MARGARETVILLE _ Margaretville Hospital recently announced the introduction of state-of-the-art digital mammography equipment at its facility.
According to a media release, the Hologics equipment was purchased through a $202,000 Rural Access Grant for which the hospital applied approximately one year ago.
The equipment enables Margaretville Hospital to provide high-quality images, offer shorter exam times and provide quicker test results, according to the release. Director of Radiology Tony Allen said in the release that the average turnaround time for results with previous equipment was five days; with the Hologics equipment, exam results are available between 24 to 48 hours. Also, with the digital system, the results are sent immediately to a radiologist via the Internet.
"This is technology that is not normally available in a small, rural hospital," Allen said. "It can bring subtle changes to the radiologist's attention that the eye may not pick up as quickly.
"The key is early detection," Allen continued, "to notice changes early and begin treatment and stop the spread of cancer."
The mammography equipment was placed in service Nov. 12 following a 10-day period for installation and staff training, and received certification from the American College of Radiology.
Margaretville Hospital Chief Executive Officer Ed Morache said in the release that the digital mammography services are the first step in the creation of a Women's Health Center that will be set up when the hospital begins renovations to its Emergency Department next month. The center will include testing equipment and an education room.
Margaretville Hospital is located on Route 28. For more information, call (845) 586-2631.
