Imaging Services

Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center

Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center offers state-of-the-art imaging services, interventional radiology procedures, and radiation therapy treatments for a broad range of patients from neonatal to geriatric on an ambulatory or inpatient basis. Multi-lingual staff is employed to facilitate patient care in a language which is most comfortable to the patient.

The Radiology and Imaging Department provides high quality diagnostic and interventional services. Our general diagnostic and medical imaging section provides a full range of diagnostic services from general x-ray to fluoroscopic and special procedures, along with computerized tomography (CT), mammography, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and bone densitmetry to provide comprehensive diagnostic information.

Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center offers up to date imaging services promoting breast health. The Breast Imaging Service is accredited by The American College of Radiology and certified by the FDA/Illinois Division of Nuclear Safety, and is staffed by ARRT registered/Illinois State licensed mammographers. Screening/diagnostic mammograms and stereotactic breast biopsy procedures are offered. Stereotactic breast biopsy is a non-surgical alternative for some patients who require breast biopsy.

All Radiology technologists are registered by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist and licensed by the State of Illinois. Many staff hold additional certifications in imaging specialities.

Radiology and Imaging Services

• Diagnostic Radiography (X-ray) - Routine X-ray procedures are used to study many areas of the body, including the extremities, spine, abdomen, chest and pelvis.
  
  
• Interventional Radiography - The majority of Interventional Radiography services are minimally invasive, non-surgical and can be performed on an outpatient basis.
  
  
• Bone Density (DEXA) Scanning - DEXA is a non-invasive procedure that measures bone mass in the spinal column and hip. This test is the most accurate way to diagnose osteoporosis and determine the risk for fractures.
  
  
• Mammography - A valuable diagnostic tool in the early detection of breast cancer. This state-of-the-art, low-dose X-ray identifies breast tumors before a woman feels a lump and is used during stereotactic breast biopsy procedures to identify and determine the precise location of suspicious breast tissue.
  
  
• Stereotactic Breast Biopsy - Removes tissue samples from the breast using a needle. The needle is guided by a computer-controlled system using visual coordinates taken from the mammogram. The examination requires only local anesthesia. In many instances, sterotactic breast biopsies avoid the need for surgery.
  
  
• Radiation Therapy - Radiation therapy is the use of high-dose X-rays to destroy cancer cells.
  
  
• Nuclear Medicine - Useful for visualizing specific organs within the body by injecting a radio-pharmaceutical agent into the blood stream. Procedures include heart perfusion, bone, liver, lung and gall bladder scans.
  
  
• Nuclear Cardiology - Nuclear Cardiology consists of two tests. Myocardial perfusion imaging examines the blood flow to the heart muscle and Dynamic studies measure the contractile (pumping) function of the heart muscle.
  
  
• Computerized Tomography (CT) - CT scans use X-rays and a computer to visualize the body. The scans produce two-dimensional images of the head, abdomen, pelvis, spine and other parts of the body. Some studies require the ingestion or injection of a dye for an accurate image of the scanned anatomy.
  
  
• Ultrasound - Ultrasound is a diagnostic technique in which very high frequency sound is directed into the body. The sound and resulting pattern of sound reflection is processed by a computer to produce a photograph or moving image on a screen.
  
  
• Vascular Ultrasound - Vascular Ultrasound evaluates the placement and success of repair to the heart such as after arterial bypass surgery. With ultrasound images, radiologists can locate and identify blockages (stenosis) and abnormalities such as blood clots, plaque or emboli. Vascular Ultrasound is also useful in measuring blood vessel and blood flow abnormalities in the head, extremities and abdomen.
  
  
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - A powerful, advanced diagnostic tool that combines magnetic fields and radio waves with computer technology to create precise and detailed two-dimensional and three-dimensional images inside the body.

For more information

• Saint Elizabeth Campus: 773-278-2000, ext. 5850
  
  To schedule an appointment: 773-278-2000 x5999
  
  
• Saint Mary Campus: 312-770-2183
  
  To schedule an appointment: 312-770-3006