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 The Department of Radiology has a long-standing commitment to excellence in diagnostic testing. State-of-the-art imaging is provided utilizing digital and direct capture technology. The implementation of a sophisticated PACS (Picture Archive Communication System) will assist our Board Certified Radiologists in providing medical caregivers important tools for accurately diagnosing an extensive array of health problems.
The department features:
- Two Siemens Direct Capture units, which will allow instantaneous visualization of an x-ray image and reduce exam time by a factor of four
- Digital Radiography for computer generated images
- Digital Fluoroscopy which significantly reduces the patient exam time and radiation dosage
- The latest in Picture Archive Communication Systems, which will enable physician’s speedy access to X-ray, images, reports and orders
- 64-slice CT scanning in Hammond and Dyer
 64-slice CT scanning
Saint Margaret Mercy is among a select group of U.S. hospitals, and the first in Northwest Indiana, equipped with industry-leading 64-slice computed tomography (CT) technology. This technology is available at both our Hammond and Dyer campuses. The recently installed Aquilion™ 64 CFX from Toshiba America Medical Systems, Inc. features advanced cardiac imaging technologies and improved conventional CT examinations for faster and more detailed CT scans. This technology has been showcased in recent months when Oprah Winfrey and “Today” host Matt Lauer shared their 64-slice CT scans with their audiences.
The Aquilion 64 delivers high-speed, high-resolution imaging, which allows physicians to capture precise images of any area of the body, whether bone or tissue structure or rapidly moving organs like the heart while minimizing the patient’s radiation exposure.
This imaging technology also is especially useful for examining patients who are unable to hold their breath, like trauma victims, acutely ill patients and elderly patients. The rapid scanning capabilities allow important diagnostic information to be obtained with a single breath hold in less than ten seconds.
Have a Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring (CACS) exam for $114 with our state-of-the-art 64-slice CT scanner. Calcium scoring is a better predictor of future coronary events than relying on risk factors alone. To make an appointment, call 219-933-2006.
About CT Exams
While CT uses X-ray technology, it is distinguished from other diagnostic imaging tools like traditional X-ray by its ability to display a combination of soft tissue (muscles, tissue, organs and fat), bones and blood vessels all in a single image.
Clinicians perform CT scans to diagnose kidney, lung, liver, spine, blood diseases, cancer, tumors and cysts, as well as blood clots, hemorrhages and infections.
Saint Margaret Mercy’s 64-slice CT and workstation are designed to offer physicians greater diagnostic capabilities for their patients. During a CT exam, a patient lies on a table and is slowly moved into gantry, a large donut-shaped opening. Once inside, a series of X-ray beams create hundreds of cross-sectional high quality images of any structure within the body whether bone, organ or artery. Seconds later, the system’s computer assembles the slices into three-dimensional images that are interpreted by a clinician.
CT Imaging at Saint Margaret Mercy
Saint Margaret Mercy provides a full range of comprehensive healthcare services to the residents of Northwest Indiana and southeast Chicagoland. Providing top-notch medical care is always a priority at Saint Margaret Mercy. Saint Margaret Mercy was the first hospital in Northwest Indiana to acquire a CT scanner in April 1976; the first multi-slice CT scanner was installed here in 1996. Now, Saint Margaret Mercy is proud to be the first in Northwest Indiana to install a 64-slice CT scanner at both its Hammond and Dyer campuses.
For more information about 64-slice CT or Imaging Services at Saint Margaret Mercy, call (219) 933-2006.
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