Press Releases (2011)

Elkhart General Hospital Introduces the Area’s First and Only 128-slice CT Scanner
October 13, 2011

ELKHART, IN – Elkhart General Hospital now offers the area’s first and only 128-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner. Considered the next evolution in radiology technology, the new scanner provides 2D and 3D imaging for the most accurate and confident diagnoses in areas such as Cardiology, Oncology and Neurology.

According to Board Certified Diagnostic Radiologist, Samir Patel, MD, not only does the scanner contribute to improved access to equipment within Elkhart General, it also provides safer patient care as the technology allows for lower doses of radiation over time.

“The new 128-slice CT scanner delivers unprecedented image quality and detail at the lowest possible radiation dose to the patient,” said Dr. Patel. “This scanner will also provide the fastest, least-invasive and highest-resolution scans in the region.”

Dr. Patel also cites the location of the scanner in the Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED) as an essential setting for the new equipment. “More than 50 percent of CT scans at Elkhart General originate in the Emergency Department,” Dr. Patel said. “If patients are brought in through the ED and it is determined that they need a scan, the CT scan can be performed right there instead of in the Radiology Department. This translates into a faster scan, less transportation time and better patient care.”

The 128-Slice CT is considered one of the most important methods of radiological diagnosis. It delivers non-superimposed, cross-sectional images of the body, which can show smaller contrast differences than conventional X-ray images. This allows better visualization of soft-tissue regions, for example, which could not otherwise be adequately viewed.

World-renowned medical institutions, such as the Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins Hospital have also adopted this technology because of its speed, reduced radiation doses and application potential. With the addition of the scanner, Elkhart General will provide the same world-class technology to Elkhart and the surrounding communities. Applications include, but are not limited to diagnosing cancer, evaluating injuries to skeletal structures and detecting and diagnosing vascular disease.

For more information, please call 574-523-3303 or visit, www.egh.org.

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About Elkhart General Hospital
Elkhart General Hospital is an independent, not-for-profit hospital located in Elkhart, Indiana. The full-service, 325-bed main hospital is comprised of 330 physicians representing more than 30 medical specialties, and over 2,000 employees serving in nursing, technical, administrative, and support capacities. The Elkhart General Hospital website is www.egh.org.