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Nuclear Medicine, Faster, More Accurate Testing

A revolutionary nuclear camera, recently installed at North Baldwin Infirmary, expands the hospital’s radiology services and means patients and physicians can count on state-of-the-art imaging to help diagnose medical conditions.

The SKYLight™ camera, made by Phillips is the first in Baldwin County to use the company’s JETStream computer system. That means the camera is not only faster than the hospital’s previous camera, but it allows medical professionals to take multiple images simultaneously, an important factor in diagnosing certain diseases.

“With this new technology, North Baldwin Infirmary offers patients in the North Baldwin community nuclear imaging services that are second to none. It’s just one more way our hospital is expanding to meet the growth of the area and offer first-rate, comprehensive healthcare close to home,” said William McLaughlin, administrator at North Baldwin Infirmary.

Nuclear medicine imaging procedures are noninvasive tests that help physicians visualize organs and tissues in the body. During a nuclear imaging test, a tiny amount of radioactive material called a radiotracer is injected into the patient’s body by way of an IV. The particular tissue or organ being studied absorbs the radioactive substance and gives off radiation. A gamma camera such as NBI’s SKYLight can then detect the radiation and give a picture of what’s happening inside the patient’s body. While it’s useful to diagnose a host of conditions, physicians often use nuclear imaging to analyze kidney function, visualize heart blood flow, identify blockages in the gallbladder, measure thyroid function, locate the presence of infection and evaluate bones for fractures or tumors. 

Katherine Carroll, M.D., a radiologist with Radiology, P.C. at NBI, pointed out that the new equipment also enables physicians to do SPECT imaging as well as nuclear cardiology stress tests, two related services not previously available at NBI. SPECT or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography allows radiologists to acquire three-dimensional images to diagnose medical conditions. Doctors use nuclear cardiology testing to determine how much blood flows to the heart and to measure heart function.                  

The new equipment comes with an “open floor” design to easily accommodate all types of patients and eliminate feelings of claustrophobia. The camera is designed to be used for children as well as adults. Additionally, it is the only nuclear camera in Baldwin County that can accommodate patients up to 500 pounds.