$3 Million Machine Scans Cancer And More
by July 7, 2003 12:00 am 76 views
Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith launched a new program in June that will bring $3 million worth of diagnostic imaging technology to the region one day every two weeks. The positron emission tomography scan is now available for use at Sparks on alternate Fridays, but if the need demands, it may be made available more often.
The PET scanner produces computer-generated three-dimensional images to diagnose a number of health problems, including cancer and neurological disorders.
Michael D. Helm, who recently retired as president of Sparks Health System, said the arrangement will allow the hospital to offer the expensive technology at a “significantly reduced cost without making the capital investment.”
A radioactive tracer injected in the patient and the scan evaluates as the organs process the the tracer. The full-body scan takes 30-60 minutes. The amount of radiation exposure is equivalent to getting two chest X-rays.
Sparks contracted with Alliance Imaging Inc. of California to use the mobile PET unit.