Radiology clinic receives updated equipment Published Sept. 4, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Vesta Anderson 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- As a part of their commitment to providing the most advanced health care possible, the 325th Medical Support Squadron's radiology clinic announces the installation of a state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner, digital mammography, and a new no-film environment. "The digital radiology and MRI technology completes our quest to be a fullscope, latest technology service," said Col. George Nicolas, Jr., 325th Medical Group commander. "The MRI is used to distinguish pathological tissue (such as a tumor) from normal tissue," said Master Sgt. Matthew Roberts, 325th Medical Support Squadron Diagnostic and Therapeutics Flight superintendent. "The technology allows radiologists to view the X-ray images in a matter of seconds," said Sergeant Roberts. "They can adjust brightness, change contrast, and zoom in on specific areas to help detect small calcifications, masses and other changes that may be signs of early cancer," he explains. "The advantage of an MRI scan is that it is harmless to the patient. It uses strong magnetic fields and non-ionizing radiation in the radio frequency range," said Sergeant Roberts. "The scanner is a short-bore magnet that eliminates most of the feeling of claustrophobia that can worry some patients," assures Sergeant Roberts. After patients complete a mandatory screening form, they receive verbal counseling on safety. The biggest safety concern is jewelry. Patients must remove all metal and advise the technicians of other objects which may be implanted to the body, such as pacemakers and metal plates. Most basic exams take approximately 30 to 40 minutes. With this additional service to the medical group, the amount of people having to go off base for MRI services will decrease. In addition, the diagnosis and treatment process is shortened, allowing same-day results. "Approximately 1,500 patients per year will be able to come back to Tyndall facilities because of the new capabilities offered here," said Sergeant Roberts. "The most beneficial aspect of the new equipment is it allows us to offer our beneficiaries the latest diagnostic procedures right here in this facility," said Dr. Brant Casford, 325th Medical Support Squadron Diagnostic and Therapeutics flight radiologist. Many individuals benefit from these services. "The best part is we will not only be serving our active-duty, retired, and family members, but we are partnering with the Veterans Administation to help our area veterans," said Colonel Nicolas. In addition to the new MRI equipment, the clinic has become the first computed radiography mammography unit in the Air Force using digital mammography. "This technology is transparent to the patient, looking just like their last years mammogram. However, it uses computers and specially designed imaging plates to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor, and can be transmitted and stored, just like computer files," said Sergeant Roberts. The technology allows radiologists to view the X-ray images in a matter of seconds. Sergeant Roberts explained that the ability to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital technology. The clarity of the image has improved the ability to find small cancers in patients less than 50 years old with dense breasts. The improvements to the radiology clinic include an $800,000 upgrade to a no-film environment. The upgrades encompass a picture archiving communications system and computerized radiology. "The PACS system digitally stores, transmits and displays radiology images allowing for immediate access to patient information and increased efficiency for the staff," explains Sergeant Roberts. Patients can look forward to no longer having to carry large envelopes containing the easily damaged X-ray films. Instead, patients now leave appointments with a compact disc storing their radiology images. These CDs can be utilized on almost any normal computer, displaying images and allowing health-care providers the ability to manipulate the quality of the image just like pictures taken with personal digital cameras. "The new equipment is state of the art and allows us to accomplish most diagnostic procedures here at Tyndall instead of fragmenting the patient's care by involving several sites," said Dr. Casford.