Gifford’s Radiology Department offers comprehensive diagnostic imaging services. Diagnostic imaging is completely digital, meaning images are available electronically to the medical center’s providers as soon as they’ve been completed. Radiology images are read by a team of highly-qualified, specialized physicians.

Available radiology services include:

Bone Densitometry

Bone densitometry is used to look for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that jeopardizes the density and quality of the bones and a patient that is diagnosed with osteoporosis has bones that are not as dense or strong as normal healthy bones.

Computed Tomography (CT)

CT scans are an advanced imaging technique where an X-ray source rotates around the patient to produce cross sectional (slices) that are reconstructed to show detailed images. This produces detailed images of organs, bones, soft tissues and blood vessels.

Diagnostic X-rays

Diagnostic X-rays are traditional X-ray exams. These are available at Gifford and both the Sharon and Berlin health centers.

Digital (computerized) mammography

Digital mammography produces detailed images of the breast. Screening mammograms can provide early detection of breast cancer and other abnormalities.

Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology uses image-guidance, such as through an ultrasound or CT scan, to gain access to vessels and organs. This allows some conditions to be diagnosed and treated right in the Radiology Department that might otherwise have required more invasive surgery. Interventional radiology can thus minimize the risks to patients and improve health outcomes.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is a technique used to visualize internal structures of the body in detail using a magnetic field and radio waves. An MRI scanner is a tube in which the patient lies and is surrounded by a large, powerful magnet.

MRIs are available at Gifford and at the Sharon and Berlin health centers through a mobile unit that brings advanced technology to our community. The patient opening in our MRI scanner is bigger, at 70 centimeters, than that provided in other units (typically 60 centimeters) to lessen potential feelings of claustrophobia. The scanner also incorporates technology such as ComforTone, which reduces noise discomfort; ScanWise software that increases diagnostic options for patients with implants; and patient heat monitoring. In addition, Gifford’s mobile unit features a skylight with seasonal imagery to create a calming environment.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound utilizes sound waves for visualizing body structures. Common uses are for imaging during pregnancies, evaluation of organs and procedures such as needle biopsies and aspirations.

Stereotactic breast biopsies

Stereotactic breast biopsies utilize a special digital mammography machine to pinpoint calcifications. The machine utilizes images taken from two different angles to create exact coordinates. Using these coordinates, a radiologist then removes breast tissue with a needle for testing.

Patient Care Navigator Program

The patient care navigator aids patients as they prepare and recover from a biopsy of the breast, including stereotactic breast biopsies. Our Patient Care Navigator can be reached at (802) 728-2231.

The Radiology Department is on the second floor of the hospital just off the main lobby.