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The Finley Hospital
350 North Grandview Ave.
Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: (563) 582-1881
Toll Free: 1-800-582-1891

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Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.



Learn about Finley's Green Initiatives


Radiology/Imaging Services

Radiology is a branch of medicine where sophisticated equipment is used to obtain enhanced diagnostic information. That information is then used to provide patients the best possible treatment - with greater comfort and convenience.

At Finley, we use radiologic technology in ongoing medical and surgical care as well. Physicians and radiologists work closely together to determine which radiologic procedure will provide the best information upon which to base treatment decisions. This enhances our ability to provide efficient, accurate and cost-conscious services to patients. In addition to general radiology, our imaging technologies include:

  • Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Mammography (digital)
  • MRI
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • PET/CT
  • Ultrasound
  • General Procedure Preps

Our Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) is another example of technology at work. PACS is an all-digital radiology image acquisition, transmission, and storage solution. PACS workstations/computers take the place of x-ray film and are available throughout the hospital so that doctors and other health professionals can access the information and even compare it with previous images at the touch of a button.

These powerful tools accompany Finley's diagnostic CT, mammography, MRI, ultrasound, computed radiography, stereotactic breast biopsy and Nuclear Medicine systems. These services combined place patients' local access to state-of-the-art radiologic services at or above the same standards of service in larger referral centers.

Radiologists and physicians of Finley Hospital are constantly striving to determine which test, or combination of tests, will provide the best outcome for every patient every time... and enhance diagnostic certainty.

For additional information call 563.589.2402
Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m to 5:30 p.m.

Computed Tompgraphy (CT)
CT scanning - sometimes called CAT scanning - is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicains diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT scanning combines special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce mutiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on a computer monitor, printer, or transferred to a CD. CT scans of internal organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams.

Our leading-edge CT technology includes the GE computerized Tomography HD 750 which acquires 64 contiguous slices of anatomy in every rotation of the tube compared to the one slice per rotation of the first generation scanners. As well as being high definition, this scanner produces approximately 40% less radiation dose than other scanners. Because the scanner provides tremendous scanning speed, the system helps reduce exam times, streamlines workflow and increases throughput in the scanning suite. These capabilities enhance physicians' abilities to determine what is going on inside of a patient's body.

Procedure preps

Digital Mammography
Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor and transmitted and stored just like computer files. Unlike film-based mammography, digital mammograms produce images that appear on the technologist's monitor in a matter of seconds. There is no waiting for film to develp, which can mean a shorter time spent in the breast imaging suite.

In conjunction with the digital mammography unit, Finley also offers digital Computer-Aided Detection (CAD). CAD provides a "second read" of the mammogram by a computer. CAD software helps the radiologist in making an accurate diagnosis, like spell check assists word processing. Digital mammography allows radiologists to view the x-ray image more closely, zero in on suspicious areas and make immediate decisions about additional images. Digital mammography takes less than half the time of traditional film-based exams. It's so fast that radiologist can review the images while the patient is still in the examination room.

MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a test using a machine with a sophisticated computer system to create detailed images of the inside of your body. These detailed images aid in the early detection of many conditions and help physicians make an accurate diagnosis so they can determine the appropriate treatment. The test is safe and painless with no x-ray radiation involved. An MRI uses magnetic fields, radio frequency pulses and computer technology to produce images of your body. It is ideal for diagnosing multiple sclerosis, different types of tumors, and strokes in their earliest stages; visualizing torn ligaments and shoulder injuries; and evaluating masses in the soft tissues of the body, bone tumors, cycts and bulging or herniated discs in the spine. It also provides excellent breast imaging which is growing in popularity as an additional tool for diagnosing breast disease.

Click here for MRI prep

Nuclear Medicine & PET/CT
Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of cancers, heart disease and certain other abnormalities within the body.

Nuclear medicine or radionuclide imaging procedures are noninvasive and, with the exception of intravenous injections, are usually painless medical tests that help physicians diagnose medical conditions. These imaging scans use radioactive materials called radiopharmaceuticals or radiotracers.

Depending on the type of nuclear medicine exam you are undergoing, the radiotracer is either injected into a vein, swallowed or inhaled as a gas and eventually accumulates in the organ or area of your body being examined, where it gives off energy in the form of gamma rays. This energy is detected by a device called a gamma camera, a  (positron emission tomagraphy) PET scanner and/or probe. These devices work together with a computer to measure the amount of radiotracer absorbed by your body and to produce special pictures offering details on both the structure and function of organs and tissues.

PET/CT units area able to perform both nuclear medicine PET and CT imaging studies at the same time. Nuclear medicine images can be superimposed with computed tomography (CT) to produce special views. These views allow the information from two different studies to be correlated and interpreted on one image, leading to more precise information and accurate diagnoses.

Nuclear Medicine Preps

Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging, also called ultrasound scanning or sonography, involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Ultrasound exams do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays. Ultrsound imaging is a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions. A sonographer perfoms the test by applying a warm gel to the skin and then placing a transducer above the anatomic structure to be studied. This sends short pulses of ultrsound waves through the body and as the transducer is moved around an image of various organ (such as gallbladder, liver, pancreas, kidneys and spleen) appears on a television monitor. Because ultrasound images are captured in real-time, they can show the structure and movement of the body's internal organs, as well as blood flowing through blood vessels.

Click here for Ultrasound prep

General Preps