Southwestern Medical Center

Radiology

The radiology department at Southwestern Medical Center provides high quality diagnostic services. Staffed by a board certified radiologist and highly qualified, credentialed technical staff, the department provides a complete line of specialty services to the community and the physicians in the area.

Services include:

• Diagnostic X-Ray
• Nuclear Medicine
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Ultrasound / Echocardiogram
• Computerized Axial Tomography (CT)
• Dexascan

To schedule an appointment with Southwestern Medical Center’s Radiology Department, call 580-531-4775.

Medical Imaging

Medical imaging is process used to create images of the human body (or parts and function thereof) for clinical purposes. At Southwestern Medical Center, for example, medical imaging encompasses x-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound and nuclear medicine. These images are used by physicians to diagnose, treat and prevent illnesses or injuries.

Bone Densitometry

Southwestern Medical Center’s bone densitometer takes Bone Mineral Density (BMD) measurements, which enable our radiologist to determine a patient’s risk of fracture and osteoporosis. Our professionally trained and certified staff utilizes a Lunar DPX Alpha densitometer for high-resolution imaging and fast, precise measurements.

CT Scan

Computerized Tomography or CT scan is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat a host of medical conditions. CT Scanning involves specialized x-ray equipment along with computers that produce multiple images of the body.

It produces 3-D images of cross sectional parts of the body. CT scans are commonly used to diagnose strokes, hemorrhage, tumors, internal injuries and abnormalities. CT can distinguish differences in bone, tissue, blood, fat, gas, and fluid. These scans determine if a growth is cystic or solid and if an organ’s shape and size are abnormal. During a CT scan the patient will have to lie flat on a table, as the table slowly passes through the center of a large x-ray machine, the images will be produced. This is a painless procedure. IV and oral contrast are often utilized to aid in CT scans to enhance certain structures on the images.

Think of the scan results as a loaf of sliced bread. Your physician can look at each of the slices individually, or perform additional visualization to make 3-D image reconstruction.

Southwestern Medical Center CT can perform head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities. The hi- speed, 32 slice CT technology allows for 3D image reconstruction which provides improved imaging capabilities.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a diagnostic technique, which provides images of the body’s internal structures without the use of radiation. Southwestern medical center has a state of the art 1.5 Tesla 8 channel MRI. These images are produced using magnetic fields and radio waves.

A specific screening form must be completed and checked before entering the MRI suite.

Some MRI exams performed include, but are not limited to: brain, carotids, chest, abdomen, pelvis, extremities, Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV) and run offs of the extremities.

MRI is used to identify brain tumors, strokes, and nervous system disorders, disease of the pituitary gland, bone, joint damage, injury, infection, tumors, and degenerative disorders. MRI can also be utilized to reveal tumors not seen by other imaging modalities, functional disorders in organs such as lungs, liver, pancreas, kidney, and spleen.

Mammography (ACR Accredited)

Mammograms are low energy X-rays of the breast that are used to screen apparently normal breasts for cancer. Early detection of breast cancer is known to save lives. Yearly mammograms are recommended for women 40 and over, though screening schedules should be determined by your physician. And Southwestern Medical Center will soon have the power of technology in providing digital mammography. With highly detailed images for a more accurate and timely diagnosis.

Ultrasound

Our imaging services offer a full range of ultrasound services that include cardiac, obstetrical, gynecologic, vascular, abdominal and breast imaging. These procedures also cover drainage and biopsies of specific areas of the body with a licensed board certified radiologist.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine is a specialty of medical imaging that uses radioactive isotopes pharmaceuticals to diagnosis and treats certain diseases. With safety as the top priority, radioactive isotopes are combined with other chemicals or medicines for administration.

Nuclear Medicine Services include: heart scans, muga scans, bone scans, thyroid uptake and scan, parathyroid scan, lung scan and renal scan.

Nuclear medicine is unique because it can provide information about both structure and function, without surgery. The images can often identify abnormalities very early in the process of a disease. Whether used to diagnosis or treat medical problems, the small amount of radioactive materials are targeted directly to the organ being treated. The amount of radiation in a typical procedure is comparable with that received during a diagnostic x-ray.

With new and innovative nuclear medicine treatments being developed, targeting and pinpointing molecular levels within the body, it is revolutionizing the approach to a vast range of diseases and conditions.