Mercy Hospital Grayling offers a full range of Radiology services.

Bone Density Screening
Computed Tomography (CT)
Mammography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Nuclear Medicine
Ultrasound
General Diagnostic X-ray

Bone Density Screening
Bone density studies of the spine and hip are considered the standard for diagnosing osteoporosis and following changes in bone density over time. Low dose x-ray of two different energies are used to distinguish between bone and soft tissue, giving a very accurate measurement of bone density at these sites.

Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
This scan provides a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles; the pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called computerized tomography and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan.

Mammography
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts. It is used to find tumors and cysts, and to help distinguish the difference between noncancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) disease.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Siemens Magnetom Avanto MRI

In May 2006 Mercy introduced a new state-of-the-art MRI.

The images produced during an MRI allow physicians to look at almost any area of the body for problems. An MRI can be used to evaluate brain, neck, and spinal cord problems. It can also be used to evaluate chest, heart, abdomen, joints, or muscles.

The MRI doesn't use ionizing radiation, and it can provide images from any angle to give physicians the information they need to reach a proper diagnosis.

An MRI of the caliber of the new machine has been unavailable to the rural communities the hospital serves — until now.

The MRI is in constant view of the technician through a window facing the machine.

The unit is designed with an open appearance that significantly helps patients with claustrophobia or anxiety about the MRI examination. The cantilevered table design gives the system a light and unimposing appearance while providing unobstructed foot space for attending staff and better access to patients. The table can hold up to 440 pounds.

Patients are encouraged to bring a CD to listen to their favorite music during their examination to help with relaxation.

Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine is an imaging specialty that uses safe, painless, and cost-effective techniques to provide images of the body and treat disease. Nuclear medicine imaging documents organ function and structure, and is a way to gather medical information that may otherwise be unavailable, require surgery, or necessitate more expensive diagnostic tests.

Nuclear medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive materials, or radiopharmaceuticals, which are injected or swallowed. These materials are attracted to specific organs, such as the heart, and give off emissions, which are transformed into images by a special camera.

Ultrasound
This procedure uses high frequency sound waves that are reflected by tissue to varying degrees to produce a 2D image, traditionally on a TV monitor. Ultrasounds are frequently used to monitor development of an unborn child. Other important uses include imaging of the abdominal organs, heart, male genitalia, and veins in the leg.

General Diagnostic X-Ray
General diagnostic x-ray is the basic and most familiar medical imaging exam. These exams include evaluation of the chest, spine, skull, extremities, hips, pelvis, and abdomen. General diagnostic x-ray is often used to evaluate suspected fracture or other indications of injury or abnormality. Another form of widely used general diagnostic x-ray is fluoroscopy, which allows physicians to view the anatomy in real time. Some common procedures involve gastrointestinal imaging, where physicians look for ulcers, blockages, and other digestive system disorders.

If you are a Mercy Hospital Grayling patient and have a compliment, concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient Liaisons.

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