Radiology

Radiology Services

Advanced Diagnostic Imaging Services in South Dakota

The CDP Radiology Department is comprised of five different imaging modalities:

  • General radiography
  • Computed tomography (CT scans)
  • Ultrasound
  • Bone densitometry (DEXA)
  • Mammography

Along with our in-house modalities, we also offer outreach services that include MRI and nuclear medicine. The services provided by these modalities cover a full range of non-invasive tests that provide your doctor with detailed information that will help aid in your diagnosis. Different symptoms will indicate what procedures should be performed. Learn more about these procedures below.

Radiology

Radiography is a general imaging modality that can aid in a variety of diagnoses. Radiographs are a one-dimensional image that can show bone and internal organs. Coteau Health Care System utilizes the newest form of fixed and portable digital radiography equipment. Thus in any situation, you’ll be provided with the highest quality exam.

CT Scans

Computed tomography (CT) is a widely used diagnostic imaging modality. CT allows us to see all the internal anatomy in greater detail than general radiography. It produces multi-dimensional images that can be post-processed into 3D images. CT scans are extremely beneficial in trauma situations, as well as in clinical settings.

Mammography

Mammography is the process of using low energy X-rays to examine the human breast and is used as a diagnostic and screening tool. Coteau Health Care System is excited to introduce the acquisition of a Philips MicroDose full-field digital mammography (FFDM) machine that offers excellent image quality and high throughput in a low-dose system. The MicroDose system uses a unique photon counting detector technology and has allowed clinicians to reduce radiation dosages by up to half that used with other FFDM systems. In fact, studies report a substantially lower average X-ray dose used with the Philips MicroDose System than with other FFDM Systems

Ultrasound

Ultrasounds are a form of diagnostic testing that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of soft tissue and surrounding structures. Trans Med is a mobile Ultrasound service that performs vascular, thyroid and testicular exams for Coteau Health Care System. Ultrasound is used for more than evaluating a fetus in a pregnant woman.

Other areas include:

  • Abdominal organs
  • Gynecological
  • Vascular
  • Cardiac
  • Thyroid
  • Testicular

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI uses a powerful magnet, low-intensity radio waves, and computer technology to create multi-dimensional images of your body. MRI is most commonly used to look at muscles, nerves, and most soft tissues in the body. This mobile service is provided by DMS Health Technologies.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine uses radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. This mobile service is provided by Avera McKennan. Tests include:

  • Stress tests
  • Hepatobiliary (HIDA)
  • Bone
  • Thyroid
  • Lung perfusion scans

Bone Density Scanning

Our hospital offers bone densitometry scans—also called dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. DEXA scans are used to measure bone mineral density or bone mass. These types of scans are helpful in diagnosing osteoporosis.

Electrocardiogram (EKG), Holter & Event Monitors

EKGs, Holter, and Event Monitors allow us to record and monitor a patient’s heart rate. Electrocardiograms look at potential problems with the electrical activity of a patient’s heart. Holter and event monitors—or ambulatory electrocardiography devices—are often used to diagnose problems with a patient’s heart rhythm or rate, especially arrhythmias. These monitors are a portable form of testing used to look at the cardiovascular system’s electrical activity for an extended period of time.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

EEGs are used to measure and record the electrical activity of the patient’s brain. This test tracks and reports the patterns of brainwaves. This test aids us in diagnosing seizure disorders, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders.

For more information about the radiology services provided at our hospital, call CDP to speak with a representative.