Lutheran Hospital invests in imaging equipment

Published: May 11, 2012 3:00 a.m.

Lutheran Hospital spends $5.8 million on imaging equipment

Sherry Slater | The Journal Gazette

A local hospital has upgraded its technology.

Lutheran Hospital on Thursday announced a $5.8 million investment in state-of-the-art MRI and CT technology.

The imaging machines offer the most advanced technology available in the state, Lutheran officials said.

Advantages of the new MRI system are greater safety, convenience and comfort, according to a written statement from the hospital. MRIs use radio waves and a powerful magnet to see inside the body without radiation.

Compared with older models, the 3T MRI is wider, which could reduce anxiety for claustrophobic patients, and shorter, which keeps patients from having to enter such a long tube for imaging.

Tom Earnest, Lutheran’s radiology director, said the hospital makes patient comfort a priority.

“Producing improved image quality in less time greatly benefits children and people who struggle with lying still, perhaps avoiding the need for sedation, repeat testing or less than optimal scans,” he said in a written statement.