Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center hosts one of the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art, multi-modality imaging capabilities in Suffolk County. These procedures and examinations assist the physician in the diagnostic stage, and are also used for interventional purposes. All of the hospital’s radiologists have subspecialty training in diagnostic radiology including neuroradiology, interventional radiology, muscleoskeletal radiology, pediatric radiology, body imaging, cancer imaging and nuclear medicine.

Why a Patient May Need Diagnostic Testing

A physician requests diagnostic testing as a result of a patient’s symptoms, as part of pre-surgical testing or as follow-up in charting the patient’s progress during treatment or recovery after treatment. When possible, the least invasive procedure is performed first. Diagnostic testing can be as simple as a series of X-rays or can include a number of the tests available, such as Computerized Tomography (CT scanning), Positron Emission Tomography (PET scanning), the combination of PET and CT scanning, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), ultrasound, fluoroscopy or the use of nuclear medicine, including lymphoscintigraphy.

Diagnosing Osteoporosis

Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, or DEXA scanning, is the most widely accepted method for screening patients for osteoporosis. While exposing women to less radiation than a standard dental X-ray, DEXA scanning measures bone density in both the hip and spine. At Good Samaritan, the entire scan takes less than 20 minutes and is painless and non-claustrophobic.

Nuclear Medicine Studies

Nuclear Medicine relies on the administration of radiopharmaceuticals, which are medications that have been combined with a radioactive tracer, and are then tracked as they travel through the body. These studies provide valuable information about the structure and function of organ systems. The Section of Nuclear Medicine is also involved in therapeutic procedures that use radiopharmaceuticals to treat certain conditions such as thyroid disease.

Nuclear medicine techniques are an integral part of lymphoscintigraphy, also known as sentinel lymph node biopsy. This procedure is commonly used to spare breast cancer and melanoma patients from the need to undergo complete lymph node removal to determine whether or not their cancer has spread beyond the initial site.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is sound emitted at such a pitch that human beings cannot hear it. Using a special transducer, sound waves are passed through the skin and bounced off internal structures. The pattern of these bouncing sound waves is used to create an image of internal organs and structures. Ultrasound imaging is commonly used to obtain vital diagnostic information about abdominal organs. It is also frequently used prenatally to gather information about the developing fetus, and in the Mammography and Breast Diagnostic Center, to differentiate between a solid mass and a fluid filled cyst or to guide the collection of cells during a non-surgical needle biopsy.

CT Scanning

Computerized tomography, or CT scanning, has been routinely used as a diagnostic tool for decades. However, as the technology continues to progress, CT scanning finds new applications. CT scanning is used for diagnosis of disease, treatment planning and to gauge the effectiveness of treatment.

CT scanning uses a digital computer and rotating X-ray imaging to create a series of images, or "slices," of internal structures. CT scanning has the unique ability to provide detailed images of bone, blood vessels and soft tissue.

As a Level II Trauma Center Good Samaritan’s Emergency Department is outfitted with a sophisticated digital 16-slice CT scanner. In addition, the Radiology Department houses three CT scanners, including the advanced 64-slice version.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI uses a strong magnetic field along with radiofrequency energy. There is no radiation exposure for this advanced imaging tool. It has become a routine high-tech imaging study to evaluate and diagnose a number of body parts and disease processes, including disorders of the brain, spine and the musculoskeletal system. It is also an essential study for many treatment plans and assessment of therapy.

Good Samaritan has two, state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla MRI magnets that are available to accommodate the needs of the community.

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/CT Scanning

In 2006, the hospital unveiled a new tool to stage and plan cancer treatments - the GE Discovery ST PET/CT scanner. Similar to weather patterns overlaying a map of the United States, Good Sam’s new PET/CT scanner joins two revolutionary technologies in one "picture." It combines the most sophisticated positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) systems to produce images that provide anatomic and metabolic information that result from one exam in a single system. This provides essential information from each imaging technology to shed new light in oncology, cardiology and neurology.

The Discovery ST will reduce the number of invasive procedures required when diagnosing a patient, such as biopsies and unnecessary surgeries. The patient will feel more comfortable due to a reduction in exam time. Results are obtained in less than one hour rather than one day or more using old, separate technologies.

The Diagnostic Imaging Department offers advanced services operated by experienced personnel. The images provided will help physicians in diagnosis, staging, surgery and treatment planning. A majority of the hospital’s diagnostic services are located on-site. For your convenience some outpatient services are also offered at our Pre-surgical Testing Department located at 15 Park Avenue in Bay Shore.

Please call for hours of operation. A prescription is required for diagnostic imaging procedures.