New CT scanner in use at PCHS
By Brooke Pankonin
Grant Tribune Sentinel
Patients and staff of Perkins County Health Services are now experiencing the benefits of the new 128-splice CT scanner.
Brenda Jennelle, director of radiology, said the CT (computed tomography) scanner exposes patients from 40 to 60 percent less radiation than the previous scanner, and the 128-splice allows for faster scans that produce higher-quality images.
“If a patient needs IV contrast, we can reduce that contrast by approximately 20 percent because the scanner is so much faster,” said Jennelle.
The scanner has lower power requirements, making it more energy efficient, and more scans are now available, such as calcium scoring and low-dose lung scans.
Calcium scoring is a non-invasive CT scan of the heart to detect and measure calcium-containing plaque in the arteries. A low-dose lung scan is a non-invasive approach to screen for lung cancer.
Greater comfort is also an added benefit of the new scanner. Patients now have to maintain just a few-second breath hold, compared to 30-40 seconds on the previous scanner.
Dr. Matt Byrd said PCHS is fortunate to have cutting edge equipment in a rural setting.
“The new CT will provide excellent quality images, faster scan times, and allow the use of less contrast material. It is nice to know you can have the finest quality CTs close to home.”
I am excited to work at a hospital with such excellent tools for patient care,” said Dr. Byrd.
“Additionally, this new CT scanner will be very helpful in kicking off our full-time general surgery service line starting Aug. 1. High resolution CT scans are well known to provide a detailed ‘roadmap’ for surgeons,” he added.
Jennelle and Radiology Technician Jessica Chittenden attended five days of training in May at the Siemens Healthcare Training Center in Cary, North Carolina. They received another five days of training onsite in June and will receive another five days next month.
Chittenden said it’s been a joy to be able to put their training to use.
Jennelle said the user-friendly scanner has been used daily since it arrived, serving 20 patients.
The CT scanner was made possible through a $400,000 grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust’s Rural Healthcare Program, applied for by Perkins County Health Services Foundation.