Diagnostic Imaging
Holy Cross Hospital is Northern New Mexico's latest digital imaging facility. This means faster diagnosis and treatment for virtually everyone who comes into the Diagnostic Imaging Services Department.
Mammography
Mammography uses low-dose x-rays to produce detailed images of breast tissue. These images aid in the early detection of breast cancer. Digital mammography has been shown to increase sensitivity for breast cancer in patients with very dense breast tissue. Digital mammography also improves our ability to provide this service to the community because studies can be performed more quickly, reducing wait times.
CT Scans
Computerized tomography (CT) scans produce cross-sectional images of body parts. The CT scanner is one of the major workhorses of the imaging department, and can be used to diagnose a multitude of medical problems. CT scans are frequently used to evaluate patients with conditions such as trauma, cancer, appendicitis and sinusitis.
MRIs
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces detailed images of the brain, spinal cord, joints, soft tissue, and the body’s vascular system, and it does so without the use of ionizing radiation. Doctors use this information to diagnose injuries and diseases in the body’s soft tissues, such as torn ligaments, strokes, and infections in the brain, spine and joints.
Ultrasound
This imaging technique uses high-frequency sound waves to create images without radiation. Ultrasound is commonly used to diagnose a variety of conditions including gallstones, liver tumors, bladder obstruction and uterine fibroids. Ultrasound is also used to monitor fetal development during pregnancy. Special ultrasound techniques can also be used to look evaluate blood vessels for areas of narrowing and thrombus.
X-ray
Digital x-rays are now available at Holy Cross Hospital. This reduces the frequency of having to repeat images and improves overall image quality from the old film technique.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine is used evaluate the skeleton, kidneys, brain, thyroid, lungs, gall bladder, liver, heart and other structures.
