IRMC uses cutting-edge technology to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as CT, MRI and nuclear medicine.
Our compassionate team of medical professionals provides a positive imaging experience for both our patients and the referring doctors. The Imaging Sciences department serves outpatients, inpatients and those being evaluated in our Emergency Department.
CT (computed tomography)
When doctors need to take a close look at what's inside your body without performing surgery, the latest technology is found at IRMC. IRMC provides both16-slice CT and the new state-of-the-art, advanced 64-slice CT.
CT provides non-invasive testing to visualize heart, lungs, brain and other organs that are so detailed and accurate it's as if your doctor opened a door in your body and peered inside. It's a great way to look for and prevent future problems. Best of all, these scans are painless and can be performed in mere seconds.
These scans combine rapid X-ray scanning with multiple computed tomography to produce the most detailed images of the organs without surgery. A computer assembles the X-ray 'slices' into an image of the organ that reveals its complete structure. Depending on the organ or area being scanned, the patient may receive an injection of contrast dye to highlight the blood vessels of an area to obtain a better image. The CT imaging system produces cross-sectional images or 'slices' of anatomy, like the slices in a loaf of bread.
The scan data is then processed by a powerful computer, which identifies the pictures with the greatest intensity and displays the images of the arteries supplying an organ. The detail is excellent. A radiologist reviews and interprets the images and reports to your physician.
Allergic reactions to the dye are rare. The best part is there is no recovery time.
- 64-slice cardiac CT
64-slice cardiac CT allows nearly all patients to be scanned with very high resolution. Since scan times, for which patients need to hold a breath, are reduced to usually only 5-13 seconds, even patients with severe pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure are able to hold their breath for the required length of time. Reduced time translates to minimal or no motion artifacts. Furthermore, the higher number of slices means higher resolution. The 64-slice scanner performs 64 imaging slices per rotation at less than 0.4 - 0.7 mm. resolution. Such high resolution allows visualization of the entire coronary tree with extremely high accuracy and detail.
MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a radiological technique, which uses magnetic radio waves, and a computer to produce images of body structures. IRMC uses a 1.5 Tesla Short Board with a stronger magnet than an open scan MRI. This produces a higher quality image for more accurate diagnosis. For their comfort, patients are sedated upon request.
MRI scans are especially valuable in evaluating brain, orthopedic, spine, vascular, and abdominal/pelvis areas.
IRMC's MRI imaging modality was awarded a three-year term of accreditation as the result of a recent rigorous survey by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Accreditation is awarded to facilities with high practice standards achieved by technologists, radiologists and facility equipment. ACR accreditation demonstrates commitment to quality patient care.
Nuclear medicine
A nuclear study is performed to show how something is functioning or what is happening inside you. IRMC offers a variety of studies, some of which may include radioactive iodine treatment.
Bone scans and whole body bone scans can be used to diagnose arthritis, metastatic cancer, bone disease or infection. Nuclear studies are especially useful in the diagnosis of cancer, and in evaluating gallbladder, liver, pulmonary and thyroid disease. Nuclear cardiac imaging is also available.
Contact us
Indian River Medical Center's centralized scheduling department can be reached by calling 772.567.4311, ext. 5600.