April 30th, 2004

Christie Clinic now has CT/MRI and Nuclear Medicine capabilities at Christie on University, 101 West University Avenue, Champaign. CT/MRI will provide CT scans and MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), which were previously only offered through Christie at Provena Covenant.

The CT, or CAT Scan, is a special X-ray machine that can produce two- or three-dimensional images of the body. CT Scan provides physicians with a better view of the inside of the body than regular X-rays do. For certain exams, an oral contrast or an intravenous contrast agent may be used. The exam typically takes 5-15 minutes.

MRI uses a large magnet to look inside the body without using X-rays. By using two- or three-dimensional images, physicians are able to get as much information from MRI as they would from looking directly at the tissue. For this reason, MRI can reduce the need for certain diagnostic surgeries. During the MRI, the patient lies on a table that slides through the magnet. The exam, which typically lasts 30-60 minutes, is very noisy, so earplugs or headphones are given to the patient.

Nuclear Medicine images the physiological processes of many organs. It uses radioactive tracers that are injected or swallowed and labeled to image specific organs of interest. Patients are given the tracer and then imaged with a gamma camera. The camera itself does not give off any form of radiation; the patients are radioactive and radiate the camera to form the images. Only a minimal amount of radiation is used. Images can be taken in any number of different ways, allowing the doctors to see what is necessary to diagnose and treat patients accurately.

For more information about these services, please call Christie on University at 217.366.7400.

Tags: nuclear medicine, christie on university, x-rays, ctmri