Patient care through advanced imaging...
Saint Francis Memorial Hospital offers some of the most advanced radiologic imaging in the Bay Area, including MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), Computed Tomography (CT), Ultrasound, Mammography, Fluoroscopy, Conventional Radiography (X-ray), Angiography and CT Screening.
Board certified radiologists are available 24/7 to provide prompt interpretation of all tests. Our radiologists are in direct contact with the referring physician to provide the information needed for the appropriate treatment plan.
In Spring of 2004, the Saint Francis Radiology Team was the recipient of a Catholic Healthcare West Values in Action Award for Excellence. This award was given for the team's outstanding collaboration and implementation of complex new technologies like Picture Archiving Communications System (PACS), resulting in a film-free efficient department; installation of digital radiography; upgrades to MRI and a 16-slice CT scanner.
Locations:
900 Hyde Street, 1st Floor
(415) 353-6390
Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
(Full range of services is offered at this location)
1199 Bush Steet, 2nd floor
415-292-3318
Monday through Friday, 8:00-12:00 p.m. and 1:00-4:30 p.m
(The 1199 Bush Street location offers diagnostic X-ray and bone densitometry/DEXA scans)
Radiologic services include:
Computed Radiography - a small amount of radiation passes through the body and interacts with an imaging plate. The image is captured digitally and transferred to PACS for on-line viewing and interpretation. The ability of x-rays to penerate tissue and bones varies according to the tissue's composition and mass, thus creating an image of varying coloration. Bones, which contain calcium, do not allow much radiation through resulting in white areas on the image and air allows almost all x-rays through to strike the imaging plate resulting in black areas on the image.
Ultrasound (or Sonography) - is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to show what is inside your body. Each time the sound wave hits tissue, an echo is sent back. These echoes create a picture of your internal organs.
Fluoroscopy - is a form of radiology that enables the radiologist, with the aid of a contrast agent, to visualize the organ or area of concern via x-ray. The contrast agent allows the image to be viewed clearly on a television monitor. Examples of these types of tests are upper and lower GI series.
Computed Axial Tomography (CT or CAT Scans) - is a way to look inside your body using a special camera. The images produced are cross-sectional (like the slices in a loaf of bread). With the help of a computer these pictures depict various internal body parts in much greater detail than standard x-ray films.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - is one of the safest and most comfortable imaging techniques available. It combines a powerful magnet with an advanced computer system and radio waves to produce accurate, detailed pictures of organs, vessels and tissues in order to diagnose a variety of medical conditions.
CT Screening Studies:
The purpose of a CT screening study is to find disease before it becomes apparent in someone without symptoms. Currently, insurance companies do not pay for these types of examinations. Patients are expected to pay out of pocket for these tests.
Heart Scan:
Calcium Score - this basic heart screening study evaluates your risk for coronary artery disease. It detects the amount of calcium in the walls of vessels and calculates "calcium score." A high score for your age group is statistically associated with increased risk of coronary events in the future.
Coronary CT Angiogram - with the use of radio-opaque contrast agents the coronary arteries are examined. The size and flow of the vessels, along with any blockages, can be visualized.
Lung Scan - This new scanning methodology can detect cancer much earlier than other screenings. The majority of cancers detected with this method is found much earlier and can be as small as just a few millimeters.
Body Scan
- This scan takes three-dimensional images of the internal organs in less than two minutes. Cancers and other growths can be detected earlier, often before they become inoperable or incurable.
"Virtual" Colonoscopy - This screening detects polyps in your colon lining. The test requires an early colonic cleanser to be ingested the day before the screening examination. The test can take the place of conventional fiberoptic scoping of the colon in screening for colon cancer in those individuals who cannot tolerate invasive colonoscopy.
