Nuclear Medicine at Logan Health
Nuclear medicine is an imaging modality that utilizes radioactive materials to show the function of organs or body systems. A small amount of a radiopharmaceutical can be injected into a vein, inhaled or even swallowed depending upon the area to be studied. Our cameras are able to image the radiation that is being emitted from the isotope within a patient’s body and show function at a molecular level rather than just anatomy. By administering the radiopharmaceuticals, we can diagnose and even treat many different types of disease. For example, nuclear medicine is commonly used to show the function of the gallbladder, kidneys, thyroid, and lungs as well as the blood flow to the heart muscle or the source of bone pain from injury, prosthetic loosening or cancer. Radioisotopes are also used to treat several diseases and cancers including hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, lymphoma or certain types of liver tumors.
Because we are imaging the function of the body systems, our tests often require very specific preparations and multiple appointments over the course of one or more days. It is important to tell your doctor if there is a possibility that you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding and discuss any recent illnesses, medical conditions, allergies and medications that you are taking. Please call the department if you have questions prior to an appointment at (406) 752-1770.
An ACR-Accredited Facility
When you see the gold seals of accreditation prominently displayed in our imaging facility, you can be sure that you are in a facility that meets standards for imaging quality and safety. It’s important for patients to know that every aspect of the ACR accreditation process is overseen by board-certified, expert radiologists and medical physicists in advanced diagnostic imaging.
What does ACR accreditation mean?
• Our facility has voluntarily gone through a vigorous review process to ensure that we meet nationally-accepted standards of care.
• Our personnel are well qualified, through education and certification, to perform mdical imaging, interpret your images, and administer your radiation therapy treatments.
• Our equipment is appropriate for the test or treatment you will receive, and our facility meets or exceeds quality assurance and safety guidelines.
What does the gold seal mean?
When you see the ACR gold seal, you can rest assured that your prescribed imaging test will be done at a facility that has met the highest level of imaging quality and radiation safety. The facility and its personnel have gone through a comprehensive review to earn accreditation status by the American College of Radiology (ACR), the largest and oldest imaging accrediting body in the U.S. and a professional organization of 34,000 physicians.
Mobile Nuclear Unit
Logan Health also maintains a mobile nuclear medicine unit that travels throughout northwest Montana to serve those populations that may not be able to conveniently reach the hospital. The mobile unit offers many different exams including cardiac imaging, bone scans, pre-operative lymphatic sentinel node tracking, and gastrointestinal testing.
The mobile coach is outfitted with The Symbia® E nuclear camera from Siemens Medical Solutions, which allows physicians to obtain more detailed information and increased image clarity. The mobile unit supports established outreach clinics, and our current sites of service are Anaconda, Dillon, Libby, Polson, Shelby and Whitefish.
