Imaging services

Advanced imaging services in Strafford County

Frisbie Memorial Hospital offers advanced imaging options—including colonoscopy and mammography—to help doctors accurately diagnose and treat patients.

We provide services in a private, patient-centered environment to ensure patients feel comfortable throughout testing.

To make an appointment with our diagnostic imaging services, call (888) 800-2761.

Comprehensive diagnostic imaging

The diagnostic imaging team at Frisbie Memorial Hospital cares about your safety, privacy and comfort. All exams are performed by registered technologists and/or registered diagnostic medical sonographers, in a warm and friendly environment.

Radiologists read exams every day, so your results are usually available to your provider within 24 hours.

Computed tomography (CT) scan

CT is a specialized type of X-ray that generates a detailed view of the structure of organs and tissues in the body. A CT scan can show the dimension of vessels, lymph nodes and organ systems.

We use advanced CT technology that allows for more detailed images in less time, so patients can expect a better overall experience with greater efficiency. This technology helps us provide rapid diagnosis and care to patients that have had complex trauma, including stroke.

Lung cancer screening program

Our lung cancer screening program aims to detect early-stage lung cancer in high-risk patients. When detected early, patients with lung cancer have more treatment options and a far greater chance of effective treatment.

Our program streamlines the process of diagnosing lung cancer using low-dose CT technology. We treat cancer through a multidisciplinary approach, which includes a team of medical specialists in the areas of thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, pulmonary care, pathology and radiology.

Virtual colonoscopy

We use low-dose CT scanning as a follow-up tool for screening for colorectal cancer. This procedure is not meant to replace a colonoscopy, but is used as a means to obtain additional images of the colon and rectum.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI provides advanced details of the brain, spine, bone and joints, nerves, tissue and blood flow in the body for precise diagnosis. During an MRI, a magnetic field is used to produce high-quality images.

Doctors use MRI to identify and diagnose diseases or abnormalities in the body. MRI offers a safe, painless, non-invasive way to obtain information about your body that can lead to early detection and treatment of disease and injury.

Non-contrast MRI capabilities

Our hospital offers MRI technology that allows for contrast-free scanning—scanning without the dye used in traditional CT scanning. Fewer patients will now need gadolinium contrast, used in traditional MRI. Patients that were not able to undergo an MRI because of renal impairment will now be able to have them done safely without contrast.

Magnetic resonance (MR) enterography

MR enterography is a special type of magnetic resonance imaging performed with a contrast material to produce detailed images of the small intestine.

Mammography

Mammogram screenings use low-dose X-ray imaging technology to examine breast tissue. Our hospital uses mammography to diagnose breast cancer and breast tissue anomalies, such as tumors and other breast diseases.

In Fall 2021, Frisbie Memorial Hospital's new Women's Imaging Center will open, offering a full range of breast imaging and related tests for the diagnosis and treatment of cancers in women, such as:

• 3D Mammography
• Ultrasound
• Breast MRI
• Image-guided breast biopsies
• Breast density evaluations

Nuclear medicine

Patients receiving a nuclear medicine procedure will be given a radioactive tracer—a compound that highlights certain functions with the body. The tracer allows processes within the body to be viewed with imaging technology. Nuclear medicine can be key in the diagnosis and treatment of certain diseases.

Positron emission tomography (PET)/ CT scan

A PET/CT scan combines two advanced technologies using a single machine. It provides a picture of function using PET capabilities, and a picture of anatomy using CT capabilities. This allows for a merged picture of both the body’s metabolism and structure.

Although there are multiple uses, PET/CT scans help physicians diagnose, stage and treat cancer with more accuracy than ever before. The exam can:

• Improve diagnostic confidence for patients who have, or may have, cancer
• Help doctors provide a diagnosis earlier
• Monitor patients’ response to treatment to ensure the treatment is working
• Provide answers to critical questions
• Reduce the need for invasive procedures like biopsy or surgery

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging produces live pictures of soft tissues in the body, using high-frequency waves that reflect back as echoes when they reach solid surfaces. Most often, we use ultrasound for the abdominal area, as well as fetal surveys and OB/GYN related check-ups.

Our hospital's ultrasound lab is accredited by the American College of Radiology and staffed by registered diagnostic medical sonographers.

X-ray

During an X-ray, electromagnetic waves are used to obtain images of bones and the chest and abdomen areas to detect disease or injury.

X-rays are used also for fluoroscopic procedures. A fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses X-rays to obtain real-time, moving images of internal structures of the body through the use of a fluoroscope.

Retrieving your images

Providers who work at the hospital, or at any other of our off-site locations, have immediate electronic access to your images through our secure network if they are involved in your care. Copies of your exams can be made available to you on a CD or DVD.

If you are looking to receive a copy of your images, please note the following:

• Advance notice of at least 24 hours is requested for image copies
• If anyone else is picking up your images, please be sure that this person has a written authorization form signed by you
• If you would like us to send a copy of your exam to a provider or another facility, we will also need the authorization form from you indicating the study you would like sent and the recipient’s name and address
• To protect your privacy, you will need to provide a photo ID
• When you arrive to pick up your images, you will be asked to sign a form authorizing us to release your images

Images can be picked up at the radiology office front desk Mon - Fri: 7:30am - 4pm. If you have called at least 24 hours in advance, they may also be picked up from X-ray staff on evenings and weekends, though you may have to wait if staff are busy with patient exams.

Patients may mail the Authorization to Release Protected Health Information, or fax an authorization to us at (603) 335-8416. Please allow sufficient time for us to mail the images to the recipient, generally three to five business days.