The first step in addressing a medical problem-whether it's a blocked
artery, a tumor, or broken bone-is to find its precise location within
the body, accurately measure it, and provide a "roadmap" that
guides physicians during treatment. The staff of Humboldt General Hospital's
Diagnostic Imaging Department, including physician-radiologists and radiologic
technologists, is available 24/7 to help doctors make the right diagnosis.
Whether it's 1 a.m. and a patient needs an emergency MRI or it's
4 p.m. and a high school student needs his shoulder x-rayed following
batting practice, HGH has the equipment and the expertise to get the job done.
Our Promise to the Community
Humboldt General Hospital's Diagnostic Imaging Department has made
a three-pronged promise to the community to offer superior patient care
through Clinical Excellence, Premium Customer Service and Advanced Technology.
Clinical Excellence. Every member of Humboldt General Hospital's Diagnostic Imaging team
has achieved her registry through the American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists (ARRT) and their Nevada State License. A person is certified
by the ARRT after meeting educational preparation standards, complying
with ethics standards, and passing a comprehensive exam. Additionally,
numerous staff members have achieved national registry in their individual
modalities including mammography, ultrasound, MRI, and Computed Tomography (CT).
Premium Customer Service. The Diagnostic Imaging Department has extended its hours from 7 a.m. to
7 p.m. Monday through Friday. A technologist also is on staff until 11
p.m. each night to answer calls to the Emergency Department, and staff
members remain on-call throughout the night. The department's premium
customer service also includes appointment reminders, regular distribution
of customer service surveys, and a concerted effort to streamline access
to the department's 10 modalities including MRI, CT Scan, X-Ray, Vascular
Ultrasound, Obstetrical Ultrasound, Cardiac Ultrasound, Mammography, Bone
Densitometry, Fluoroscopy, and Nuclear Medicine.
Advanced Technology. Humboldt General Hospital administration and board of trustees have joined
with the Diagnostic Imaging Department to support bringing the latest
technology and diagnostic capabilities to Humboldt County. All of the
department's modalities are upgraded and/or replaced on a regular basis.
Our Imaging Services
Bone Densitometry. Every day, physicians use radiography, or x-rays, to view and evaluate
bone fractures and other injuries of the musculoskeletal system. However,
a plain x-ray test is not the best way to assess bone density. To detect
osteoporosis accurately, doctors use an enhanced form of x-ray technology
called dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). DXA bone densitometry is
today's established standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).
DXA is also a quick, painless way to measure body composition. In just
about six minutes, patients can know their total fat versus muscle and
their true bodyweight. Call for more information or to schedule an appointment
for a body composition scan. No physician order is needed.
Cardiac Ultrasound. Cardiac Ultrasound, or echocardiogram, is a non-invasive ultrasound imaging
procedure used to assess cardiac function. Echocardiography allows doctors
to visualize the anatomy, structure, and function of the heart. The echocardiogram
can show all four chambers of the heart, the heart valves, the blood vessels
entering and leaving the heart, and the sack around the heart. It can
lead to a quick diagnosis of heart valve problems or abnormal flow within
the heart-all without the use of dyes, radiation or exploratory surgery.
CT or CAT Scan. A CAT Scan, or Computerized Axial Tomography, uses X-rays and computers
to produce images of the soft tissue within the body, including the brain.
These images are used to look for signs of disease or trauma in the body.
Fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy is a study of moving body structures - similar to an x-ray
"movie." A continuous x-ray beam is passed through the body
part being examined, and is transmitted to a TV-like monitor so that the
body part and its motion can be seen in detail. Fluoroscopy, as an imaging
tool, enables physicians to look at many body systems, including the skeletal,
digestive, urinary, respiratory, and reproductive systems. A mobile fluoroscopy
C-Arm also may be used in the operating room so that doctors may monitor
patients more closely as they perform certain surgical procedures.
MRI. An MRI, or magnetic resonance image, produces very clear images of the
body without X-rays. Instead, MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves, and
a computer to produce these images.
Mammography. A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast, used to check for tumors or
other abnormalities. Mammography may also be performed on healthy, normal
breasts to provide a baseline reference for later comparison.
Nuclear Medicine. Nuclear Medicine is used to assess bone, thyroid, gastrointestinal, cardiac,
renal (kidney), and other systems, and is very helpful in detecting infections.
Nuclear medicine is commonly used during stress tests for coronary artery
disease. A radioactive material is injected into the patient's vein
so that an image of the heart becomes visible with a special camera. Nuclear
images are taken while the patient is at rest, and again immediately following
exercise. The two sets of images are then compared. During exercise, if
a blockage in a coronary artery causes decreased blood flow to part of
the cardiac muscle, this region of the heart will appear as a relative
"cold spot" on the nuclear scan.
OB Ultrasound. OB Ultrasound, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, is a method
of obtaining images of internal organs by sending high-frequency sound
waves into the body. The sound wave echoes, which have a frequency higher
than people can hear, are recorded and displayed as a real-time visual
image. Obstetric ultrasound refers to the specialized use of sound waves
to visualize and thus determine the condition of a pregnant woman and
her embryo or fetus.
Vascular Ultrasound. Vascular Ultrasound or sonography involves the sending of sound waves
through the body. Those sound waves are reflected off the internal organs.
The reflections are then interpreted by special instruments that subsequently
create an image of anatomic parts. Ultrasound imaging of the body's
veins and arteries can help the radiologist see and evaluate blockages
to blood flow, such as clots in veins and plaque in arteries. With knowledge
about the arterial blood flow gained from an ultrasound image, the radiologist
can often determine whether a patient is a good candidate for a procedure
like angioplasty.
X-ray. X-ray is the "granddaddy" of imaging tools. First used in the
late 1800s, X-rays continue to play a prominent role in medical diagnosis.
An X-ray is a high-energy beam used in low doses to diagnose a variety
of conditions ranging from broken bones to abnormal tissue growth such
as tumors. X-rays are also used in high doses to treat tumors.
Radiology Information
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; weekend studies by appointment
only, with the exception of X-ray.
To schedule a Radiology exam, please call (775) 623-5222, ext. 1130.
