Imaging Services

Board certified radiologists and registered radiology technologists work together to provide you with a full range of imaging services. These services include:

• Computed tomography (CT) scanning
• General radiology
• Mammography
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Nuclear medicine
• Ultrasound

Our certified radiologists read every film and generate a report for your physician or health care provider. They also work closely with surgeons and other providers in performing interventional radiology procedures.

Mammography
Our mammography department is accredited by the American College of Radiology and inspected by the Federal Drug Administration. Our caring, highly-trained staff are members of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Mammograms are quick and easy. The technologist will gently compress your breast between two plastic plates to take x-ray images. While the compression may be uncomfortable for a few seconds, it is important in producing a clear picture.

Mammograms can find cancer too small for you or your physician or health care provider to feel. Most insurance companies allow you to have yearly mammograms, as the importance of consistent monitoring has proven effective in saving lives.

To schedule a mammogram at Cascade Valley Hospital please call 360-435-0515.

MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a technique that uses the natural magnetic properties of your body tissues, and the radio waves that tissues release when they are within a strong magnetic field, to create pictures of the inside of your body.

A MRI procedure is totally painless, completely safe, and has no known side effects.

These images can be produced through any plane and from any angle. They can clearly show your heart, brain, spine and other bone marrow, cartilage, and muscle, as well as your blood vessels and how your blood flows.

An MRI exam takes between 30 and 60 minutes. You will need to remove all jewelry and other metal. The table you lie on will then slide into a huge magnet. You will need to lie perfectly still. You will not feel any pain, although you may hear the noise of the magnet, which sounds like a drum. It may also take you a few minutes to get used to being in an enclosed space.

The MRI unit available at Cascade Valley Hospital is a Seimens 1.5T. It is a state-of-the-art scanner that is twice as fast as other systems, able to accommodate larger patients, and designed to reduce claustrophobia.

If your physician or health care provider recommends you have an MRI, be sure to remind them if you have a pacemaker or any metallic implants, such as artificial heart valves, joint replacements, bone plates, or similar devices.

Ultrasound
In 1999 Cascade Valley Hospital purchased three brand-new, state-of-the-art ultrasound machines. All produced by General Electric, two can be used for obstetric and vascular exams in addition to performing conventional ultrasound. Each can also perform harmonic imaging.

According to Derek Muradali, M.D., Assistant Professor of Medical Imaging at the University of Toronto, "Harmonic imaging provides higher resolution and better details of small cysts or cysts that are deeper in the breast."

Our four specially trained sonographers are all registered with the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and provide the best exams possible for your physician or provider to work with.

An ultrasound is non-invasive, uses no radiation, requires no contrast medium, and has no known biological effects. It is superior at telling the difference between cysts and masses, confirming blood flow and the direction of flow, and if a mass has blood flow to it.

The newest models, such as the ones at CVH, provide improved technology and the ability to move the machine to you - the patient.

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