Northside Hospital recently announced the expansion of its radiology services with the addition of CT, or computed tomography, services at its Dawsonville location.

Since 2008, Northside/Dawsonville Imaging has offered high-quality digital mammography and digital X-ray services for patients of all ages. The new 16-slice CT scanner brings more state-of-the-art imaging for patients, across a number of specialties, closer to home.

CT is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to take detailed pictures of the body, including the head, chest, abdomen and spine. It allows physicians to pinpoint disease earlier, with greater precision and without surgery. The technology may be used to study blood vessels; guide a surgeon to the right area during a biopsy; and identify masses and tumors, including cancer.

At Northside, staff use weight and age-based imaging parameters to minimize radiation dose to patients during CT exams and follow FDA and American College of Radiology recommended protocols.

"CT can be used to detect abnormalities across a wide range of specialties, from bone fractures and concussions to infections and blood clots," said Deidre Dixon, director of radiology services for Northside Hospital.

"For patients who have had to travel outside Dawson County for their imaging needs, this new technology means that they may be able to stay closer to home for some services. We are very excited about what this technology will mean for our patients."

Northside is highly respected in the community for its state-of-the-art imaging services and has ranked No. 1 for the past six years by metro Atlanta consumers in the National Research Corporation's annual Healthcare Market Guide study.

Annually, nearly 400,000 imaging procedures are performed at Northside Hospital's network of imaging facilities in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Dawsonville, Holly Springs, Johns Creek, Marietta and Woodstock.

The hospital's staff of registered technologists provide high-quality advanced imaging services for all age groups, with the highest level of customer service. Board certified, sub-specialized radiologists read and interpret all exams performed at Northside/Dawsonville Imaging.

Northside/Dawsonville Imaging is located at 200 Dawson Commons Circle, Suite 220. For more information about Northside Hospital's imaging services, visit www.northside.com.

The Northside Hospital health care delivery system is a not-for-profit health care provider and has served north Metro Atlanta for more than 40 years.

With more than 2,200 physicians and 7,400 employees, the hospital sees nearly 700,000 patient visits a year. Staff provide a full range of health care services, including women's health, cancer care, emergency care, surgery, specialty medicine and a wide array of outpatient services at many locations.

Northside Hospital offers high-quality health care at Northside Hospital-Atlanta in Sandy Springs, Northside Hospital-Cherokee in Canton and Northside Hospital-Forsyth in Cumming.