Radiology Services At Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus
The GMC, Illini Campus Radiology Department offers diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, and mammography. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging reduces exam times and patient wait times, which improves patient care and satisfaction.
GMC, Illini Campus implemented a PACS system (Picture Archival and Communication System) for image retrieval and storage in March 2005. Instead of using film to print and store your examination, all images are stored digitally on computer. This allows your physician access to your examination at his or her office. If you ever have to travel to an out-of-area physician, your images can travel with you on CD Rom instead of having to transport bulky films with you.
Diagnostic Radiology produces radiographic (x-ray) images of the human body. X-rays, which were first introduced to the world in 1895, are still the backbone of Radiology. Images of the human body are taken with an x-ray machine. These images that were once produced on film are now produced on special plates, which transmit the image onto the PACS computer system for instant retrieval for your physician at his office. All radiologic technologists at GMC, Illini Campus are registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Office
Our front office is staffed with an Office Manager and three Radiology Clinical Support Technicians (CST) who will assist the patients as they enter the department. The CSTs at Illini campus are able to get the patients checked in and help with any concerns the patients may have. Their friendly, compassionate nature along with the knowledge they have help to make our patients and their families comfortable.
Computerized Tomography, or C.T.
The Computerized Tomography department, commonly known as a CAT scan, uses state of the art Siemens equipment to acquire images of the body. This equipment uses "care dose" which allows the lowest possible radiation exposure to the patient while still acquiring images of great detail. Patients may be asked to drink barium or gastroview prior to the scan in order to outline the intestines. They may also have an IV placed in their arm to inject a contrast that will allow visualization of the blood vessels and other organs. GMC, Illini Campus CT equipment is used to scan the head, chest, abdomen, pelvis, vascular systems, spine, and all extremities. Registered technologists will assist the patient through the entire exam, which in most cases can take less than thirty minutes.
Ultrasound
The Ultrasound department, using equipment, performs a complete spectrum of ultrasound examinations. General abdominal, renal, pelvic, obstetric and non-invasive vascular examinations are performed at GMC, Illini Campus. The equipment has the capability of utilizing 3D/4D imaging for increased diagnostic capabilities.
Ultrasound examinations use sound waves projected into the body from a transducer, which is placed directly on the skin. A gel is placed on the skin to eliminate air and to assist the sound waves to enter the body. The transducer is placed on the gel, and gentle pressure may be applied. The technologists performing the examinations are registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Ultrasound. Most examinations are performed in 45 minutes or less. Our ultrasound department is also accredited with the American College of Radiology.
Nuclear Medicine
The Nuclear Medicine department performs nuclear medicine procedures with the latest technologies available. Nuclear Medicine is the injection or oral administration of radioactive material into the body. The patient is then scanned. Depending on the examination, the patient then is immediately scanned or is scanned after several hours. Using detectors, the amount of radiation from the radioactive material that was injected is measured and images are taken. The technologists at Illini Campus are registered in the specialty of Nuclear Medicine, and are continually upgrading their education to perform the most up-to-date examinations. GMC, Illini Campus currently has two scanners, one Philips and one General Electric. The hours are 7:30 am - 4:00 pm and appointments for Nuclear Medicine exams can be made with a physicians order by calling our scheduling department at 309-792-4337.
MRI
MRI is conveniently located at Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus. This location allows for inpatients to have their MRI exams without leaving the hospital and our outpatients having multiple testing (i.e. Lab work, EKGs, x-rays, etc.) are able to get everything done at one location.
Our ACR (American College of Radiology) accredited facility opened in April of 2004. Our ARRT certified technologists use a 1.5 Tesla magnet to complete exams. The images are used to diagnose a wide variety of abnormalities within the body. One diagnostic use is to determine the source of pain in joints such as the knee. Usually there are other tests, such as x-rays, which have been completed prior to requesting an MRI. An MRI is more likely to show injuries such as a meniscus tear, tendon problems, or ligament injuries.
The images from an MRI clearly show superior detail of muscle, nerve, bone, and other body tissue for the purpose of clinical evaluation. The use of sophisticated equipment enables our radiologist to provide a diagnosis quickly, whether it is a herniated disc, brain tumor, blood flow evaluation, nerve study, or other issue.
This new system affords you a relaxed and comfortable examination, based on the wide bore magnet design. The wide design will benefit those patients who find old MRI systems too confining.
Mammography
The mammography department at GMC, Illini Campus uses ACR accredited equipment for more up-to-date breast imaging. Offering screening, diagnostic mammograms, needle localization and ductography for the patient that needs a more in depth diagnosis. The use of our Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) system helps the radiologist identify characteristics that may be associated with various forms of cancer. By using CAD to mark these areas, CAD serves as a "second pair of eyes" for the radiologist.
The mammography technologists specialize in breast health care and hold national and state certification, with a combined total of more than 36 years of experience. The mammogram is usually completed within 15 to 30 minutes.
Bone Density
GMC, Illini Campus has a state-of-the-art bone densitometer on its list of health services available. The bone densitometer measures the bone mineral content and density of specific bone sites that are most susceptible to fracture due to osteoporosis and other degenerative bone diseases. The procedure itself is simple. Bone density testing is fast, painless, and noninvasive.