Imaging and Radiology

A Bone Density (DEXA) test is performed to help determine if you have osteoporosis. For this test, X-rays measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed within a segment of your bones. We most commonly test your spine, hip, and forearm to determine if bone structures have become porous due to osteoporosis.

Why Should I Have a Bone Density Test?
In the past, osteoporosis could only be identified after you had broken a bone. This test helps your doctor identify if you are at greater risk for fractures and helps identify any weaknesses in your bones before you suffer a break. It is also helpful in monitoring osteoporosis treatment.

How to Prepare for a Bone Density Test
No preparation is needed

Schedule a Bone Density Test
You may schedule your bone density test at Rochelle Community Hospital by calling 815-562-2181, ext. 1350. We must have your doctor’s order on file before your bone density test may be scheduled. Due to insurance regulations, a DEXA exam can only be done every 2 years and 1 day.

CT scans combine a series of X-rays from many different angles to create cross-sectional images of your bones and soft tissues. They can distinguish between bone, tissue, fat, gas and fluid — giving them an extremely important role in the diagnosis of many medical conditions at Rochelle Community Hospital. This includes:

• Detecting internal injuries and blood clots
• Evaluating structures of your brain
• Diagnosing bone and muscle disorders
• Pinpointing the location of a tumor
• Determining if a growth is solid or fluid-filled
• Assessing if an organ’s size and shape are normal
• Checking for enlarged lymph nodes
• Diagnosing back problems
• Determining spread of lung cancer

CT versus CTA Scans
CTA scans are similar to CT scans with the exception that a contrast material is used to show further detail in a blood vessel. This replaces the need for more invasive, time-consuming procedures to visualize blood flow in the body.  CTA scans are used to:

• Analyze overall structure and function of the heart
• Check health of arteries and veins throughout the body
• Identify unusual structures in major blood vessels

What to Expect during a CT Scan
You’ll be asked to lie on a table that slides into a large doughnut-shaped machine. Pillows and straps may be used to keep you in position. The table will slide through the machine as the machine circles around you. You may hear buzzing, clicking and whirring noises as images are taken. An IV/oral contrast may need to be given depending on the type of exam.

How to Prepare for a CT Scan

• Some CT scans require blood work and/or fasting ahead of time
• Obtain pre-authorization from your insurance company (if necessary)
• Stop eating a few hours before your scan
• Remove all jewelry or metal objects from your body

Schedule a CT Scan
You may schedule your CT scan at Rochelle Community Hospital by calling 815-562-2181, ext. 1350. We must have your doctor’s order on file before your CT scan may be scheduled.

An X-ray is an extremely quick, painless test that allows your doctor to see what is going on inside your body. Most people associate X-rays with broken bones, but there are actually many reasons doctors will order an X-ray for you at Rochelle Community Hospital. This includes:

• Bone fractures & infections
• Arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Lung infections or conditions
• Enlarged heart
• Stomach ulcers
• Blockages in the colon
• Kidney stones
• Swallowed items

What are my risks for radiation from an X-ray?
We are exposed to radiation every day through our natural environments. Some people are hesitant to have an X-ray because they believe it will cause cell mutations that may lead to cancer. While an X-ray does expose you to small amounts of radiation, it is very minor and the benefits of the test far outweigh the risks for most people.

However, if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please tell your doctor. While the risk to an unborn baby is still very small, your doctor may recommend an alternate imaging test such as an ultrasound.

How to prepare for an X-ray
Different x-rays require different preparations, but your doctor or nurse will provide you with specific instructions. Generally, you will be asked to remove your clothes on whatever part of the body is being examined. Gowns can be worn during the test.

Schedule an X-ray
You may schedule your X-ray at Rochelle Community Hospital by calling 815-562-2181, ext. 1350. We must have your doctor’s order on file before your X-ray may be scheduled.

Visit our Mammography page to learn more.
Mammography

RCH also offers Genius™ 3D Mammography™, learn more.
3D Mammography

You may schedule your mammogram at Rochelle Community Hospital by calling 815-562-2181, ext. 1350. Or take advantage of Walk-In Thursdays!

Walk-In Thursdays

Come to the Radiology Department from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Thursdays for your screening mammogram – no appointment necessary! And no doctor’s order is needed for a screening mammogram. Se habla espanol.

