New Gamma Camera Improves Field of Nuclear Medicine

Last week the Radiology Department of Great River Medical Center in Blytheville received a new gamma camera, which will improve what the hospital can offer in the field of nuclear medicine.

Jay Patterson, nuclear medicine technician at the hospital, explained that nuclear medicine uses radioactive isotopes that are either injected or ingested to make certain areas easier to view. "The camera picks up radioactivity and makes an image of the area," Patterson said. "We will be able to do cardiac stress tests, bone scans, pre-cancer patient muga scans, pre-surgery gallbladder scans and this machine will also allow us to get better pictures of thyroid scans."

Patterson said the new equipment is state-of-the-art, more dependable and allows the hospital to offer more services.

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