The Radiology Care Unit (RCU), open Monday through Friday (7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.), is a specialized ten-bed unit that prepares, assesses, teaches and cares for patients who require invasive or interventional procedures. Our nurses, technologists and Interventional Radiologists are available for emergency consultation and procedures 24/7.

When a patient is admitted to the RCU, his/her history is obtained and blood work is drawn to ensure the patient is prepared for his/her procedure. During the procedure, the nurses and technologists care for each patient by monitoring his/her heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen levels, while keeping the patient comfortable and relaxed. The goal is to provide the safest, most comfortable procedure possible. After the procedure, our team explains what to watch for once the patient returns home, what to do if problems arise, when to resume medications and normal activity and how to obtain results.

The RCU staff consists of Registered Nurses who are Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified, which enables them to care for each patient throughout their entire procedure within Radiology. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) registers our technologists and many have specialty certification in Interventional Radiology, Ultrasound, MRI, CT Registry, Mammography and Nuclear Medicine. We strive to provide the best customer care service to meet each individual's needs.

Littleton Adventist Hospital has many Interventional Radiologists on staff. An Interventional Radiologist is a doctor who has had special training in Imaging (Radiology) and specializes in the treatment of diseases using an interventional procedure.

Our staff recommends that incoming patients bring a complete list of medications and doses taken on a daily or as needed basis. We also encourage family to be present during the admitting process, as most procedures require a driver following the procedure. Specific medications such as blood thinners including, asprin, Coumadin, Plavix, Pletal, Lovenox, diabetic medicine such as Metformin and non-steroidals such as Motrin, Advil, Aleve or Ibuprofen can effect a procedure. Patients who have any X-ray dye or "contrast" allergy may need an allergy preparation prior to the procedure. This preparation must be done prior to the intervention.

Patients and physicians need to discuss if the patient can or cannot have food or liquids prior to the procedure. Most invasive procedures require that the patient does not eat solid food (milk included) for 8 hours prior to the procedure, and only clear liquids up to 4 hours before the procedure. Clear liquids include 7-Up, ginger ale, water, apple juice or clear broth. Clear liquids do not include juices with pulp, coffee or tea with cream or sugar, or any milk products. Each patient's safety and care is our number one priority. Please call the Radiology Care Unit at Littleton Adventist Hospital for any questions at 303-738-2734.

Kellie Douglas RCU Lead