, but we are lessening the radiation exposure to patients,” Hartke continued. “The new Perspective CT scans more quickly, thereby reducing the length of time that patients must hold their breath, assists in scans for small children who may squirm and eases patients who may be in severe pain.”
According to Hartke, CT scans are used for a variety of medical needs producing reliable diagnoses for patients. However, radiation is produced with these scans and the continual goal of MHP Radiology is to deliver the lowest radiation dose possible to patients. The new Perspective CT uses the lowest possible dose to capture the images needed, making it safer for patients.
“CT scans may be used to check different organ abnormalities, tumors, bleeding or infections,” Hartke explained. “These scans are extremely useful to physicians in diagnosing many conditions without exploratory surgery. The benefit of the information they provide usually outweighs the concern over exposure; however, it is very comforting to know we have cut the exposure almost in half for most patients with this upgrade.
Hartke also discussed the benefits of the new CT for patients with emergent needs. “Being a Level III Trauma Center, we see a lot of patients from the Emergency Department. The high-resolution images from our new CT are available to providers within seconds; allowing them to make quick diagnoses when every moment counts.”
With such high-tech equipment close to home, area residents have no need to travel for efficient, detailed imaging exams. Ask your physician about imaging with MHP’s new Perspective CT.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, call 641.672.3240 or visit www.mahaskahealth.org.
