Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic imaging is a vital tool when providing quality healthcare, and with our vast array of testing technology, procedures, and resources, McAlester Regional Medical Center will make sure you and your family are taken care of.

At McAlester Regional Health Center, our highly experienced team of board-certified radiologists or medical staff read and return imaging results within 24 hours-usually same day. Also, we are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) has a number of imaging services. We’re committed to providing you with a broad range of the best diagnostic imaging services, including X-rays, Vascular/Interventional Radiology, Mammography and Biopsy, Bone Density Scans, CT Scans, Ultrasound, Echocardiogram, 1.5-T MRI, 3-T MRI, Nuclear Medicine, and PET/CT Scans.

The locations of these services are listed below:

Main Campus:

X-ray

Vascular/Interventional Radiology 

CT Scan

Ultrasound

Echocardiogram

1.5-T MRI 

Nuclear Medicine

Southeast Healthplex (Downtown):

Mammography and Biopsy 

Bone Density Scan

3-T MRI

PET/CT Scan

3-T MRI

Being scanned in a 3 Tesla (3T) MRI offers numerous benefits due to its high magnetic field strength, which is double that of the more common 1.5 Tesla MRI. This increased field strength enhances the clarity and detail of the images, making it particularly useful for diagnosing small or complex abnormalities that might be missed with lower-resolution scans. The higher resolution can provide more accurate assessments of brain structures, musculoskeletal injuries, and cardiovascular conditions, leading to more precise diagnoses and treatment plans. Additionally, 3T MRI scans can be faster, reducing the time a patient needs to remain still during the procedure, thereby improving comfort and reducing the likelihood of motion artifacts. Overall, the advanced imaging capabilities of 3T MRI contribute to better diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram offers numerous benefits as a non-invasive, highly informative diagnostic tool for evaluating heart health. Utilizing sound waves to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and function, it allows physicians to assess heart size, shape, and movement. This test can identify various heart conditions, such as valve problems, congenital defects, and cardiomyopathies, by visualizing blood flow through the heart’s chambers and valves. Its non-invasive nature makes it a safe option with no exposure to radiation, making it suitable for repeated use in monitoring heart conditions over time. Echocardiograms can provide immediate results, aiding in the timely diagnosis and management of heart diseases, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging offers numerous benefits due to its versatility, safety, and real-time imaging capabilities. As a non-invasive diagnostic tool, ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal body structures, making it ideal for examining soft tissues, organs, and blood flow without the need for radiation exposure. This makes it particularly valuable in obstetrics, allowing detailed monitoring of fetal development throughout pregnancy. Ultrasound is also widely used to evaluate abdominal organs, detect tumors, guide needle biopsies, and assess conditions like gallstones, liver disease, and vascular problems. Its real-time imaging ability provides immediate feedback, which is crucial for procedures such as guiding injections or draining fluid collections. Additionally, ultrasound is generally more cost-effective and accessible compared to other imaging modalities, enhancing its utility in a variety of clinical settings.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers a multitude of benefits, making it a critical tool in modern medical diagnostics. Its ability to produce highly detailed images of the body’s internal structures without using ionizing radiation is one of its most significant advantages. This makes MRI particularly useful for imaging soft tissues, such as the brain, spinal cord, muscles, and ligaments, which are often not as clearly visible with other imaging techniques. The detailed images help in diagnosing a wide range of conditions, from tumors and brain disorders to joint abnormalities and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, MRI can differentiate between different types of tissues, providing more precise diagnostic information. The non-invasive nature of MRI, combined with its capability for producing multi-planar images, enhances its utility in planning and monitoring treatments. Its versatility, safety, and high resolution make MRI an invaluable asset in ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective patient care.

CT Scan

A Computed Tomography (CT) scan provides numerous benefits, making it a vital diagnostic tool in modern medicine. CT scans offer highly detailed and precise cross-sectional images of the body’s internal structures, which are invaluable for diagnosing a wide range of conditions. They are particularly effective in detecting internal injuries, tumors, infections, and vascular diseases, providing critical information quickly, especially in emergency situations. The ability to create 3D images from the scan data enhances the visualization of complex anatomical structures, aiding in accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. CT scans are non-invasive, relatively quick, and can be performed with minimal discomfort to the patient. Their versatility allows for the evaluation of various parts of the body, including the brain, chest, abdomen, and skeletal system. Furthermore, advancements in CT technology have significantly reduced radiation exposure, making the procedure safer while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy.

