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Open MRI

Our Open MRI

For your comfort, we have an open MRI for those who are claustrophobic and can accommodate pediatric patients and those up to 500 pounds. The Hitachi .7 Altaire is a powerful MRI capable of high resolution imaging in a comfortable setting to reduce patient anxiety.

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system uses a high magnetic field to gather images of structures within the body such as:

  • Neurological system: brain and spinal cord
  • Bones and joints: including vertebrae
  • Soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments

An MRI creates high-definition, three-dimensional images of body structures through the combination of magnetic field radio waves and computer technology. MRI, typically more sensitive to the imaging of the soft tissues of the body, has been invaluable in diagnosing a wide range of conditions such as cancer, heart and vascular disease, as well as stroke,  joint and musculoskeletal disorders.

Leave valuable items such as jewelry, money and personal electronics at home.  You may have to remove the following items before having the exam:

  • jewelry
  • eye glasses
  • hearing aids
  • dentures or dental appliances
  • hair pins or clips
  • durable medical devices

Certain conditions may require special exams. Please tell the nurse or technologist if you have any of the following conditions:

  • allergy to iodine
  • kidney problems
  • diabetes
  • pacemaker
  • any artificial or metal implants (including stents and pins)
  • asthma
  • currently pregnant
  • claustrophobia

Computed Tomography

What is Computed Tomography

Computed Tomography (CT) sometimes called “CAT” scan, is a scanning method used to see inside the body, slice by slice, something standard x-ray exams are unable to do. The CT exam, a fusion of x-ray equipment and computer analysis, provides a highly detailed image of the internal anatomy, revealing the location, size and shape of abnormal growths. Computed tomography (CT) scanning is used to gather images on organs, blood vessels, brain, bones, and the spinal cord. In some cases, a contrast material or dye is injected during a scan to make structures more visible.

In the case of the multi-detection CT, remarkable three-dimensional pictures are made, further allowing physicians to diagnose certain diseases earlier and more precisely. Spiral CT scanners, using a multi-slice system, perform a continuous scan of larger areas in less than half the time of standard CT scanners. They also provide precise two and three-dimensional images that were previously only visible through more invasive procedures.

  • Most procedures will be completed within 30 minutes
  • Chest, Abdomen, or Pelvis exams – Absolutely no food four hours before exam. Water and regular medications may be taken as usual. Oral contrast may temporarily cause mild stomach upset or diarrhea.
  • If you are allergic to iodine, diabetic or have kidney problems please share this information when scheduling your appointment.

Methodist Care First Imaging Center performs diagnostic CT scans of:

  • Brain
  • Spine
  • Abdomen
  • Chest
  • Pelvis
  • Head & Facial Structures
  • Upper & Lower Extremities

PET-CT Technology

Advanced Diagnostic Technology

The fastest, most accurate and comfortable PET-CT technology

  • 128-slice, high-resolution imaging
  • Great for claustrophobic and bariatric patients – widest and shortest tunnel combination in healthcare
  • Large field of view for highest accuracy

CareFirst Imaging Center in Schererville is equipped with the Siemens Biograph mCT — an innovative positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) scanner, which offers accurate, fast and comfortable exams for a wide range of patients.

This technology enables CareFirst Imaging Center to offer advanced, noninvasive PET-CT imaging services in a comfortable system designed for patients weighing up to 500 pounds, with advanced applications in oncology, cardiology and neurology.

The preferred technology for…

  • Cancer diagnoses
  • Prostate cancer studies
  • Neuroendocrine tumors
  • Alzheimer’s disease diagnoses

It provides accurate and reproducible quantification in PET-CT imaging by ensuring optimization of each element of the imaging chain, which offers many benefits to physicians and their patients. Oncologists can characterize the tiniest cancer lesions more precisely, which permits better staging and monitoring of changes in activity over time. This allows for a more accurate assessment of treatment response. Cardiologists can more accurately assess multi-vessel disease by quantifying absolute myocardial blood flow. CareFirst Imaging Center’s PET-CT may also aid neurologists in the evaluation of neurological disorders and dementia.

This PET-CT technology offers exceptional patient comfort with a large, patient-friendly 78-cm bore. Its open design and fast scan times may help patients feel more comfortable and less claustrophobic.

Its innovative dose-reduction technologies minimize patient exposure to radiation. Additionally, the system’s fast scan times result in less patient motion, so image quality and the overall patient experience can be optimized.

Ultrasound

What is Ultrasound

Ultrasound, also known as sonography, uses high-frequency sound waves to gather real-time images within the body. It is a safe and painless way of examining organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys and bladder, as well as showing movement of internal tissues and organs. Physicians can see blood flow and heart valve functions which can help to diagnose and monitor a variety of heart conditions. No ionizing radiation (x-ray) is used in ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. Conventional ultrasound displays the images in thin, flat sections of the body.

A Doppler ultrasound study may be part of an ultrasound examination.

Doppler Ultrasound evaluates blood as it flows through a blood vessel, including the body’s major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck.

Doppler Ultrasound images can help the physician to see and evaluate blockages to blood flow (such as clots), narrowing of vessels (caused by plaque), and tumors and congenital malformation.

All sonographers at the Methodist Care First Imaging Center are licensed and certified by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The ultrasound department specializes in abdomen and small parts, OB/GYN and vascular ultrasound imaging.

The types of ultrasound exams offered by the center include:

  • Liver and gallbladder
  • Pelvic and OB
  • Venous and arterial Doppler flow studies
  • Renal and Bladder
  • Thyroid
  • Scrotum

Bone Density

What is Bone Densitometry?

