BOUNTIFUL -- Mothers won't have to squint anymore to make out the noses and fingers of their unborn baby. Thanks to Lakeview Hospital's new technology, ultrasound images are clearer than ever. Cutting-edge technologies such as this are currently being used for patients at Lakeview's new Women's Center. "A brand new Acuson Sequoia System, purchased earlier this year, has improved the detail and quality of images taken from ultrasounds," said Ron Fres-ques, Director of Radiology at Lakeview Hospital. The system was purchased for the new Women's Center at Lakeview.

"The difference between the old system and new system is night and day," said Fresques. "Doctors can be more effective and save time with this cutting-edge technology."

The system is used to take video or snapshots of unborn fetuses and for diagnosing diseases.

"Because you can see more details in the picture, doctors are able to save time and be more effective in their practices," said Fresques.

Lakeview officials are also looking at integrating the current system with a new digital photo feature to be purchased in 2006.

The Picture Archival Computer System (PACS) will enable physicians and lab technicians to save the images digitally on their computers.

Right now the Acuson Sequoia System prints to a laser film-based system. Once the PACS is installed, the images will be digital.

"We can send pictures to physicians in their offices, and they can pull them up on their computer. The PACS will save a lot of time for doctor," said Fresques.

The Women's Center should be completed in the next two months.