Nuclear Medicine

A Nuclear Medicine scan offers unique and valuable benefits, leveraging small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. This imaging technique provides detailed information about the function and structure of organs and tissues, which is often not obtainable through other imaging modalities. It is particularly effective in identifying abnormalities at an early stage, such as detecting cancer, evaluating heart disease, and assessing bone health. Nuclear Medicine scans can monitor the progress of certain diseases and the effectiveness of treatments, making them crucial in managing chronic conditions. Additionally, they can pinpoint the exact location of issues, guiding surgical procedures or treatments with high precision. The ability to observe physiological processes in real time, combined with its high sensitivity, makes Nuclear Medicine an indispensable tool in comprehensive medical diagnostics and care.

PET Scan

A Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan offers significant benefits by providing detailed images that reveal how tissues and organs function on a molecular level. This advanced imaging technique is particularly valuable in detecting cancer, as it can identify metabolic changes in cells before structural changes become apparent in other imaging modalities. PET scans are crucial for staging cancer, evaluating the effectiveness of treatments, and detecting recurrences. Beyond oncology, PET scans are instrumental in diagnosing and managing neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease, by highlighting areas of altered brain activity. They also play a role in assessing heart conditions, helping to identify areas of reduced blood flow and viable heart muscle. The high sensitivity and specificity of PET scans enhance their utility in early diagnosis, accurate treatment planning, and monitoring therapeutic responses, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.

Bone Density Scan

A Bone Density scan, also known as a DEXA or DXA scan, provides significant benefits by accurately measuring bone mineral density, which is crucial for diagnosing osteoporosis and assessing fracture risk. This non-invasive and quick procedure uses low-dose X-rays to evaluate the density of bones, typically in the hip and spine, offering precise and reliable results. Early detection of bone density loss allows for timely intervention, which can prevent fractures and other complications associated with osteoporosis. The scan helps in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for bone density issues, enabling adjustments in therapy to optimize bone health. Additionally, it can aid in identifying secondary causes of bone loss, such as certain medical conditions or medications. The ability to detect even small changes in bone density makes the Bone Density scan an essential tool in maintaining skeletal health and preventing debilitating bone-related injuries.

Vascular/Interventional Radiology

Interventional radiology (IR) procedures offer numerous benefits as minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgery. Utilizing image-guided techniques, IR allows for precise targeting of specific areas within the body, often resulting in shorter recovery times, less pain, and reduced risk of complications compared to open surgery. These procedures can effectively treat a wide range of conditions, including vascular diseases, tumors, and spinal issues. For example, embolization can control bleeding or shrink tumors, while angioplasty can open narrowed blood vessels. The real-time imaging ensures high accuracy, enhancing the effectiveness and safety of the interventions. Additionally, many IR procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis or with a brief hospital stay, contributing to lower healthcare costs and faster patient return to daily activities. The minimally invasive nature of IR, coupled with its broad applicability and reduced patient burden, makes it a valuable component of modern medical care.

Mammography and Biopsy

A mammography scan offers substantial benefits as a critical tool in the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. By using low-dose X-rays to create detailed images of breast tissue, mammography can identify abnormalities and potential tumors at an early stage, often before they are palpable or symptomatic. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates, as it allows for timely and less aggressive interventions. Mammography is particularly valuable in screening programs for women at average or high risk of breast cancer, enabling regular monitoring and early intervention. The detailed images provided by mammography can also help differentiate between benign and malignant growths, reducing unnecessary biopsies and anxiety for patients. Additionally, advancements in mammographic technology, such as digital mammography and 3D tomosynthesis, have enhanced image clarity and diagnostic accuracy, further improving the effectiveness of this essential screening tool in promoting breast health.

X-Ray

X-rays provide several important benefits in medical diagnostics due to their ability to quickly create images of the body’s internal structures. This imaging technique is valuable for detecting and diagnosing a wide range of conditions, from fractures and bone abnormalities to pneumonia and certain types of cancers. X-rays are non-invasive and typically painless, making them suitable for patients of all ages. They are also quick to perform, which aids in swift diagnosis and treatment planning in emergency situations. Additionally, X-rays are cost-effective compared to more advanced imaging modalities, making them accessible in various healthcare settings globally. Despite their simplicity, X-rays provide essential information that guides medical decisions, facilitates accurate diagnoses, and contributes to effective patient care across different medical specialties.