New CT Installed at GRMC

 New CT Installed at GRMC

Grinnell Regional Medical Center installed a new 64-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner at the end of March. This new Hitachi unit provides excellent image quality across a wide range of routine and advanced diagnostic tests and uses dose reduction technology to maintain patient safety.

“GRMC has offered CT scanning as a diagnostic tool to physicians for many years. As with all medical technology, the advancements grow dramatically very quickly,” says Jaremy Douglas, RT(R) (CT). “Our patients will discover the benefits of faster scanning speed—especially those who are in distress.”

“For the staff performing the scans, the new unit offers improved software, which allows images to be read sooner by doctors. A faster scan time, along with our new dual injector, allows for reduced amounts of IV contrast to be given to CT patients while providing more detailed studies,” Douglas adds.

The CT is a noninvasive procedure that uses specialized x-ray equipment to produce cross-sectional images of the body. Each cross-sectional image represents a “slice” of the person being imaged, like the slices in a loaf of bread. These cross-sectional images are used for a variety of diagnostic purposes such as finding or identifying infections, masses or tumors, and disease or trauma to internal organs, brain, spine, and abdomen.

The primary benefits of the new CT at GRMC include:

·        Rapid table movement

·        Faster positioning time

·        A wider and more comfortable bed

The ultra-wide tabletop moves laterally as well as up/down to comfortably accommodate disabled and elderly patients. The enlarged opening allows for easier scanning of obese patients. And the slim depth provides openness, comfort, and peace-of-mind to anxious and young patients. All the features together provide enhanced patient access for clinical staff.

Richard Heishman, of rural Grinnell, was one of the first GRMC patients to use the new scanner. Due to a health condition, he has experienced two CTs at GRMC – one on the old CT scanner several years ago and another on the new scanner.

After the recent scan, Heishman says, “It was better. I thought it was faster and more quiet compared to the previous scan.”

 “The unit we just replaced was almost 10 years old and was a 16-slice scanner. A 64-slice unit is the industry gold standard now. A 128-slice unit is already in use at a few teaching institutions in the country; however, the data doesn’t support the diagnostic benefit for the cost,” Douglas says.

GRMC was able to proceed with the purchase of this unit because of a generous $100,000 gift by a Grinnell couple to Moving at the Speed of Life: A Comprehensive Campaign for GRMC. Additional donations are being sought to fully fund this important diagnostic tool at GRMC.

“We’re so fortunate to have donors who have supported the purchase of equipment like the new 64-slice CT that will improve patient comfort, speed of exams, and reduce exposure during the test. Our patients will appreciate this addition to GRMC,” says Douglas.

The fund-raising effort has raised $2.61 million toward the $7.5 million goal. Gifts to Grinnell Regional Medical Center’s Moving at the Speed of Life comprehensive campaign will fund: emergency department renovations; the new urgent care clinic; new chemotherapy and infusion department; new surgical robotic system; new CT scanner; wellness department’s move to Postels Community Health Park, the endowment for the mental health center; and replacement of equipment in obstetrics, radiology, patient rooms, and nutrition services.

For more information about the fund-raising effort, please contact Denise Lamphier, director of communications and development, at 641-236-2589 or dlamphier@grmc.us.