BROOKINGS — Brookings Health System recently upgraded to a new, state-of-the-art GE Fortis ultrasound system. The new system produces clearer images with more detail in all areas of the body, but especially for maternal fetal medicine scans and abdominal organ scans.

For maternal fetal medicine, the new ultrasound system offers improved color doppler to show more precise blood flow in the fetal heart. This helps more accurately detect congenital heart defects. For obstetrics patients, that means higher quality diagnostic images can be captured locally in Brookings.

The advanced system also offers better penetration to create clearer images of deeper structures. This added depth and clarity can aid in improving the resolution of internal organ conditions such as liver or kidney lesions. In some cases, it may help patients avoid further testing. The improved penetration also helps with obtaining more detailed images in bariatric patients.

For ultrasound technologists, the new ultrasound system speeds up their workflow. The system is ergonomically designed for technologist operation and uses AI tools to increase efficiency. For patients the increased technologist efficiency can lead to a more thorough diagnosis and a quicker scan time, which means less time spent in the procedure room.

Brookings Health System’s radiology department offers the most comprehensive clinical imaging capabilities in Brookings. Local patients can also receive MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and X-ray procedures close to home, saving them time and money. Images can be shared with any medical provider from any health organization. For more information, please visit brookingshealth.org/Imaging.