Services > Radiology

At Culbertson Memorial Hospital, experienced, certified technologists perform diagnostic imaging using advanced equipment such as CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Mammography and X-ray. If you know which diagnostic imaging procedure your doctor has scheduled for you, click on this link (www.radiologyinfo.org) to visit RadiologyInfo, an information resource for patients.

To schedule an appointment with the Radiology Department, please call CMH at 217-322-4321, ext. 279

CT or CAT scan

A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body.

During the test, you will lie on a table that is hooked to the CT scanner, which is a large doughnut-shaped machine. The CT scanner sends X-ray pulses through the body. Each pulse lasts less than a second and takes a picture of a thin slice of the organ or area being studied. One part of the scanning machine can tilt to take pictures from different positions. The pictures are saved on a computer.

A CT scan can be used to study any body organ, such as the liver, pancreas, intestines, kidneys, adrenal glands, lungs, and heart. It also can study blood vessels, bones, and the spinal cord.

An iodine dye (contrast material) is often used to make structures and organs easier to see on the CT pictures. The dye may be used to check blood flow, find tumors, and look for other problems. Dye can be put in a vein (IV) in your arm, or you may drink the dye for some tests. CT pictures may be taken before and after the dye is used.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body. In many cases, MRI gives information that cannot be seen on an x-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan.

For an MRI test, the area of the body being studied is placed inside a special machine that is a strong magnet. Information from an MRI can be saved and stored on a computer for more study. Photographs or films of certain views can also be made. In some cases, a contrast material may be used during the MRI to show pictures of organs or structures more clearly.

The MRI mobile unit visits CMH each Wednesday and Saturday. To schedule an appointment, please call CMH at 217-322-4321, ext. 271.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a test that uses reflected sound waves to produce an image of organs and other structures in the body. It does not use X-rays or other types of possibly harmful radiation.

For ultrasound testing, gel or oil is applied to the skin to help transmit the sound waves. A small, handheld instrument called a transducer is passed back and forth over the area of the body that is being examined. The transducer sends out high-pitched sound waves (above the range of human hearing) that are reflected back to the transducer. A computer analyzes the sound waves and converts them into a picture that is displayed on a TV screen. Ultrasound is most useful for looking at organs and structures that are either uniform and solid (such as the liver) or fluid-filled (such as the gallbladder). Mineralized structures (such as bones) or air-filled organs (such as the lungs) do not show up well on a sonogram.

X-ray

X-rays are a form of radiation, like light or radio waves that can be focused into a beam, much like a flashlight beam. Unlike a beam of light, however, X-rays can pass through most objects, including the human body.

When X-rays strike a piece of photographic film, they can produce a picture. Dense tissues in the body, such as bones, block many of the X-rays and appear white on an X-ray picture. Less dense tissues, such as muscles and organs, block fewer of the X-rays and appear in shades of gray. X-rays that pass only through air appear black on an X-ray picture.

Digital Mammography

A mammogram is an x-ray test of the breasts used to screen for breast problems, such as a lump, and whether a lump is fluid-filled or a solid mass.

A mammogram is done to help screen for or detect breast cancer. Many small tumors can be seen on a mammogram before a woman or her doctor can feel them. Cancer is most easily treated and cured when it is discovered in an early stage. Mammograms do not prevent breast cancer or reduce a woman's risk of developing cancer. However, regular mammograms can reduce a woman's risk of dying from breast cancer by detecting a cancer when it is more easily treated.

Experts have different recommendations for how often you should have a mammogram.

• For women older than age 50, regular mammograms (every 1 to 2 years) are recommended.
• For women between the ages of 40 and 50, the benefits of mammogram are not as clear. Talk with your health professional to determine when to start and how often to have a mammogram. Some organizations recommend mammograms every 1 to 2 years while others recommend mammograms every year. Most organizations recommend that women have their first mammogram at age 40.
• Your health professional may recommend testing more often if you have risk factors for breast cancer. Any woman with a personal or family history of breast cancer is recommended to have yearly mammograms.

Bone Mass Density Testing

The only sure way to determine bone density and fracture risk for osteoporosis is to have a bone mass measurement (also called bone mineral density or BMD test). Your doctor can help you determine whether you should have a BMD test.

BMD testing should be performed on:

• All women aged 65 and older regardless of risk factors*
• Younger postmenopausal women with one or more risk factors (other than being white, postmenopausal and female).
• Postmenopausal women who present with fractures (to confirm the diagnosis and determine disease severity).
  

Medicare covers BMD testing for the following individuals aged 65 and older:

• Estrogen deficient women at clinical risk for osteoporosis
• Individuals with vertebral abnormalities
• Individuals receiving, or planning to receive, long-term glucocorticoid (steroid) therapy
• Individuals with primary hyperparathyroidism
• Individuals being monitored to assess the response or efficacy of an approved osteoporosis drug therapy.
  

Medicare permits individuals to repeat BMD testing every two years.

To schecule a BMD, call the CMH Radiology Department at 217-322-4321, ext. 286.

Culbertson Memorial Hospital
238 S. Congress
Rushville, IL 62681
Telephone: (217) 322-4321
Fax: (217) 322-2608

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