Jamaica Hospital Upgrades to 64-Slice CT Scanner

On February 8, the Department of Radiology and General Electric (GE) officially unveiled Jamaica Hospital’s newly installed 64- Slice CT Scanner--the latest non-invasive imaging system--in front of approximately 30 employees, including Mr. Flanz, JHMC's Executive Vice President and COO.

“We are very excited because there was a great need for this machine in the Radiology Department," said  Russell Smith, Administrative Director, Radiology. "We were using a much older scanner and facing many challenges that are now eliminated with the use of this state-of-the-art equipment.”

The new CT scanner has the ability to perform much more complex imaging examinations and will allow technologists to perform quicker and more accurate scans. The scanner can perform a head scan in less than four seconds and a chest CT in less than ten seconds (one breath hold). The speed of the scanner minimizes motion, a major challenge associated with older CT scanners, and because the slices are much thinner than before, clearer images are produced.

The computer and software technology are also much more powerful, which allows for quicker manipulation of images and data for the Radiologist. The software even produces pictures in 3D. 

“We really wanted something that would complement the Cardiology Department, especially since the scanner can be used to provide detailed images of the coronary vessels for patients with heart disease. We wanted to offer our patients a possible alternative to invasive testing,” he added.

The 64-Slice CT Scanner can also be used for patients undergoing reconstructive facial surgeries and orthopedic procedures.