Radiology & Imaging

State-of-the-Art Diagnostics at El Centro Regional Medical Center

The ECRMC Medical Imaging Department is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) in Nuclear Medicine, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Tomography (CT), and Mammography. The ACR is America's oldest accrediting body in diagnostic imaging. Facilities that receive ACR accreditation are considered to meet the highest standards of quality, accuracy, professionalism, and safety.

Diagnostics play a critical role in providing care to patients at any hospital. At El Centro Regional Medical Center, doctors and specialists have access to modern, state-of-the-art technology and facilities to provide patients with accurate and timely care for their medical issues.

The medical imaging facility is staffed by Radiologists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, Ultrasound Technologists, Radiologic Technologists, Radiology Registered Nurse, and other licensed professionals to ensure the comfort of the patients and the accuracy of their imaging tests. Medical imaging services are provided on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.

• Bone Density: Also called bone mass measurement or a bone mineral density test, bone density is a safe, non-invasive test used to measure the strength and density of your bones. The density of your bones will be compared with standards of what is considered normal for someone you age, gender, and size.
• Breast MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive test used to diagnose medical conditions. MRI scans of the breast serve as a way to collect valuable information about many breast conditions that cannot be obtained by other imaging modalities, such as mammography or ultrasound.
• Breast Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging of the breast uses sound waves to produce pictures of the breast's internal structures. It is primarily used to help diagnose breast lumps or other abnormalities your doctor may have found during a physical exam, mammogram, or breast MRI.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: Also known as CT or a CAT scan, this test utilizes a type of x-ray that provides detailed, cross-sectional (sliced) images of the body. A primary advantage of CT imaging is that it can be done on all body tissue types (such as muscle and bone) without sacrificing clarity.
• Interventional Breast Procedures: These image-guided biopsy tests involve taking samples of abnormal breast tissue under some form of guidance such as ultrasound, MRI, or mammography.
• Interventional Radiology: ECRMC offers patients interventional radiology and consulting services on an outpatient basis. Our services include fluid danger, needle biopsies, breast procedures, and more.
• Mammography (3D): Screening mammography is a specific type of breast imaging that uses low-dose x-rays to detect cancer early – before women experience symptoms – when it is most treatable.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This safe, non-invasive test gives extremely clear, detailed cross-sectional images of soft tissue structures in the body than other imaging techniques cannot achieve. One advantage of MRI is that there is no use of ionizing radiation to create an image. MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to obtain images.
• Nuclear Medicine: These types of medical tests include procedures that use a safe amount of radioactive material to diagnose medical issues or treat disease. Nuclear medicine allows doctors and specialists to see inside the patient's body and make informed decisions about their health and any needed treatment.

• Pain Management: A pain management procedure is an image-guided injection of medication through a precisely placed, small needle. These procedures can provide pain relief, with the goal of returning you to normal activity.

• PET/CT Scan: This non-invasive test can be used for a variety of reasons, including early cancer or heart disease diagnoses. PET/CT scan is a type of imaging test that combines positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) techniques. Combined PET/CT scans can be performed on any part of the body.
• Ultrasound: This imaging test uses a transducer or probe to generate sound waves and produce pictures of the body's internal structures. It does not use ionizing radiation, has no known harmful effects, and provides a clear picture of soft tissues that don't show up well on x-ray images. Ultrasound is often used to help diagnose unexplained pain, swelling and infection.
• X-rays: As the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging, X-rays are the fastest and easiest way for a physician to view and assess broken bones, kidney stones, and can be used to diagnose and monitor degenerative diseases.

To schedule an exam, call your nearest location. You can also request and receive a copy of your images from the ECRMC medical department on the main campus.