Imaging
The Jackson Clinic’s Imaging Department offer state-of-the-art imaging technology to help doctors get more accurate information and patients a more precise diagnosis. The department produces highly detailed, cross-section images by combining Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a multi-channel, multi-detector CT Scanner, Nuclear Medicine testing and Echocardiography ultrasound.
In addition, physicians use a number of imaging methods to identify breast disease or bone density problems for women.
The MRI is used as a diagnostic tool by physicians. This extremely effective machine uses a magnetic field and radio waves to show images of the inner body and any pathological changes.
The MRI is used in a wide variety of medical circumstances. Physicians order an MRI scan as a method for early disease detection, pathological changes or the display of congenital abnormalities in tissues and organs. An MRI is effective in every area of the body. Blood vessels and flow, heart diseases, functional mapping of the brain, examination of the spinal cord, ear and eye diseases, disc herniation, liver, pancreas, kidney and gallbladder abnormalities, tumors, joint diseases and soft tissue abnormalities are just a few of the reasons an MRI scan may be prescribed. It is an especially useful tool for oncologists in the treatment of cancers.
Patients scheduled for a MRI exam may continue their normal diet, medication and activity prior to this exam. A thorough medical history will be taken and reviewed by the prescribing physician and the technologist. During the exam, which takes approximately 30 minutes, the patient is asked to lie quietly still as the scanner records images of the inner body. This non-invasive scan is performed without the harmful effects of radiation because it uses magnetic principles. There is no post-procedure recovery time and patients may return to their regular routine immediately.
Located at our North Campus, at the time of installation, The Jackson Clinic was one of only two providers in the Southeastern United States with the new GE Brivo 355. This advanced technology provides vivid images of blood vessels without use of contrast.
The MRI Department is fully accredited by the Intersocietal Commission of Accreditation which means our technologists are licensed, fully trained and must continually keep up with continuing education. The equipment must be maintained and inspected monthly by a qualified service engineer.
Any physician or nurse practitioner can refer patients to the Imaging Department for an MRI.
The Jackson Clinic’s CT scanner uses x-rays to create images of sections or areas of the body. Much more sophisticated than a normal x-ray image, the CT scan distinguishes between different types of soft tissue to help doctors get more accurate information and patients a more precise diagnosis.
Our 64-slice (detector) CT scanner complements our MRI. It produces highly detailed, cross-section images allowing for earlier detection of many diseases. With the multi-detector, the scanner allows for imaging of the coronary arteries as well as all vascular structures. In many cases, this procedure will omit the need for a more invasive and expensive test for our patients.
Located at our North Campus, the CT Department is fully accredited by the Intersocietal Commission of Accreditation which means our technologists are licensed, fully trained and must continually keep up with continuing education. The equipment must be maintained and inspected monthly by a qualified service engineer. The CT scanner is inspected annually by a State Licensed Radiation Physicist.
Any physician or nurse practitioner can refer patients to the Imaging Department for a CT.
Nuclear Medicine stress testing allows patients to be scanned using radiopharmaceuticals to provide physicians unique diagnostic information about the function of their heart. This information is also used in the management, treatment and prevention of cardiac disease.
The Nuclear Stress Lab is accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). Accreditation by the IAC means that The Jackson Clinic Nuclear Cardiology Lab has undergone a thorough review of its operational and technical components by a panel of experts.The IAC grants accreditation only to those facilities that have been carefully critiqued on the skill of the technologist performing the exam, the type of equipment used, and the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician.
Echocardiography is a type of ultrasound test that uses sound waves to image different structures of your heart. Early detection of life threatening heart disorders and other diseases is possible through the use of Echocardiography. While this test is helpful, there are many facets that contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on Echocardiography testing.
The Jackson Clinic Echocardiography Lab is accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). IAC accreditation is a “seal of approval” that patients can rely on as an indication that the facility has been fully critiqued on the skill of the Echocardiography sonographer performing the examination, the type of equipment used, and the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician.