Safer, Low-Dose Imaging a High Priority at ProHealth Care

New Technology Reduces Radiation Exposure by 50%

WAUKESHA COUNTY, WI - As part of ProHealth Care's commitment to reducing radiation exposure to patients during diagnostic imaging, the health system is the first in Waukesha County to offer a new low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan technology that decreases radiation exposure by 50% or more.

The GE Healthcare ASIR technology reduces the amount of radiation that patients are exposed to during a CT scan, while providing high image quality to help detect potentially life-threatening illnesses with confidence. Lower radiation is considered a safer option for patients, especially children, young women and those who require multiple scans.

"This is a new and important step in the further refinement of CT technology," explained Eric Fisher, MD, radiologist and medical director of CT for ProHealth Care. "CT has had an enormous impact on the diagnosis and treatment of many illnesses. The ASIR system allows us to use this valuable technology while making it safer for our patients."

The ASIR technology is being added to 64-slice CTs at Waukesha Memorial Hospital and ProHealth Care's Oconomowoc Physician Center. The software enhances image quality while at the same time lowering the radiation dose.

The ASIR technology is a particular benefit to heart patients. Radiation during a 64-slice CT heart scan to assess the presence of coronary artery disease is reduced by 80% with this technology. This provides a low-dose alternative to the more invasive angiogram for patients who are not experiencing an acute cardiac episode.

ProHealth Care's commitment to dose reduction includes all aspects of diagnostic imaging with a goal of reducing radiation exposure whenever possible. The health system has already taken additional proactive measures to provide low-dose diagnostics such as eliminating repeat CT scans when possible, using dedicated pediatric protocols, limiting scans to the precise area of concern, and tailoring each scan to each individual patient. "We believe that with the increasing utilization of CT, whatever we can do to reduce radiation dose is of benefit for the population in general and for our individual patients," said Dr. Fisher.