Imaging and Radiology
Forrest Health offers a wide range of radiology services for inpatients and outpatients at our various locations.
- Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS)
- Digital radiography
- Digital diagnostic and interventional radiography
- Nuclear medicine radioisotope imaging
- Powerscribe voice recognition
- 3.0T and 1.5T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- 64- and 16-Slice Computerized Tomography (CT)
- 128-Slice, 64-Slice, and 16-Slice Wide Bore Computerized Tomography (CT) Scanners
- Abdominal and peripheral interventional special procedures
- Non-invasive vascular, OB/GYN, neonatal, and general ultrasound procedures
Interventional Radiology Suite
The Interventional Radiology Suite offers a variety of treatments for Pine Belt patients who have been driving elsewhere for their care.
The IR suite offers the following procedures – neurological, cancer treatment, OB/GYN, and urology. The facility also supports the needs of Forrest General’s Level Two Trauma Center.
ACR Accreditation
Cardiovascular diseases, which are disorders of the heart and blood vessels, are the number one cause of death in the United States. Fortunately, early detection of life threatening heart disorders and other diseases is possible through the use of nuclear cardiology procedures.
The Nuclear Medicine Department at Forrest General has been granted a three year term of accreditation in Nuclear Cardiology by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Nuclear Medicine Laboratories (ICANL).
The seal of approval that accompanies ICANL accreditation means patients can rest assured that the facility has been carefully critiqued on all aspects of its operations considered relevant by medical experts in the field of nuclear medicine.
Many factors contribute to an accurate diagnosis based on nuclear cardiology testing. These factors include the skill of the nuclear medicine technologist, the type of equipment used, the background and knowledge of the interpreting physician and quality assurance measures.
MRI Safety Report
Patient safety is a priority at Forrest General Hospital. Often times the community is not aware of the measures taken to protect our patients from injury. The Radiology department is no exception to this rule.
Serious accidents are rare in MRI suites; however, the risk for patient injury is significant. Oxygen tanks, wheelchairs and other medical equipment could become projectiles with the powerful magnetic pull from the MRI.
At FGH, MRI has four safety zones with staggered door entry. Zone 1 is the door to the department. Zone 2 leads to patient seating. Zone 3 is the staff operating area. Zone 4, enclosed behind an airtight door, is the MAGNET/MRI table. Special equipment is required in zone 4 that must not contain any metal. The Radiology department has MRI compatible oxygen tanks, IV poles, Anesthesia Carts and other necessary equipment to safely care for the patients in this area.
The MRI room is lined with copper to reduce radiofrequency signal interference. The MRI Magnet is always “on” even when not in use. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the safety parameters 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
All personnel must have a special badge access to enter safety zone 1 of the MRI Department. Staff must complete yearly competency training to be given badge access.
Patients undergo extensive screening prior to procedures performed in the MRI Department. The questionnaire is concerning previous surgeries, implants or metallic objects retained in the body. All jewelry, hair pins, hearing aids, and other personal belongings that may contain metal are safely stored and returned to the patient after the procedure is complete.
According to Joe Marcello, Service Line Administrator-Heart & Vascular/Oncology/OPACS/Radiology & Radiation Oncology, “Our hospital-based MRI Suites have established and documented MRI safety protocols. These include training of all technologists and nursing staff; education of attending physicians, anesthesiologists, and radiologists. Our safety protocols are reviewed annually and approved by the Department of Radiology. Any changes in in the MRI suite environment are reviewed by the Medical Director and MRI Safety Director. Any MRI incidents are investigated, documented and reported; and deficiencies corrected. “
With these safety procedures in place and specially trained staff, Forrest General Hospital has been MRI Injury free for 15 years!
