Imaging Services at Fort Loudoun Medical Center

Fort Loudoun Medical Center offers bone density screenings, which are used to detect bone changes such as osteopenia or osteoporosis. The diagnostic information is faster and more accurate than procedures used in the past. The technology comes at a time when medical specialists are reporting new treatments that may help patients regenerate bone mass – and partially reverse the effects of osteoporosis.

Our technology also provides detection for advanced hip and vertebral problems in men and women.

Computed tomography (CT) scans have been in use since the late 1960s. Sometimes they’re called computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans. They combine the power of X-rays and computers to create anatomical images of different parts of the body.  

These scans reveal bone and soft tissues, muscles, tumors, and cardiac images, CT greatly helps doctors with diagnoses, surgery and treatment. For example, in radiation therapy, the right dose for a patient depends on knowing the precise density, size and location of a tumor.

Fort Loudoun Medical Center also offers Low-Dose Computerized Tomograpny (LDCT), which uses low doses of radiation to detect lung cancers earlier, when treatment is more likely to be effective.

Learn more about our Siemens SOMATOM® Definition AS CT scanner.

We use the latest in digital tomosynthesis (3D) mammography technology to obtain clearer images for more accurate diagnosis, even among women who have dense breast tissue. The technology cuts scan time in half, and the user-friendly design of our equipment means greater comfort for women during breast screenings.

With our state-of-the-art MRI scanner, we offer various types of body imaging. Because magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gives such clear pictures, it is an excellent screening for diagnosing many problems. For instance, an MRI often is used to diagnose sports injuries. Thanks to its precision, doctors can detect tears in tissue, tumors, swelling, and problems with joints and bones.

MRI pictures are amazingly clear and detailed. Rather than using radiation, the technology is based on radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field. The resulting images help identify cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke, joint and musculoskeletal problems, and other disorders.

Fort Loudoun Medical Center offers nuclear medicine for myocardial (heart) imaging, cancer and fracture scans. This tool often spots abnormalities early in disease progression. It also provides a way to gather information that otherwise might be unavailable or would require surgery or more expensive diagnostic tests.

Nuclear medicine specialists use safe, painless techniques to get body images and treat disease. Patients are given small amounts of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals). The radiopharmaceuticals go directly to the organ being treated, allowing for precise imaging. The “radiotracers,” as they are sometimes called, are tracked by sophisticated systems that collect the images and send the information to computers so that nuclear medicine technologists can process them. 

Nuclear medicine is used to:

• Analyze kidney function
• Provide images of blood flow and heart functioning
• Scan lungs for respiratory and blood-flow problems
• Identify gallbladder blockages
• Evaluate bones for fractures, infection, arthritis or tumors
• Determine the presence or spread of cancer
• Identify bleeding in the bowel
• Locate infections
• Measure the thyroid for overactive or underactive functioning

This technology allows images to be electronically captured, stored, and transmitted, all without film.

PACS makes high-quality MRI, CT, X-ray and ultrasound pictures immediately available by computer, with clear images that can result in a more accurate diagnosis. Doctors can readily view any images taken at Fort Loudoun Medical Center and other locations in the Covenant Health system. Patients no longer need to carry X-rays from place to place.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of internal organs while they are functioning. It can also be used to assess blood flow and to determine the form or size of an organ. Physicians use ultrasound for specialty areas such as women’s care and heart care, and to obtain images of blood vessels, the abdomen, thyroid, and other areas. 

Ultrasounds for heart patients (echocardiograms) allow physicians to detect decreases in the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart, as well as detecting irregular heartbeats.

Benefits of ultrasound include more comprehensive and reliable data, faster tests, and improved patient comfort.