Bone Densitometry is a non-invasive means of measuring the density of bones. DEXA is widely used for the evaluation of osteoporosis. Bone density scanning measures the bone mineral density, which is related to bone mass. Decreased bone mass causes decreased bone strength and subsequent risk of fractures. Bone mass peaks in men and women at about age 30. Men are generally large and hence have a greater overall amount of bone mass. Both women and men experience a loss of bone mass of 3-5% per decade. Once women reach menopause, the rate of bone loss accelerates to 1% – 3% per year. This rate is slowed by hormone replacement.Fractures are the first clinical signs of osteoporosis. It is desirable to identify patients who have osteoporosis before development of fractures. People are considered at risk of developing osteoporosis based on certain risk factors and whether pre or post-menopausal.

Bone density scans are non-invasive and painless. You will lay on a table while a scanner moves over the areas of concern. A computer then determines the bone mineral density based on the relative absorption of a detector on the other side of the bone. Generally, the lower spine (lumbar area) and the left hip are measured.

Bone density testing is recommended if you:

  • Are a post-menopausal woman and not taking estrogen
  • Have a personal or maternal history of hip fracture or smoking
  • Are a post-menopausal woman who is tall (over 5 feet 7 inches) or thin (less than 125 pounds).
  • Use medications that are known to cause bone loss. Ask your primary care physician for a list of medications.
  • Have type 1 diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease or a family history of osteoporosis.
  • Have high bone turnover, which shows up in the form of excessive collagen in urine sample.
  • Have experienced a fracture after only mild trauma.
  • Have had x-ray evidence of vertebral fracture or other signs of osteoporosis.

Do not take a calcium supplement within 24 hour prior to the examination. e.g. (Tums, Rolaids, calcium supplements or a multi-vitamin) Do not wear any metal buttons, buckles, or zippers.

3D Mammography

What is 3D Mammography?

Otherwise known as tomosynthesis, 3D Mammography enables our radiologists view breast tissue layer by layer, helping them to see inside the breast with previously unimaginable detail, especially in areas with overlapping tissue. 3D mammography is available for all women seeking screening mammograms, but it’s also recommended for women who have a family history of breast cancer, who had previous breast biopsies, and/or have dense breasts.

The 3D mammogram experience is very similar to that of a traditional mammogram. Like a traditional mammogram, the technologist will position you, compress your breast and take images from different angles. It takes just a few seconds longer for each image.

Take advantage of the improved sensitivity and accuracy you can only get from 3D mammography…

  • GREATER CLARITY to detect breast cancer at earlier, more treatable stages
  • FEWER FALSE POSITIVES reducing unnecessary biopsies or additional tests
  • GREATER ACCURACY to pinpoint the exact size, shape and location of abnormalities

Call 219-738-5930 to get your screening or diagnostic mammogram at CareFirst Imaging Center in Schererville.

X-Ray

What is X-Ray

X-ray has been called one of the most significant advances in all of medical history. It is used in many different ways in medical diagnosis. An x-ray image is produced when a small amount of radiation passes through the body and strikes a sheet of sensitive film placed on the other side of the body. The ability of x-rays to penetrate tissues and bone varies according to the tissue composition and mass. Bone, which contains calcium, does not let much radiation through and results in white images on the x-ray film. The lungs, which are filled with air, allow nearly all x-rays to strike the film resulting in a black film image.

Probably the most common use of bone radiographs is to assist the physician in identifying and treating fractures.  X-ray images of the skull, spine, joints, and extremities are performed every minute of every day in hospital emergency rooms, sports medicine centers, orthopedic clinics, and physician offices. Images of the injury can show even very fine hairline fractures or chips, while images produced after treatment ensure that a fracture has been properly aligned and stabilized for healing.  Bone x-rays are an essential tool in orthopedic surgery, such as spinal repair, joint replacements, or fracture reductions.

X-ray images can be used to diagnose and monitor the progression of degenerative diseases such as arthritis. They also play an important role in the detection and diagnosis of cancer, although usually computed tomography (CT) or MRI is better at defining the extent and the nature of a suspected cancer. On regular x-rays, severe osteoporosis is visible, but bone density determination detects early loss of bone density.  Bone density determination is usually done on special equipment.

Routine x-rays involve exposing part of the body to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of the internal organs. When x-rays penetrate the body, they are absorbed in varying amounts by different parts of the anatomy. Ribs for example, absorb much of the radiation and therefore, appear white or light gray on the image. Lung tissue absorbs little radiation and appears dark on the image. Usually all chest organs will appear normal, and the radiographs will be filed away. The exposed film is either placed in a developing machine, producing images much like the negatives from a 35-mm camera, or is digitally stored on computer. After a few months or years, the images may be used to compare with later radiographic views of the chest if illness develops.

Diagnostic X-Ray performs the following diagnostic procedures:

  • Chest and Thoracic Radiographs
  • Abdominal and Pelvis Radiographs
  • Spine Radiographs
  • Extremity Radiographs
  • Fluoroscopy including Upper Gastrointestinal, Small Bowel, Barium Enema

Patient Comfort: You will not feel any discomfort during the procedure.

Examination Preparation: General x-rays require no preparation.

After the test: The patient may leave immediately following the exam because the x-rays have no side effects.

Methodist CareFirst Imaging Center

SCHERERVILLE
7860 Burr St.
Schererville, IN 46375
219-738-5930
Fax 219-864-2910

Open Mon. – Fri.: 7:30am – 7pm | Sat.: 10am – 5pm