Experience the Difference with RCH’s Upgraded MRI

At Rochelle Community Hospital, we’ve invested in the newest technology to provide you with the most comfortable – and convenient – experience. We offer the latest in digital MRI capabilities, including:

• New breast imaging capabilities
• Greater patient comfort & access
• Increased acceleration, which reduces noise up to 99% and imaging time up to 60% when compared to older testing equipment
• Quicker scheduling at our community hospital: Get an appointment sooner at RCH, versus 3-4 weeks at a larger healthcare system.

An MRI uses no radiation; instead magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans a wide variety of body parts, such as the brain, spine, knee, abdomen and more – allowing for a detailed look at a patient’s anatomy, blood flow and soft tissue.

Feeling Claustrophobic About an Upcoming MRI?

Our MRI unit features the industry’s largest patient aperture, giving patients more space inside and allowing them to enter feet first, for most exams (brain, neck and upper back exams require the patient to go in head first). Both of these factors help reduce feelings of claustrophobia, which many people worry about when scheduling their MRI.

To provide a more soothing experience, patients are offered headphones to listen to XM radio during their exam.

How to Prepare for an MRI

• If necessary, obtain pre-authorization from your insurance company
• Remove all jewelry or metal objects from your body
• Wear comfortable clothing with no metal
• Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, continue taking medications

Schedule an MRI

You may schedule your MRI at Rochelle Community Hospital by calling 815-562-2181, ext. 1350. We must have your doctor’s order on file before your MRI may be scheduled. Please note that patients with a pacemaker CANNOT have MRI testing.

Make the clear choice: Make RCH your first choice for MRI.

A Nuclear Cardiac Scan is a test that uses a radioactive substance, known as a tracer, to produce images of the heart muscle. When combined with a stress test, the Nuclear Cardiac Scan helps determine if areas of the heart are not receiving enough blood.

The stress Nuclear Cardiac Scan is especially useful in diagnosing coronary heart disease, the presence of blockages in the coronary arteries (the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle).

For more information regarding this diagnostic test, log onto www.webmd.com.

Nuclear Medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose and determine the severity of a variety of diseases. This includes many different conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and infection. The sooner problems are found, the better the chances for successful treatment or cure.

Is Nuclear Medicine Safe?
Nuclear medicine is extremely safe. The amount of radiation you’re exposed to for the test is comparable to, or oftentimes less than, that of a diagnostic x-ray. Remember, we are exposed to small amounts of radiation in our natural environments every day.  For most tests, you would be exposed to the same amount of radiation acquired in a few months of normal living.

What to Expect during a Nuclear Medicine Test
Depending on the type of exam, a radiotracer will be injected into the body, swallowed or inhaled as a gas. The radiotracers give off emissions that are detected by an imaging device to provide your doctor with picture and molecular information of the area being studied. You will need to remain very still for brief periods of time while the camera is taking pictures. This ensures the best quality of images are obtained.

How to Prepare for a Nuclear Medicine Test

• Most tests require no special preparation
• Cardiac and gastrointestinal exams require four hours of fasting before the exam
• Some exams require a full bladder
• Stress tests require no caffeine for 24 hours prior to the scan

Schedule a Nuclear Medicine Test
You may schedule your Nuclear Medicine test at Rochelle Community Hospital by calling 815-562-2181, ext. 1350.

We must have your doctor’s order on file before your Nuclear Medicine test may be scheduled.

An ultrasound is a medical procedure that uses sound waves to “see” inside the body. It can be used to study the heart or to help check the health of an unborn baby. Ultrasounds are also useful in helping diagnose many medical conditions, such as cancer, gallbladder disease, blood clots and eye disorders.

What to Expect during an Ultrasound
Ultrasounds are safe and painless. Most ultrasounds are done using a sonar device and gel on outside of your body, but there are some that involve placing a device inside your body.

How to Prepare for an Ultrasound

• Most exams require no preparation
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
• Follow the doctor’s instructions on eating or drinking prior to exam
• Some exams require a full bladder

Schedule an Ultrasound
You may schedule your ultrasound at Rochelle Community Hospital by calling 815-562-2181, ext. 1350.

We must have your doctor’s order on file before your ultrasound may be scheduled.