St. Joseph's Hospital-North Adds New Breast Imaging Technology

Lutz, Fla. (August 4, 2020) – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has added state-of-the-art 3-D technology to its breast imaging services. In July, the hospital began using the Selenia® Dimensions 6000 imaging system producing high resolution mammograms.

The 3-D technology is an improvement from 2-D technology which often required patients to make another imaging appointment. 3-D gives a more precise, clear, accurate and sharper image.

“When a patient gets a screening mammogram with 2-D, if something popped up that the radiologist wanted to take an additional look, the patient would have to get called back in for additional imaging,” said Kimberly Belcher, a St. Joseph’s Hospital-North radiology technologist. “The 3-D eliminates some of those callbacks. Some things that would be a concern under 2-D are no longer a concern with 3-D because of the better views.”

The new technology also usually takes one picture instead of several.

“It is faster and less radiation for the patient,” Belcher said.

The Selenia offers the patient more comfort. The imaging can be done from a sitting or standing position instead of lying prone on their stomach with their face downward.

The Selenia is also able to perform biopsies.

“The patient doesn’t have to change rooms or even change their sitting position on the chair,” Belcher said. “We don’t have to bounce patients back and forth between different rooms.”

Another enhanced feature is that the Selenia can compare images side-by-side from year to year.

“That is a huge benefit,” Belcher said. “When you are positioning for a mammogram you want to make sure your images are close to what they had in the prior year. We are able to see last year’s image in the same position that we are taking this year’s pictures.”

“It gives you a consistent visual comparison,” said Chris Blanchard, imaging manager at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.

“This is a great opportunity for patients to have this technology available to them,” he said.

Belcher and Blanchard also pointed out that screening mammograms are recommended starting at age 40 and over and should be done every year.

“You do not need a prescription for a screening mammogram,” Blanchard said. “You do not need a referral. If you’re 40 and over, you can just come in and get it done.”

The Hinks and Elaine Shimberg Breast Center at St. Joseph's Hospital-North is certified as a Breast Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. St. Joseph’s Hospital-North Breast Services offers MRI, biopsy, ultrasound and mammography. To schedule an appointment, call (813) 635-3610.  Learn more about breast health services throughout BayCare at BayCareBreastHealth.org.