Cooper Clinic installs low-radiation CT scanner

Fort Smith-based Cooper Clinic recently installed the GE LightSpeed VCT XTe CT scanner. Commonly referred to as “cat scan” or CT, new software in the computed tomography equipment provides substantially lower levels of radiation compared to conventional CT scans, according to a Cooper Clinic release.

The radiation dosage is generally reduced by up to 40%, but heart scan radiation dosage may be reduced by as much as 80%.

Computed Tomography (CT) is the diagnostic exam commonly ordered when a physician suspects a medical problem that is not easily detectable with a conventional physical examination or tests. In the Fort Smith area, lower radiation CT is only available at Cooper Clinic.

The Cooper Clinic CT Department is located at the Main Clinic on Rogers Avenue and is staffed by three registered CT Technologists.

Cooper Clinic physicians practice in 25 specialties at 17 locations.