Our services
Diagnostic imaging
The IVCH diagnostic imaging department provides the full range of services listed below. For more information, call 815.780.3431.
Digital x-rays (diagnostic)
This is the original field from which radiology developed and is still the most commonly employed form of radiology. All x-ray procedures at IVCH are now done with a digital radiology system.
Fast 64-slice computerized tomography (CT)
A CT, or CAT, scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images of the body. IVCH uses a Toshiba Aquilon 64-slice CT scanner that is much faster than standard CT scanners, performing in seconds exams that would take much longer with a conventional CT system. Read an interview with IVCH radiologist Steve Lukancic, M.D., about IVCH CT and MRI capabilities.
Less-confining and quieter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Commonly known as MRI, this is a technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to make multiple cross section images of the body, which are then assembled into a 3-D image by a computer. The IVCH Toshiba MRI unit has two key features that were designed with patient comfort in mind. First, the device offers greater openness for claustrophobic patients by minimizing the feeling of being inserted into a long tube-like machine. Instead, the IVCH unit has the shortest MRI magnet now being manufactured and it’s mounted on an ultra-short bore platform. Secondly, the system is equipped with Toshiba’s patented Pianissimo™ noise reduction technology, which effectively reduces scan noise by as much as 90 percent. Read an interview with IVCH radiologist Steve Lukancic, M.D., about IVCH CT and MRI capabilities.
Breast imaging
Mammography—the best known breast imaging exam—is a special type of low-dose x-ray that is most effective for the early detection of breast cancer. Use of the R2 ImageChecker—a device that acts like a “spell checker” for medical images—is part of the IVCH standard practice for mammography.
Stereotactic and mammotome breast biopsies
Noninvasive breast biopsies can be performed at IVCH on an outpatient basis with its stereotactic breast biopsy system, requiring no anesthesia or hospital stay.
Bone density imaging (DEXA)
Commonly known as a DEXA scan, this imaging specialty is used to identify patients who have osteoporosis or osteopenia. This is a safe and painless x-ray that compares your bone density to the norm for people of your age, gender and race. Instant vertebral assessment (IVA) provides high-resolution images to reveal existing vertebral deformities.
Echocardiology
High-frequency sound waves create images of your heart. Resting echoes and stress echoes are performed to evaluate the function of your heart.
Nuclear medicine
Nuclear medicine refers to a variety of techniques for creating images that show the function of internal organs. Nuclear medicine does this by using a gamma camera to take pictures of small amounts of radioactive material that have been introduced into the body. These materials decay rapidly, so the total radiation dose is small.
Ultrasound
This technology uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of many internal structures of the body. Vascular studies, abdominal, pelvic, biopsies and many interventional procedures are done under ultrasound guidance.
PET/CT
PET, short for positron emission tomography, and CT, an abbreviation for computerized tomography, help doctors determine the exact location and stage of cancerous tissue in the body and can prevent unnecessary surgery and biopsies as well as inappropriate treatments. A mobile unit receives patients each week at the IVCH 6th Street Medical Office Building. For scheduling information, call 866.667.7226.
