CT

Computerized Tomography Scans

CT scans are frequently used to get a detailed picture of the brain, neck, spine, chest/lungs, heart, abdomen, pelvis, and sinuses. These details help doctors establish an accurate diagnosis. In addition, because the CT scanner captures all body and organ angles, the scan creates a much more detailed view than a typical x-ray.

How Does It Work?

CT scan uses x-rays and computers to create cross-sectional images of the body. CT scanning shows the soft tissues, blood vessels and bones in various parts of the body. Orchard Imaging uses the lowest dose of radiation possible to acquire our images. Our CT scanner is state-of-the-art and is up to date on all the most current ACR protocols.
We look at the requirements for each patient and the scan needed, tailoring the scan to each patient. This ensures you will receive the best image with the lowest possible radiation dose.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

What Is It Like to Get a CT Scan?

Orchard Imaging actively participates in Image Gently and Image Wisely, two ACR programs that ensure the lowest radiation dose necessary. As a result, we make
the patient experience as safe yet effective as possible.
When you look at a CT scan, it looks like a giant donut with a narrow table in it. You’ll lay on the table, and the table will move through the center of the machine.
You’ll be in the room alone—the CT technologist will be in the next room. However, channels of communication are always open, and you will be able to speak and
listen!
Depending on your scan, you may need a contrast injected into your body during the exam. This is to help the image come out clearer. Your total time on the table
does depend on which body part you are having scanned; however, the scanning time on the table often takes less than a minute!

CT Calcium Score

A cardiac CT scan for coronary calcium scoring is a test that is designed for people who have not been diagnosed with heart disease these scans can show whether you are at risk for a heart attack or other heart problems before other signs and symptoms occur. The test itself does not require CT contrast and is a non-invasive way of obtaining information about the presence, general location and extend of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. These are the vessels that supply oxygenated blood to the heart. Because calcium is a marker of coronary artery disease, the amount of calcium detected on a heart scan is a helpful prognostic tool. It measures the amount of plaque in the arteries, which is a leading indicator of heart disease. Knowing your score may help you monitor or even improve any existing disease. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as medication and/or a change in your diet and activity level, these changes may result in an improvement in the amount of plaque found in your arteries.
CT calcium score scans are 99% effective in confirming or ruling out coronary artery disease and are only $150.

If you have one of these risk factors, you may benefit from the CT calcium score of your heart:

  • Male 45 Years or older
  • Female 55 Year or older
  • Post-menopausal
  • Abnormally high cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Family history of heart disease
  • High Blood pressure
  • Diabetes

CTA Cardiac Scanning

Angiography of the coronary arteries of the heart

A CTA cardiac scan is a test that looks closely at the arteries that supply the heart as well as the function of the heart.  This test uses a powerful X-Ray machine, called a CT scanner that produces 3D images of the heart and its blood vessels.  This test is non-invasive and does not require any recovery time. The images produced will show your physician if there is any narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries surrounding the heart. This test will also tell your cardiologist how sever the blockages may be and whether medication or further procedures are warranted.  You will also get a calcium score of the amount of calcium found in these arteries. 

CTA Cardiac Scanning

This study is similar but differs from the standard Cardiac Catheterization which is a 2D invasive procedure and uses a small tube known as a catheter inserted into an artery in your wrist or groin leading up to the heart. Instead, a CTA will use CT contrast dye to highlight these vessels around the heart and the technologist will then reprocess the images acquired and create a 3D rendering of your heart.  This will give your cardiologist a clear understanding of whether you may have coronary artery disease and if you need any further treatment.  Cardiac Catheterization may be then indicated if you have any severly blocked arteries.

CT Whole Body Scanning

Includes 4 scans –  CT chest, CT Cardiac score, CT abdomen and pelvis, CT head.

  • Full body scans are generally done every 5 years on patients 50+ and are for early detection of cancer and other diseases. 
  • Orchard Imaging has a brand-new, state of the art, Canon CT Prime SP scanner installed in 2021.
  • Cost is $1200 including the radiologist read.
  • Patients can call to enquire if they do have an MD’s order for this scan, we may help direct them as needed.
  • CT Cardiac Scoring included- this test screens for heart disease, showing the amount of calcification in the coronary arteries- you are then given a “score” of how much calcium is present in your arteries.
  • We have highly trained and experienced CT technologists, including a Radiological Physician Assistant that will perform the scan. A Board-Certified Radiologist with many years of relevant experience will perform the reads and go over the results with the patient immediately following the exam.
  • Comfortable outpatient setting at a beautiful brand-new facility that is just off of Route 93 Exit 2, Salem, NH.
  • Orchard imaging is ACR accredited in three modalities including CT.
CT Whole Body Scanning

CT Low Dose Lung Screening (LDCT)

Lung cancer screening is a Low Dose CT scan or LDCT of the chest and lungs that is used to detect the presence of lung cancer in otherwise healthy people with a high risk of lung cancer.

Lung cancer screening is recommended yearly for older adults who are or have been, longtime smokers and who do not have any signs or symptoms of lung cancer. Lung cancer screening is used to detect lung cancer at a very early stage, at a time when it is more likely to be cured.

Studies have shown that lung cancer screening significantly
reduces the risk of dying of cancer. 

The most up to date ACS Eligibility Guidelines:

  • People aged 50 to 80 years who currently or formerly smoked should talk with their health care provider about lung cancer screening. (Previously, the ACS guideline was ages 55 to 74 years.)
  • People with a lower pack per year history now qualifies for screening. The new guideline recommends lung screening for anyone with a 20+ pack-year history. (Previously, the ACS guideline had a 30+ year pack history).
  • The most important change in the updated guideline is that the number of years since quitting smoking is no longer a qualifier for starting or stopping yearly screenings. That means a person who used to smoke, with at least a 20 pack-year history, whether they quit yesterday or 20 years ago, is considered to be at high risk for developing lung cancer and should be recommended for a yearly LDCT scan. (Previously, the ACS guideline recommended only people who had quit 15 years ago or less.)
CT Low Dose Lung Screening (LDCT)