Westminster, Md. – Carroll County General Hospital has installed the latest in nuclear imaging technology, two dual head gamma cameras. The new systems provide enhanced image quality, increased accuracy in the diagnosis of specific diseases and improved patient comfort. The open design of the machines also accommodates patients on stretchers or in wheelchairs.

“The quality of images produced by the new cameras allow us to perform more advanced studies, significantly improving our diagnostic capabilities and quality of care,” said Gene Perry, director of diagnostic imaging at Carroll County General Hospital. “They also reduce the time required to complete specific nuclear imaging procedures, which is a great advantage for patients.”

Nuclear medicine is a specialized area of radiology used to examine organ function and structure. For example, nuclear scans can show the adequacy of blood flow to the heart or how much damage was caused by a heart attack. Other organs that can be imaged using nuclear medicine include the bones, lungs, kidneys, gallbladder and thyroid.

During a nuclear medicine study, a radioactive material is given to a patient, either intravenously or orally. The radioactive substance emits gamma rays which are captured by a gamma camera and reconstructed into a two-dimensional picture through sophisticated computer programs.

Organs not functioning normally absorb more of the radioactive material, indicating possible disease, infection or injury. Because functional changes may occur before physical symptoms, the gamma images provide detailed information that helps doctors diagnose and treat diseases in their early stages.

In addition to the new gamma cameras, the nuclear medicine department at Carroll County General also includes mobile positron emission tomography (PET), a leading-edge imaging technology mainly used in the diagnosis, management and treatment of cancer.

“The new gamma cameras enable us to be more accurate in identifying the progression of a variety of diseases and disorders early on, which improves the prospects of effective treatment,” said Dr. Cheryce Poon, M.D., chief of nuclear medicine and radiologist at Carroll County General. “The addition of the dual head gamma cameras, coupled with the mobile PET scan, makes for a very strong nuclear medicine department at the hospital.”

Last year approximately 1,600 nuclear imaging procedures were completed at Carroll County General Hospital. About 70 percent of the nuclear procedures were cardiac studies, followed by bone scans, respiratory and renal studies.

Founded in 1961, Carroll County General Hospital is a nonprofit, acute care facility offering a continuum of services, including comprehensive inpatient, outpatient and community programs.

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