 Specialized
Diagnostic Imaging
Tri-Hospital MRI
Mercy Hospital in conjunction with Port Huron and River
District Hospitals offer access to Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI) through Tri-Hospital MRI.
An MRI is an imaging technique that produces detailed pictures
of internal organs and tissues. The images are created through
the use of magnetic fields and radio waves. For some procedures
a contrast agent is used to increase the detail of the image.
A permanent MRI facility is located on the North East corner
Port Huron Hospital, and will offer the new 3T MR system,
which provides the following patient benefits:
- Largest opening to accommodate patient size
- Patient friendly design puts people at ease
- Faster exams
- Noise reduction
MRI services are also available at Mercy Health Center, in Fort Gratiot Township. For more information about MRI services or to make an appointment, please call (810) 987-2428.
PET Scan
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a test that combines
computer tomography (CT) and nuclear scanning to assist
physicians with the diagnosis of disease and treatment planning.
PET images are different than more traditional radiology
studies. X-ray, CT, Ultrasound or MRI procedures look at
the structure of different organs. PET images contain information
about the body’s chemistry and cell function. PET
scans combined with other radiology procedures give your
doctor powerful information that can aide in your care.
Although used for a number of diagnostic procedures, PET-CT
is most readily used in the diagnosis and treatment planning
for cardiology, neurology and cancer studies.
PET-CT is provided at Mercy Health Center through a mobile
unit that visits the community each week.
7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mondays
Mercy Health Center, Fort Gratiot
Appointments are provide by physician referral. Physicians
can schedule appointments by calling 1 (877) 688-6122.
32-Slice CT Scanning and Cardiac Scoring
A computer axial tomography (CAT), often referred to as
CT scan utilizes the processes of two computers to generate
a three-dimensional (3D) image from flat X-ray pictures,
one slice at a time. CT scanners use highly complex programs
to interpret the X-ray images, the X-ray images are then
merged together – slice by slice, angle by angle –
to create the 3-D image. CT scans can be used to obtain
information about almost any body organ.
Mercy’s CT Scanner provides advanced diagnostic testing
for most diseases, because it provides high quality images
utilizing very small slices that allow a radiologist to
identify and interpret abnormalities that may otherwise
have been missed with other technology. For example, it
allows small cancers to be identified at a much earlier
stage.
Mercy Hospital is home to a 32-slice CT scanner, with some
of the most advanced capabilities. Your doctor may order
this type of diagnostic imaging when there is a need to
evaluate internal organs.
Cardiac Scoring
Mercy Hospital now offers Cardiac Scoring. Coronary heart
disease is the leading cause of death among American adults.
Approximately 50 percent of individuals often exhibit no
symptoms and feel healthy just prior to a heart attack.
To help you understand your risk for heart attack, Mercy
offers Cardiac Scoring. Cardiac Scoring accurately measures
the amount of calcified plaque in the arteries providing
you with the information necessary to develop a preemptive
care plan with your physician.
Utilizing the advanced diagnostic capabilities of Mercy’s
32-slice CT Scanning equipment, cardiac scoring provides
for computer tomography in a noninvasive method to evaluate
the potential for cardiac disease especially for those at
high-risk for heart disease.
Heart scores are generally not covered by insurance. The
cost of Mercy’s comprehensive Cardiac Scoring service
is $395, and includes:
- Exam
- Radiologist reading
- Detailed cardiac scoring report, sent directly to the
patient and his/her physician
No physician referral is necessary for Cardiac Scoring.
To find out more, and to make your appointment, please call
(810) 985-1455.
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