Radiology
Our comprehensive state-of-the-art imaging department features a specialized team of board certified radiologists as well as certified technologists and support staff. From routine exams to minimally invasive diagnostics, it’s a team that prides itself in delivering 24/7 diagnostic imaging services with technology that is best in its class.
The goal of the Radiology Department is to ensure that all patients treated will receive the highest quality of care, in the most expedient and professional manner possible.
We are an American College of Radiology Accredited Facility.
When you see the gold seals of accreditation prominently displayed 
in our facility, you can be sure that you are in a facility that meets standards for imaging quality and safety. To achieve the ACR Gold Standard of Accreditation, our facility’s personnel qualifications, equipment requirements, quality assurance and quality control procedures have gone through a rigorous review process and have met specific qualifications.
Availability of Services
We are available to meet your urgent needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with flexible scheduling for outpatient testing procedures. Flexible scheduling is available and same day appointments can be made to meet a busy lifestyle in CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, Dexa Scan and Digital Mammography. All other x-ray procedures may be performed on a walk-in basis during our extensive outpatient hours of 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Please call 814-868-7630 to schedule your appointment today.
Services We Offer
Millcreek Community Hospital offers a full range of imaging services.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Ultrasound
- Nuclear Medicine
- General X-ray and Fluoroscopy
- Digital Mammography
- Dexa Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a procedure that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to create pictures of anatomy inside the body. In many cases MRI gives different information about structures in the body than can be seen with an X-ray, US, or CT scan. MRI may also show problems that cannot be seen with other imaging methods. A prescription from your physician is required.
Preparing for your Scan
The MRI staff will ask if you have had any of the following:
- Brain, ear, eye or other surgeries
- Pacemaker
- Neurostimulators (TENS-unit)
- Metal implants
- Aneurysm clips
- Surgical staples
- Implanted drug infusion pump (insulin pump)
- Exposure of metal fragments to your eye
- Shrapnel
- Heart valves
For more information about MRI procedures or to schedule an appointment call the Radiology Department at 814-868-7630.
Low Dose CT
The cutting edge, low dose CT provided at MCH offers the assurance of the highest quality images from the lowest possible levels of radiation. A prescription is required from your physician.
Preparing for your Scan
There are 2 types of contrast: Oral (given as a liquid which you would drink) and Intravenous (injected through a vein). Your scan may require one or the other or both.
Fasting: if your scan has been ordered with contrast, oral or intravenous, then you may need to fast (no liquids or food by mouth) several hours prior to your appointment time. You will be given specific fasting instructions when your exam is scheduled. You need not to fast if your CT scan will be without contrast.
Medications: if you are a diabetic, you may need to stop taking certain medications prior to the exam as directed by your doctor.
For more information about CT scans or to schedule an appointment call the Radiology Department at 814-868-7630.
Ultrasound machines create images that allow various organs in the body to be examined. The machine sends out high frequency sound waves, which reflect off of body structures. A computer receives these reflected waves and uses them to create an image. A prescription is required from your physician.
Preparing for your Scan
Gallbladder or Abdominal: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight prior to you appointment.
Pelvis:Drink 32 ounces of water to fill your bladder. This should be completed 1 hour before the procedure. Do not empty your bladder until the procedure is complete.
Obstetric – Up to 25 weeks pregnant: Drink 32 ounces of water one hour before your appointment time. Do not empty your bladder until your exam is complete. For women who are 26 weeks pregnant or further along, no special preparation is required.
For more information about Ultrasound procedures or to schedule an appointment call the Radiology Department at 814-868-7630.
Nuclear Medicine is the study of the organs of the body using radioactive isotopes. Substances called radiopharmaceuticals are injected, swallowed, or inhaled by the patient. Emissions created by the radiopharmaceuticals in the bone, organ or tissue being examined are detected by a camera. This information is recorded on a computer. Nuclear medicine documents the function as well as the structure of organs, bones, and tissues. An x-ray can tell a physician what something looks like, but nuclear medicine can also tell if itâ’s functioning properly. A prescription is required from your physician.
Preparing for your Scan
HIDA or Heptobiliary Scan: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight prior to your appointment.
Gastric Emptying: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight prior to your appointment.
Nuclear Cardiac Stress Test: No caffeine 24 hours prior to testing; No heart medications 24 hours prior to testing; Nothing to eat or drink except water after midnight.
For more information about Nuclear Medicine procedures or to schedule an appointment call the Radiology Department @ 814-868-7630.
X-ray
A photographic or digital image of a body part produced by x-rays passing through it. A prescription is required from your physician. There is no preparation required for routine x-ray procedures
Fluoroscopy
An x-ray procedure that makes it possible to internal organs in motion. Fluoroscopy uses x-rays to produce real time video images. After the x-rays pass through the patient, instead of using film, the are captured by a device called an image intensifier and converted into light. The light is then captured by a TV camera and displayed on a video monitor.
Preparing for Fluoroscopy Procedures
Esophogram / Barium Swallow: Light or clear liquid breakfast morning of procedure.
Upper GI Series: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight prior to your appointment.
Small Bowel Series: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight prior to your appointment.
Barium Enema: Your physician will give you a prescription for a prep kit for the procedure. Follow directions given by your physician.
For More information on X-ray and Fluoroscopy procedures or to schedule an appointment call the Radiology Department at 814-868-7630
Digital Mammography
Mammography is the process of using low energy x-rays to examine the breast. It is used as a diagnostic and screening tool. Digital mammography captures images using a detector, which converts the image into a digital picture. After the exam the radiologist can alter the magnification, brightness or contrast to see areas more clearly. Digital imaging provides superior image quality so that subtle differences between normal and abnormal tissues are more easily identified. A prescription is required from your physician.
Preparing for your Mammogram
Do not use any powders, deodorants or perfumes on breast or underarm areas. If you have had a mammogram at another facility, please try to obtain the images and the report and bring it with you at the time of your appointment.
For more information about a Mammogram or to schedule an appointment please call the Outpatient Imaging Center at the LECOM Wellness and Fitness Center at 814-868-7890.
For more information about a Dexa Scan or to schedule an appointment please call the Outpatient Imaging Center at the LECOM Wellness and Fitness Center at 814-868-7890.