Diagnostic Imaging(Radiology)
Barnesville Hospital is very proud to have a high-quality Diagnostic Imaging department on
our team. The department's stated mission is to "Strive to utilize knowledge and skill to provide safe and
controlled radiation exposures and to image appropriate studies with clinical efficiency and cost-effective
examinations, generating optimal patient care to our customers and the community." We believe that this mission
has been met and we will strive to continue to meet or exceed this goal in the future as well.
Barnesville Hospital's Diagnostic Imaging department is
available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, to assist you in the best way possible. During normal operational
hours we have an on-site staff, skilled with the appropriate tools, to help you. This staff consists of
Board Registered Radiologic Technologists, Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologists, and Registered Ultrasound
Technologists. We have Board-Certified interpreting Radiologists provided by Radiology Associates, Inc.
If a Radiologist is not on-site, they are available to interpret exams through the
teleradiology unit, and forwards the digital images for a reading. Some of the Diagnostic services available
are: Mammography, CAT Scan, MRI, Ultrasound, Computed Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, and DexaScan.
Computerized Axial Tomography, also known as a CAT scan, is a
leading technology in providing in-depth reports of the entire anatomy of a patient. This is a very beneficial
scan for trauma patients, as it is non-intrusive and performed quickly, possibly reducing
delay time for needed treatment. The CAT machine operates by turning an X-ray tube and detectors around
and over the patient, while allowing them to keep still.
 (Computed Radiography Chest Image) One of the most fundamental tasks in Diagnostic Imaging
is what is called "Computed Radiography." This is what is usually referred to when an "X-Ray" is mentioned.
These images are obtained by sending small doses of radiation through the area of interest,
behind which a digital cassette is placed. The images can be made to show both the skeletal
system and the digestive system.
The images created by Conmputed Radiography can be
used to indicate bone fractures and splints, localization of foreign bodies, and even the intestinal tract,
which is created by consuming a dense barium suspension that coats the intestines and intestines and allows
for imaging on the film.
 Ultrasound showing developing twins) An Ultrasound machine is similar to other Diagnostic Imaging equipment, in
that an image is created using waves. The difference with Ultrasound, however, is that these waves
are sound waves, and unlike most other equipment, it uses no radioactivity. The Ultrasound unit
produces images using soundwaves that returns information to the equipment from the patients body.
The machine emits a sound too high-pitched to be heard by human ears, which passes harmlessly through
the skin. The density of the organ being examined is what produces the contrast of the image via
soundwave, which is picked up by a handheld device.
The Ultrasound machine is commonly used to check on the progress of a
developing fetus inside its mother. It can show, in real-time, the movements and position of the
fetus, and can aid in detecting development problems well before birth.
An Ultrasound is also common for Cardiac patients as well as many
others. It can be used to show arterial and venous systems, to make sure they are functioning
properly. Ultrasound can also be used to find kidney stones, gall bladder stones, to locate
cysts, and for tumor biopsy.
 (Cardiac Function Chart) Nuclear Medicine contributes to the diagnosis with
the ability to demonstrate physiological functions by injecting radiopharmaceuticals into the patient's
bloodstream. We are able to provide localization of
digestive bleeding, search for primary/secondary metastases of cancer, and localization of small fractures
that are unable to be visualized on plain film. One the newer services we provide through this unit is
Cardiac Function Imaging. We perform these studies while working with the ordering physician on evaluating
the amount of stress a patient's heart is able to tolerate, and also check for any irregularities.
 (MRI Machine)  (MRI of a Head) Barnesville Hospital currently has a mobile unit
for MRI that provides services to us 2 days per week. This equipment uses a very large bore magnet to
receive information from each individual's protons and neutrons transported back and creating the images.
Each type of tissue/bone/fluid had a different return value, and that is what provides the resolution of
the image. There is no radiation involved in this modality, and therefore allows for risk-free imaging,
with exception to individuals who have artificial devices/implants such as staples, pacemakers, metal in
the eye, stents, etc.
Our MRI machine has a 1.5 Tesla magnet, which provides higher resolution,
creates a crisper image, and faster scan time, reducing the length of the whole exam considerably. The
MRI is best used for imaging of soft tissue neural anatomy (brain,spinal cord, vertebral discs) and
intra-articlar anatomy, such as ligaments, menisci, etc.
 (Tiffany Hart-Gatten, RT, R.M., Mammography QA Technologist) A Picture Archival and Communication System, more commonly known as a PACS, enables images,
such as X-rays and scans, to be stored electronically and viewed on computer monitors so that doctors and other health
care professionals can access the information and compare it with previous images at the touch of a button. Barnesville
Hospital implemented FujiFilm Medical Systems' Synapse PACS system in September of 2006.
PACS images and scans are available instantly -- because thay are transmitted directly from
the modality to the server, instantly. Patient digital images are stored in a secure, HIPAA-compliant database. By
storing these images on a computer, they are clearer and easier to manipulate. This can lead to improved diagnosis and
better overall care. Because images do not need to be transported by hand, they cannot be lost, and can be examined
by different physicians at different locations at the same time. The images can also be written to a CD/DVD for patients
and referring physicians to open on their own PCs, when requested.
Barnesville Hospital accepts orders for outpatient diagnostic services from over 275 physicians
practicing in Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. These physicians practice in facilities such as OVMC, Wheeling
Medical Park, Ohio State Medical Center, Riverside Hospital, Grant Medical Center, West Virginia University Hospital,
Allegheny Hospital, UPMC, Presbyterian Hospital, and many more.
If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to make an appointment, please call
Barnesville Hospital at (740) 425-5114.
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