Pictured from left to right are Whitney Smith, RT (R) (CT) Registered CT Technologist; Christy Poteet, RT (R) (CT) Registered CT Technologist; Casey Richie, RN; and Evan Turner, RT (R) (CT) Registered CT Technologist.
According to officials, Hutcheson Medical Center is now home to the most technological CT scanner in Walker, Catoosa, and Dade counties. The Optima CT660 64 slice equivalent scanner from GE Healthcare features faster screening times for increased patient comfort while delivering a lower dose of medical radiation as compared to older generation CT scanners.
“The technology of the new scanner is incredibly advanced and more patient friendly as compared to older scanners” said Linda Case, Director of Radiology for Hutcheson. “For example, it only takes now six seconds to complete a scan as compared to half a minute or longer with older models, which is important because patients have to hold their breath and lie still during the scan. Decreasing the scanning time by 80% makes the process so much more comfortable for the patient. It also delivers a lower dose of radiation during the scan and requires less IV contrast to be administered to the patient.” Ms. Case added that the scanner features technology which allows radiologists and techs to create 3D images and overall uses 60% less energy than older scanners.
“We’re excited to add this additional CT scanner to our diagnostic radiology department at Hutcheson,” said Farrell Hayes, President and CEO of the hospital. “Adding the second scanner increases patient access to diagnostic care for patients in the hospital, emergency department, and outpatient clinics. The new scanner also offers the finest level of detailing within each scan, which provides physicians the best opportunity to diagnose the exact cause of the patient’s condition.” Mr. Hayes stated that the addition of the Optima CT660 scanner, as with the new outpatient GI equipment at Hutcheson on the Parkway, is part of the hospital’s on-going effort to provide state of the art technology for quality patient care.
One entertaining aspect of the scanner is a video screen located at the top of the scanner. The screen is pre-loaded with content designed to calm children and nervous adults during the scan. “We’ve already had one pediatric patient who was really upset and crying before the scan,” said Ms. Case. “But as soon as he climbed on the table and started watching the video, he immediately calmed down. It definitely resolved what could have been a difficult patient issue for the child and his family. And we were able to successfully complete the scan and diagnose the patient.”
To find out more about Hutcheson’s newest CT scanner or to schedule a scan, please call 706/858-2725 or 706/858-2200.