Saint Anthony’s Health Center is the first in the St. Louis Metropolitan area to incorporate one of the most advanced diagnostic tools for helping physicians reach confident diagnoses to provide the best patient care – a 64-slice CT scanner with low dosage radiation.
“We are pleased to bring area residents the newest – and safest – CT technology,” says Larry Reed, M.D., Chief of Radiology at Saint Anthony’s. “The 64-slice CT scan can perform scans in just a few seconds with much more detailed images.
“But what sets Saint Anthony’s 64-slice CT apart from others is its ability to drastically reduce radiation levels by almost 50 percent compared to other 64-slice CT scanners. This is especially important for patients who may need multiple imaging tests, such as individuals with cancer and women of child-bearing age.”
CT exams are used when people are ill or injured, or when a physician suspects a medical problem that is not easily detectable from a conventional physical examination. Saint Anthony’s 64-slice GE LightSpeed VCT XT configured system non-invasively assists physicians in the diagnosis of a variety of anatomical areas.
“The speed of the 64-slice CT scanner can gather a high-resolution image of a heart, brain or both lungs in less than five seconds,” notes Dr. Reed. “A scan of the whole body is possible in about 30 seconds. The speed of the 64 slice CT scanner has also allowed for the technology to be an alternative to conventional angiography or cardiac catheterization. The procedure is less invasive and produces excellent imaging.”
In addition to the 64-slice CT, Saint Anthony’s recently upgraded its MRI technology, adding specialty coils for shoulder, knee and breast. The new MRI and CT technology provides improved image quality and imaging speed, and enhances the overall diagnostic services for patients.
For more information on Diagnostic Imaging at Saint Anthony's Health Center, call 618/465-4520.