Washington County Hospital’s Radiology Department offers high-technology inpatient and outpatient imaging services. Our procedures include the following:

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
General Radiography
Mammography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Nuclear Medicine
Ultrasound

For more information about our services or to make an appointment, please call
301-790-8010.

Hours: Outpatient Services are available from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm.

CT Scan

During a computed tomography (CT) scan, our team of experts will use special X-ray equipment to obtain images from different angles around the body and send the images to a computer. The computer will then process this information to show body tissues and organs in cross-sectional views. CT scanning is painless, non-invasive, and accurate. These examinations are relatively fast and simple, taking about fifteen to thirty minutes.

Your physician may request a CT scan for any of these reasons:
-     Diagnose muscle and bone disorders
-     Pinpoint the location of a tumor, infection, or blood clot
-     Guide procedures such as surgery, biopsy, and radiation
-     Detect and monitor such diseases as cancer or heart disease
-     Detect internal injuries and internal bleeding

Washington County Hospital recently acquired a dual-source CT scanner, the world's fastest CT in scanning technology, particularly useful for quickly diagnosing emergency or trauma patients. For more information, click here.

General Radiography

Upper GI
                       
An upper gastrointestinal (GI) refers to an x-ray examination of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the smaller intestine. In order to do this test, the area must be coated or filled with a contrast material known as barium, which the patient drinks. The radiologist monitors the flow of barium as it passes through the body and takes still photos, much like photograph negatives.

Some of the common uses of an upper GI are to observe digestive function or to detect abnormalities like ulcers, tumors, or inflammation of the esophagus and proximal small intestine.

Lower GI

A lower gastrointestinal (GI) refers to an x-ray evaluation of the large intestine, the colon. Liquid barium is inserted into the colon by a rectal tube. This procedure is performed when individuals suffer from chronic diarrhea, blood in stools, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, unexplained weight loss, or a change in bowel habits.

Some of the common uses of a lower GI are to detect diverticula, tumors, cancer, and other signs of intestinal illnesses so that they may be treated with the proper care. It is also used to detect a source of suspected blood loss.

Mammography

Mammography is used to detect signs of breast cancer. Most mammography scans are negative, but for women who are diagnosed with cancer, successful treatment is linked to early detection—for these women, mammography can be life-saving.

Current guidelines suggest that women should have their first mammogram at age forty, and get one every one to two years after that. Although the procedure may be uncomfortable for some women, it is brief and generally painless. Our qualified radiology technicians will assist you during the procedure.

During the procedure you will be asked to undress from the waist up and change into a hospital gown. A small adhesive circle may be applied to your nipple to mark the area on the breast images. As the exam continues, a radiology technologist will position and gently compress the breast upon the image plate. Generally, you will feel a mild discomfort and/or pressure as the breast is gently compressed for each image during the exam. The exam usually takes about thirty minutes.

In preparing for the exam, the American Cancer Society recommends the following:
-     Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion on your breasts or under your arms.
-     Do not wear jewelry around your neck.
-     Avoid scheduling a mammogram the week before your period.

MRI

“MRI” may sound frightening to some people, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a painless procedure. The patient lies on a sliding table and is positioned comfortably for the MRI exam; as the images are taken the patient is able to communicate with the technologist. This exam generally takes fifteen to forty-five minutes and causes no pain, but some patients can find it uncomfortable to remain still during the exam.

An MRI may be used to look at the heart, aorta, coronary arteries and blood vessels to diagnose coronary artery disease and heart problems. It can also be used for images of organs of the chest and abdomen, and it is the most sensitive exam for spinal and joint problems.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine refers to the use of radioactive material to help create images of organs and organ systems. The radioactive material is either swallowed or injected, and it gathers in specific body organ systems. The gamma rays released are detected and used by a computer to produce images and measurements of organs and tissues.

Depending upon the type of scan, it may take several seconds to several days for the substance to travel through the body and accumulate in the organ being observed.

Ultrasound

Many people think of pregnancy when they hear the word “ultrasound.” But ultrasound imaging is used for many purposes, such as helping doctors make a diagnosis or assess the effects of treatment. It is also used to detect blood flow and whether there is any narrowing or blockage of blood vessels.

Ultrasound imaging is done through a clear gel that is applied to the area of your body to be examined. As the technician moves an ultrasound transducer wand across your skin, the wand transmits a visual image to a video screen. The ultrasound is painless and non-invasive, and it provides a real-time view of movement and live function in the body’s organs.