MRI services
The new Phillips 1.5 Tesla short bore MRI gives you the feeling of an open MRI. And with Phillips' new technology, scan times are cut in half without ever compromising quality or comfort. This state-of-the-art scanner combines the strongest magnetic field strength and shortest scanning tube available to minimize study times and maximize quality while providing you with a comfortable and roomy feeling.
In addition, Middletown Medical uses CinemaVision, a convenient, versatile and user-friendly 3D virtual reality system. Providing multiple entertainment options - from standard television, DVD, CD and AM/FM input - this system allows you to enjoy a stunning sight and sound experience during the MRI scan.
What is an MRI?
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. It is a powerful and dynamic way for doctors to see inside our bodies to diagnose and identify certain problems and diseases. It is not an x-ray but a combination of magnetic fields, radio waves and a computer that all work together to create two or three-dimensional images of exactly what is happening within our bodies. MRI testing is painless and much quicker than most people expect.
Why are MRI scans important?
MRI scans allow doctors to see images of your internal organs and structures in great detail from many angles. This gives them information more quickly, and in many cases more economically, than past tests and exploratory surgeries.
Is an MRI scan like an X-ray?
No. An MRI scan uses a powerful magnet in conjunction with radio frequency waves to generate images of your internal organs and structures without radiation.
How long will the exam take?
That will depend on what is being studied but a typical exam lasts 20 - 45 minutes. You should allow extra time in case the exam lasts longer than expected.
Does the machine make a lot of noise?
Yes, there is significant noise made by the magnet. Our exclusive CinemaVision program blocks out the noise with either music, TV programs or movies.
Do I have to remain still the whole time?
It is important for image clarity and optimum scan results to hold still during the exam. Keep in mind a routine exam will take at least 20 minutes.
Keep in mind that an MRI isn't for everyone. Be sure to inform your physician if you have a pacemaker, aneurysm clips in the brain, a shunt with telesensor, inner ear implants, metal fragments in one or both eyes, implanted spinal cord stimulators or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have anemia or any disease affecting red blood cells.
CT Scan
Middletown Medical's Philips Brilliance 16-Slice CT scanner is the industry standard for CT scanning. This incredible machine opens new doors for assessing some of today's most pressing health care conditions such as stroke, heart disease and lung cancer. The Brilliance 16-Slice gives sixteen crystal clear images per rotation, while older machines took only one image. This means that you receive a much more accurate diagnosis than ever before possible.
The Philips Brilliance 16-Slice scanner is the region's most advanced scanner. It is fast, accurate and able to perform more studies with incredible clarity. Additionally, our department is ACR certified and our technologists are highly trained, caring and ready to help you.
What is CT and how does it work?
Computed Tomography (CT) scanning is the process of making a series of cross-sectional x-ray images, or "slices", through a portion of the body. The thinner the slices are, the sharper the detail in the resulting image. CT scans are quickly taking the place of more invasive diagnostic techniques such as exploratory surgery or biopsy.
What are the benefits of the 16-slice CT scan?
- Speed - fastest scan times
- Patient comfort - minimal time on the exam table
- Low radiation dose - lower doses are needed for high quality images
- Highest quality images - amazing accuracy
- Multiple tests from one scan - information can be reconstructed from a single scan to find data for follow-up tests. This saves the patient a second scan or return trip.
- Less stress - ultra-quick scans means children, infants and the elderly need little or no sedation to lie still.
Mammography
Our recently purchased Hologic Selenia Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) system is a state-of-the-art digital mammography machine that is highly accurate and provides greater patient comfort. Digital mammography is the industry standard for providing the most accurate images with a reduced the number of retakes needed in order to obtain an accurate image.
The Selenia system has a larger breast detector for comfort and has their "Fast Paddle" feature, which applies even pressure on the breast to follow its contours more naturally, without too much compression in any one area. Positioning is very easy as well as getting more tissue and muscle into the compression. The larger breast detector also allows for a larger image area, reducing the number of images that need to be taken as well as provides better service for women of all breast sizes due to its configuration. The end result is decreased exam time, lower radiation dose and increased productivity allowing for more appointment availability. The Selenia system contributes to earlier detection, more accurate diagnoses, and better overall patient care.
The mammography appointment will last approximately 30 minutes, depending on how many images are needed. Our highly-trained and caring staff will guide you through the entire process as efficiently as possible. We recognize that choosing where to get a mammography is a highly personal decision and we want to assist you in any way that we can.
The American Cancer Society recommends that women, beginning in their 20s and 30s, have a clinical breast exam (CBE) as part of a regular health exam by a health professional every 3 years. Additionally, beginning at age 40, all women should get their first screening mammogram, in addition to the CBE, and continue annually.
Bone density screening (also called a Bone Mineral Density (BMD) test)
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation - "There are some risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing osteoporosis. The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to get osteoporosis and broken bones. Some examples are being small and thin, older age, being female, a diet low in calcium, lack of enough vitamin D, smoking and drinking too much alcohol."
Your healthcare provider may recommend a bone density screening if you are:
- A postmenopausal woman under age 65 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
- A man age 50-70 with one or more risk factors for osteoporosis
- A woman age 65 or older, even without any risk factors
- A man age 70 or older, even without any risk factors
- A woman or man after age 50 who has broken a bone
- A woman going through menopause with certain risk factors
- A postmenopausal woman who has stopped taking estrogen therapy (ET) or hormone therapy (HT)
At Middletown Medical, our professional and caring staff will guide you through this painless, non-invasive, simple screening test in about 20 minutes. This test will provide invaluable information for your physician about your chance for getting osteoporosis, a preventable disease when detected early.
Ultrasound
The new Philips HD11 digital imaging ultrasound system delivers high definition imaging in a compact and ergonomic package designed for a variety of tests including breast, pediatric, vascular and musculoskeletal ultrasounds. It is a state-of-the-art system that provides the best images in the least amount of time to assist your physician in providing you the best care possible. The testing performed is painless and non-invasive while not exposing you to any radiation.
Our Ultrasound and Echocardiography Departments are ACR and ICAEL accredited and utilize the latest equipment in a warm, welcoming environment. Our licensed ultrasound technologists perform most on-site specialized testing within 30 minutes. Your results are reported to your physician as quickly as possible.
Our services include:
- Abdomen
- Breast
- Echo
- Small parts (breast, thyroid and other glands)
- OB/GYN
- Vascular