THREE MAJOR BENEFITS: Howard Radiology’s 128-slice Siemens PERSPECTIVE CT Lowest Radiation Exposure. Highest Resolution. Greatest Comfort. Lowest Radiation Exposure Like x-rays, CTs require radiation to produce images but the difference is in the amount of radiation. Generally, one chest CT is equivalent to 700 chest x-rays. Howard Radiology’s new Siemens PERSPECTIVE 128-slice CT has the capability to reduce radiation exposure up to 60% compared to traditional CTs. Howard Radiology is the first out-patient in the United States to install a CT with this new ground-breaking technology. Radiation exposure varies according to the body part being scanned. Some commonly ordered CT exams are charted below and demonstrate the radiation exposure differences between a CT at Howard Radiology and traditional CTs. Millisievert (mSv), pronounced mil-e-see-vert, is the scientific unit used to measure the strength of a radiation source. The chart below notes the CT mSv and its equivalency to chest x-rays. Howard Radiology Traditional Scanners CT Exam mSv X-ray Equivalence mSv X-ray Equivalence % of Less Radiation Exposure at Howard Radiology Ab & Pelvis 11 1,100 20 2,000 45% Chest 3.7 370 7 700 47% Calcium Scoring 1.3 130 3 300 57% Sinus 0.3 30 0.6 60 50% The millisieverts, x-ray equivalences and percentages cited represent the average general output. Amounts may vary based on the patient’s gender, size, weight and the CT equipment and protocols. Howard Radiology’s measurements are in accordance with Siemens SOMOTOM PERSPECTIVE 128-slice CT scan protocols and the traditional CT scanner’s measurements were defined by the American College of Radiology. 2000 Howard Radiology's CT How we do it… Traditional CTs X-ray Equivalence Our new Siemens PERSPECTIVE 1100 700 128-slice CT uses a Siemens exclusive innovation called 300 370 45% SAFIRE. SAFIRE is a highly 60 less 47% advanced software which 130 less 30 57% involves a completely different Ab & Pelvis CT method for obtaining CT 50% Chest CT images compared to older Calcium Scoring scanners, allowing up to 60% Sinus CT Sources: Siemen’s PERSPECTIVE 128-slice CT Scan Protocols and the American College of Radiology less radiation exposure during imaging. The Siemens PERSPECITVE with the SAFIRE technology was FDA approved in June 2012. Many CT scanners are represented as “Low Dose” due to utilizing radiation reduction initiatives like low dose protocols, “dose modulation” techniques based on a scout or topogram that is relative to the patient's size, or due to participating in “Image Gently” or “Image Wisely” programs. These are techniques that all CTs can do. The SAFIRE technology is completely separate. The only way it can be duplicated is if a Siemens CT with the SAFIRE technology is acquired. CT: a life-saving exam CT can be a life-saving exam and is often the premier test for certain situations. When a CT is needed, partnering with Howard Radiology will guarantee the lowest radiation exposure possible for your patient. Highest Resolution At Howard Radiology, a grain of sand takes on new significance – it’s the size anomaly detectable by our 128-slice CT Scanner! The higher the slice number associated with the CT scanner, the better the resolution and image quality capabilities. Specifically, this scanner executes with 0.6 mm slices as the standard compared to lower-slice scanners which routinely scan with 1.2 mm to 5 mm slices. The older scanners can achieve the thinner slices but that usually requires more time and more radiation. • 16-slice was introduced in 2001 • 64-slice was introduced in 2003 • 128-slice was introduced in 2010 • 128-slice with new SAFIRE innovation – FDA approved June 2012 Greatest Comfort Breath Holds Howard Radiology Others The third major benefit to our new 128-slice CT is it’s speed. Just as the higher slice number means the better the image 3 – 4 seconds 20 – 40 seconds quality, the same is for the speed of a CT: the higher the slice number, the quicker the scan time. Some CT scans require patients to hold their breath, such as the very frequently ordered abdomen and pelvis CT. Breath holds are required because any movement during the scan can blur the images, compromising the quality of those images. This new scanner is very quick, allowing for 3 to 4 seconds breath holds instead of 20 to 40 second breath holds. The best way to understand how this translates into greater patient comfort is to try it. Hold your breath for 20 seconds, noting when 3 to 4 seconds has past but continuing to hold it until 20 seconds has passed. Then, imagine having to hold it for 10 to 20 seconds beyond that – the differences are painfully obvious! THREE MAJOR BENEFITS: Howard Radiology’s 128-slice Siemens PERSPECTIVE CT Lowest Radiation Exposure. Howard Radiology offers the lowest radiation exposure during CT imaging in an out-patient setting in the United States (up to 60% lower) Highest Resolution. Grain of sand size anomalies are detectable (0.6 mm slices compared to 1.2 mm – 5 mm) Greatest Comfort. 3 – 4 seconds breath holds instead of 20 – 40 second breath holds “You have a choice. Make it the best.” Columbia Medical Center 11055 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite L9 Columbia, MD 20144 T| 443-574-5800 F| 443-574-5822 3T MRI • 128-slice CT • Mammography • Ultrasound DEXA • X-Ray • Open MRI (Clarksville Office)