BIG TECH AT SMALL TOWN HOSPITAL

    It may be a small-town hospital, but Marshall County Healthcare Center (MCHC) in Britton is now home to some big medical technology. The facility recently acquired a state-of-the-art MRI machine, which is already up and running — and making a difference.
    The machine, which provides Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), is expected to enhance local health care and improve diagnostic accuracy for area patients.
    An MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses a powerful magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to generate detailed 3D images of the body’s internal structures. It’s commonly used to detect and monitor a wide range of conditions, from injuries and infections to tumors and neurological disorders.
    “This is a great addition to our community,” said Tanya Pierson, an MRI technologist at MCHC who oversees the new equipment. “We’re mainly using it for orthopedic cases, brain scans, and neurological symptoms or disorders.”
    Pierson, who has been an X-ray technologist since 2014 and a CT technologist since 2017, recently began training in MRI technology. She explained that an MRI is typically not the first imaging method used in patient care.
    “A provider might start with an X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound,” she said. “But if they need more detail, that’s when an MRI might be ordered.”
    The machine has been operational for more than a month and is already seeing regular use. “We use it to evaluate muscular or neurological damage. In athletes, we can assess specific types of injuries. We also use it for brain scans in patients with suspected stroke or multiple sclerosis,” Pierson said.
    The process begins when a provider orders the scan. An in-depth screening is conducted to ensure patient safety.
    “We ask about any surgeries or implants,” Pierson explained. “There are more safety concerns with MRI than with other imaging methods, so we need to know if anything could interfere with the scan.”
    Implants such as pacemakers, certain stents, or shunts can pose risks or affect image quality. “The technologist will do extensive research to determine if the MRI is safe for each individual,” she said.
    Once cleared for the procedure, patients must remove all metal items and are given earplugs due to the noise generated by the machine. Music can also be played during the scan to enhance comfort. Patients are positioned on a table and slid into the large, donut-shaped scanner while the technologist operates the machine from an adjacent room. Scans typically take between 20 and 45 minutes.
    “On our end, we’re viewing high-resolution, cross-sectional images of the body — axials, sagittals, coronals, in real time,” said Pierson. “If a patient moves, we can repeat the scan without radiation dose concerns or adjust positioning. We can always take a break if needed.”
    One standout feature of MCHC’s new MRI machine is its extra-large bore which is the central opening where patients lie during the scan. At 80 centimeters wide, it’s a full 10 centimeters larger than those found in Aberdeen and among the biggest in the state. The next nearest machine of similar size is in Mitchell.
    “Patients have definitely noticed the size difference,” Pierson said. “Even those who say they’re claustrophobic haven’t had any problems.”
After the scan, images are sent to a radiologist for interpretation, and results are relayed to the patient.
    Pierson noted that the machine’s advanced software also contributes to its effectiveness. “It provides excellent artifact reduction and produces high-quality images,” she said.
Overall, the MRI is a significant asset for the hospital and the wider area.
    “There can be long wait times in Aberdeen,” Pierson said. “Having this technology right here in Britton means less travel for patients and faster results.”
    “We are excited to offer MRI as a new service for patients locally,” said MCHC CEO Nick Fosness. “This investment in the latest imaging technology is a great example of how we prioritize providing quality care, close to home.”
    While MRIs are not routine procedures and must be ordered by a provider, Pierson encourages patients to ask their doctors about scheduling in Britton if a scan is needed. MRI services are available Monday through Friday. For more information, contact Marshall County Healthcare Center.