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.
Location: 900 Hyde Street,
1st Floor
Telephone No.: (415)
353-6390
Outpatient
Hours:
Monday through Friday:
8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Radiologic
services include:
Computed
Radiography - an image is produced when a small
amount of radiation passes through the body and interacts with a
storage phosphor imaging plate. The image is captured
digitally after algorithmic processing and transferred to PACS for
on-line viewing and interpretation. The ability of x-rays to
penerate tissue and bones vaires 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.
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