The Diagnostic Imaging Department plays a key role in the care of the patient by providing information to physicians to diagnose and treat illness. All appointments are scheduled following the referral of a physician by calling extension 400.

PACS

PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) is a computer system which interfaces with the hospital's diagnostic equipment such as e-ray or ultrasound. It replaces conventional x-ray film with a computer generated digital image. The digital image is easier to store, retrieve and transmit.

PACS Advantages:

• Digital images can be seen in more than one location at a time or viewed by the radiologist in another location resulting in faster access to care
• Digital images can be manipulated to enable more accurate diagnosis
• Film processing chemicals are no longer required - better for staff health and the environment
• Retrieving images is instantaneous - no more delays in searching for films
• The need for storage space is radically reduced

PACS improves the efficiency of the x-ray and ultrasound department resulting in improved care for patients at lower costs.

X-ray

The x-ray department is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Staff members are also on call in case of an emergency. These services are provided using PACS.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound testing is available from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Staff members are also on call in case of an emergency.

Laboratory

Medical laboratory technologists at the KDH Lab conduct laboratory tests on blood, body fluids and body tissue, and interpret results. Test results provide critical information used by doctors to diagnose and treat illness and to maintain their patients' health.

On average the lab performs over 3,000 tests per month for outpatients and visitors to clinics at the hospital, and about 600 tests per month for visitors to the Emergency Department.

Holter Monitor

Holter monitoring is used to determine how the heart responds to normal activity. Electrodes (small patches) are placed on your chest and attached to a small battery-operated recording monitor that you carry in a pocket or pouch around your neck. The monitor is usually worn for 24 hours and provides a continuous recording of heart rhythm while you keep a record of your activities. The recording is then analyzed and compared to your activity at the time. It is very important that you keep an accurate record of your activity and symptoms so that the doctor can compare them with your Holter monitor findings.

Pacemaker Test

A pacemaker has two parts - the generator and the leads. The generator is where the battery and the information to regulate the heartbeat are stored. The leads are wires that go from the generator through a large vein to the heart, where the wires are anchored. The leads send the electrical impulses to the heart to tell it to beat. The battery can last for 7 to 8 years. A pacemaker test monitors the battery to determine when it needs to be replaced.

Stress Test or Exercise ECG

This test is a general screening tool to examine the effect of exercise on your heart to evaluate the general health of your heart. You will walk on an exercise machine while an ECG records the activity of your hear. The test continues until you reach a target heart rate. Hospital staff will continue to monitor you for 10 - 15 minutes or until your heart rate returns to the rate it was before you started to exercise.

The PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications Systems) is a computer system which allows instantaneous transfer of diagnostic tests to an off-site radiologist for faster access to care.

CT Scan or CAT Scan

CT Scan is a method of viewing the body in which a thin x-ray beam rotates around the patient to take an image of a thin slice of the body. A computer then analyzes the data to construct a cross-sectional image. Stacking the individual images or slices can create three-dimensional models of organs. Physicians affiliated with the KDH are able to access these regional services.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a non-invasive procedure that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to construct pictures of the body. It can take pictures of very thin slices of the body and can potentially differentiate between benign and malignant tissue. Physicians affiliated with the KDH are able to access this region service.

Bone Density Scans

The Hospital’s Bone Densitometry machine is used to measure the strength of a patient's bones and determine the risk of fracture. The service is designed primarily to check for osteoporosis.

 
Osteoporosis occurs gradually throughout life and leads to painful and crippling fractures of the hips, vertebrae and wrists.

Once again the Kemptville District Hospital is leading the way by partnering with Osteoporosis Canada and the Women’s College Hospital in Toronto to screen high risk candidates in our communities for the test. The objective is to lead patients safely out of the fracture risk zone, and to prevent long hospital stays and surgery.

Whether you are a man or a woman and are thin-boned, have a history of osteoporosis in your family you should have a test conducted. As well, if you take anti-seizure medication, have hyperthyroidism, had ovarian surgery before age 45, are a smoker, or have a low intake of calcium throughout your life you are also at risk. Women considering hormone replacement therapy, or those who are estrogen deficient, will also benefit from a bone mass assessment. Speak to your family doctor about having this important test.