Thankfully, you don't have to choose, because all three are correct.

Over here on Wells Street, we've recently invested in one of the hottest new CT scanners on the market and the results impress the CT staff on a daily basis. It's as if a new baby has arrived and they want to brag about it.

The installation of the GE Lightspeed 16 CT scanner is no small accomplishment for a small, community hospital. This unit brings the best of big-city healthcare right here to our region without the hassles of leaving the community.

Aside from convenience, what does all this mean for you, the patient, and your doctor?

"It means that should your physician order a CT scan, he or she will get incredibly clear, concise and comprehensive images from which they can make a better informed diagnosis," according to Dale Porter, Director of Radiology.

'In other words, this thing's hot," Dale explained in layman's terms.

Getting Dale to talk about this sleek, new unit is like asking a NASCAR fan to talk about his or her favorite driver. His big eyes get bigger, his arms start going, and 10 minutes later you realize he's still only on your first question.

"The key here is clarity, precision and speed, and this provides all three at the best levels possible. We can do a head to toe scan in less than a minute," is the way Dale likes to put it.

And if you've ever had a CT scan that required drinking unnatural amounts of that wonderful solution, then you understand that "less than a minute" is like being told you've just won the lottery.

Quick is good when you're a patient, but accuracy is more important. This unit is able to give physicians more "snapshots" of the area in question and the clarity of the images is much improved over previous technology.

Quicker scans means you get quicker service, and when your doctor orders a CT you want the test and the results ASAP.

Physicians are relying on CT scans more and more because the technology has improved so much. In many instances, cases that required an MRI in the past can be done with a CT scan now. This is a common diagnostic procedure because of its ability to take multiple "snapshots" of so many parts of the body.

If your physician orders a CT scan, feel free to talk with the technologist running the test if you have questions about the procedure. Our certified CT technologists are Sue Gradwell, Matt Larson, Wanda Sloan and Debbie Valenti. They're smart. They're nice, and believe me, they'd love to brag about their new baby. You can also go to the GE Patient Education website at www.gehealthcare.com/usen/ct/vct/ad/index.htm

David Tranchida is the Manager of Public Relations and Marketing for The Westerly Hospital.