F.F. Thompson Hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Department now provides low-radiation dose CT scanning to its patients, making Thompson the first hospital in the Finger Lakes region to do so.

By upgrading to new CT software using the Philips iDose iterative reconstruction technique, the department reduces the risk for patients while maintaining optimal image quality.

“At a time when the public is increasingly concerned about radiation, we are pleased to provide this state-of-the-art software to the community,” says Ben Wandtke, M.D., Chief of Diagnostic Imaging for Thompson. “It provides our patients with peace of mind, while providing us with the information our clinicians need in order to offer accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment.”

A breakthrough in CT imaging that just recently came on the market, Philips CT iDose lowers radiation dose up to 80 percent while providing equivalent diagnostic imaging quality with the same look as full-dose images. The iDose iterative reconstruction technique uses advanced reconstruction algorithms to overcome the inherent challenges of low-dose scanning.

In addition to providing iDose, Thompson is now offering its patients access to the American College of Radiology awareness programs that allow them to monitor their exposure to radiation. Image Wisely, for adults, and Image Gently, for pediatric patients, provide pocket-sized cards for individuals to track the diagnostic imaging exams they receive. For more information, visit www.imagewisely.org and www.imagegently.org.

Accredited by the American College of Radiology, Thompson’s Diagnostic Imaging Department performs over 12,000 CT scans each year. Its services also include interventional radiology, digital mammography, MRI, nuclear medicine, X-ray and ultrasound.