State of the Art CT Scanner at PGRH

By 250 News

Prince George Mount Robson MLA / Deputy Premier Shirley Bond agrees to test the CT Scanner

Prince George, B.C.- When it comes to CT scanners, the one just installed at Prince George Regional Hospital is, top of the line.

A 320 detector CT scanner , the most powerful X-ray imaging machine in its class, is the first of its kind in B.C., and  PGRH has it.  In fact, Prince George is one of only five cities in Canada that have this advanced scanner service.

Shirley Bond is extremely excited this machine will decrease the chances of individuals and families to travel, "We are the envy of other jurisdictions as we no longer need to travel to another hospital if we have chest pain.  We can be diagnosed within 20 minutes instead of having to travel."

The new Aquilion One Volumetric Scanner, with 320 detector capability, replaces the temporary 64 detector scanner in place at PGRH since spring. It provides extremely high-quality medical images (as shown in photo at right) with lower radiation levels.

It will also offer:
* Advanced cardiac imaging for patients presenting with chest pain;
* Capability to offer virtual colonoscopies;
* Easier detection of cancer and stroke diagnosis.

The 2-metric-tons (4,400-pounds) device can measure subtle changes in blood flow or minute blockages forming in blood vessels no bigger than the average width of a toothpick (1.5 millimeters) in the heart and brain.

"This new advanced scanner is on the cutting edge of diagnostic technology and will provide a much greater medical imaging capacity to patients across the North who need it," said Dr. Charles Jago, Northern Health Board Chair.

In 2001 PGRH had approximately 240,000 scans.  This number has increased this year to approximately 420,000 scans.

The total cost of the project is about $2 million, with $1.3 from the 2007 Health Innovation Fund and $700,000 from The Regional District and Northern Health.

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