This department offers state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to medical staff and the community. In addition to general radiology, the staff offers an array of services on a 24-hour basis, including interventional radiology, two CT scanners (computerized tomography), ultrasound, and nuclear medicine.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

In the late 1970’s an exciting, new imaging machine was developed called MRI. It took a while for Magnetic Resonance Imaging to gain widespread use, but since then it has quickly become a vital diagnostic tool. At St. Mary Mercy Hospital we recognize the incredible value and versatility of MRI. That’s why we have invested in a new state-of-the-art fixed MRI machine. St. Mary Mercy Hospital offers Magnetic Resonance Imaging five days a week in our new Diagnostics Imaging Center, which opened November 2004.

Our board-certified radiologists and registered radiology technologists with specialized MRI training are available to help our physicians and patients.Our quick, professional service allows for preliminary reports on the day of service and a final report available to the physician in 24 hours. This rapid turn around time helps ease the anxiety of patients waiting for results. We offer a convenient location, evening and weekend appointments, making it easy to get your test completed quickly.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, now offers the latest Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging technology available which can pinpoint the specific location of a disease. PET is a camera that produces powerful images of the human body through a non-invasive procedure that provides specific information about metabolism and cell function, especially for cancer patients. PET can locate diseases in their earliest stages, and is more advanced than Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The initial service began June 28, 2003, and continues to focus on cancer patients, with plans to expand the scope of service in the future.

PET Imaging has many benefits. One image shows all body organ systems, provides pre-surgical assessment and earlier diagnosis of disease. It also reduces the need for invasive procedures, avoids needless pain to the patient, monitors the effects of therapy, and replaces multiple tests. This latest technology also identifies distant tumors, differentiates between scar tissue and tumor recurrence and shows how the body responds to treatment. For more information on PET Imaging at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, call 734.655.3500.

Cardiac Calcium Scoring and Lung Cancer Screening

Cardiac Calcium Scoring measures the calcium in the coronary arteries. The amount of calcium in the arteries (calcium score) correlates highly with coronary occlusive disease and risk of heart attack. Lung Cancer CT Screening has been shown to demonstrate many tumors that are missed by chest X-ray.

The old adage that "Knowledge is Power" has never been more relevant than it is today. What you don't know truly can hurt you. Having the knowledge of a high risk of heart attack or discovering a cancer early while it can be successfully treated will allow the patient to take preventative and/or treatment measures to put them in charge of their health. The knowledge that he or she is at low risk of heart attack and cancer will certainly give peace of mind.

Before acquiring this new scanner we researched these new tests and feel that the evidence shows that they are valuable and safe screening tools when used in at risk patients. Who is at risk? For coronary artery disease: Age over 40, overweight, sedentary life style, high cholesterol, family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking. For lung cancer: Over 40, smoking, work in mining, exposure to asbestos, and family history of lung cancer.

These screening tests do not require a doctor's referral, however they are not usually covered by insurance. The cost is $290 for the Calcium Scoring. We will provide the patient and their doctor with a full report of the findings.

NOTE: If a patient has symptoms relating to the heart or lungs such as pain, shortness of breath, persistent cough, weight loss, etc., they are strongly encouraged to contact their doctor immediately. These screening tests are not intended to take the place of routine health examinations or diagnosis of symptoms, but rather to give the patient and their physician additional information on which they can make life-style change and treatment decisions.

To schedule a calcium scoring test at St. Mary Mercy Hospital, call 734.655.2961.

Other services include:

• Cardiac Calcium Scoring
• Fast CT Scan
• Interventional Radiology
• Thin Prep Pap Test
• Virtual Colonoscopy
• Vertebroplasty
• Electrophysiology
• Laboratory Services

Interventional Radiology with Livonia Radiology Group

Also, visit the Livonia Radiology Group website. The Livonia Radiology Group is comprised of seven, board certified, fellowship-trained radiologists. The Group offers a comprehensive range of radiology services using the latest technology to provide their patients and referring physicians with superior diagnostic evaluation and outstanding interventional services. Their main practice is here at St. Mary Mercy Hospital.