HealthAlliance adds digital mammograms to services.

LEOMINSTER- Four new digital mammography systems have recently been added to the comprehensive diagnostic services at HealthAlliance Hospital. The mammography suites at both the Leominster and Burbank campuses have also been renovated to accommodate the new upgrades and equipment.

According to a hospital news release, the diagnostic imaging department at the hospital is now almost completely digital, including its Selenia Full Field Digital Mammography systems.

"Digital mammography allows us to provide our patients with the highest quality of care in the prevention and early detection of breast cancer," said Dr. Michael Popik, chair of the Radiology Department at the hospital. "Our goal is to provide outstanding care to our community and our highly trained staff and state-of-the-art equipment certainly helps to make that possible."

This new system incorporates revolutionary imaging technology that provides incredibly sharp images. It allows the radiologist to view the X-ray image more closely by zeroing in on suspicious or concerning areas, enabling them to make immediate decisions about additional images.

To supplement this technology, HealthAlliance Hospital also added Computer-Aided Detection, which provides a "second read" of the mammogram by a computer.

Digital mammography offers a number of other advantages and patient conveniences. Since there is no waiting time for film to be developed, it can significantly reduce the time patients spend in the mammography suite, as well as minimize the need for repeat exams. Also, this new system offers a detector size that is the largest in the industry, accommodating almost all breast sizes with a single exposure. Digital images are easily stored and transferred electronically, eliminating the dependency on one set of original films.

ART: PHOTO

CUTLINE: Dr. Michael Popik views images on the new digital mammography system at HealthAlliance Hospital.

PHOTOG: COURTESY PHOTO