1.              What equipment will be used?

The MDH is now equipped with a state of the art Siemens E-cam, Dual Head, single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Gamma Camera System. With its cutting-edge E-soft computer, it is among the most versatile and the most advanced model of its kind in the world. Configured exclusively for MDH for direct communication with our own Multi-Slice Siemens Computed Tomography unit at the Department of Radiology, it boasts of the ultimate sophistication in Fusion Imaging Technology available in the country.

Current state of the art Medical Body imaging technology demands that ALL diagnostic imaging digital systems be capable of FUSION IMAGING, as this enhances their diagnostic capabilities and their clinical value for quick, effective and efficient patient management.

2.              How does nuclear imaging work?

The images obtained by our Gamma Camera System require the presence of an isotope, injected into or ingested by the patient, which concentrates within living tissues and organs in the human body. This allow our Gamma Camera, sensitive to  isotope radiation as light is to our eyes, to take pictures of these tissues and organs in their functional state, reflecting their functional integrity at the time of examination (“snap-shot” of organ function). Disease disrupts or destroys in part or in whole, the functional state of living tissues and organs which have been inflicted by it. It is at these moments when our very sensitive gamma camera takes pictures of the anatomical extent and functional derangement caused by the disease process. This could be a tumor in the brain, an abscess in the liver, a hemorrhage in the spleen or a fractured organ.

3.              What is Fusion Imaging?

While our functional images reveal useful structural anatomical details, these are not as precise as those obtained by computed Tomography or MRI. These diagnostic imaging tools were designed exactly for the purpose of obtaining exquisite structural anatomic details of organs and tissues. The FUSION images obtained by both these diagnostic modalities, CT and Gamma Camera, result in the marriage of structure and function. Diseased tissues and organs, therefore, are better evaluated when lesions are demonstrated in both precise anatomical details and with the true extent of their functional disruption.

4.              What are the uses of the Gamma Camera?

Although gamma cameras have been notably used for heart-related disease (cardiology), the technology is now being utilized for the other medical areas such as cancer (oncology), wherein patients undergo whole body bone scans to detect early spread of cancer (metastases). It can locate tumors and make it easier to evaluate the extent of disease. Because of this, the camera is now widely used in areas such as breast imaging or scintimammography, lung related (pulmonary) problems, kidney (nephrology) troubles and stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal) disease. Brain (neurology) related disease also benefit from the gamma camera technology.

Note: Ask your doctors for more detailed explanation regarding the uses of gamma camera system.

5.              What is nuclear medicine?

Nuclear medicine is the safe and effective use of isotopes to diagnose and treat disease.

6.              Will a nuclear medicine scan make me radioactive?

No. The isotopes are given in tiny amounts which disappear from the body within hours.

7.              Do nuclear scans hurt?

No. Aside from a temporary feeling of uneasiness because of a needle stick, nuclear scans are painless. They are remarkably free of any inconvenient after effects.

8.              Are there people who should not get a nuclear scan?

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and people with certain allergies or blood disorder are advised NOT to undergo nuclear scans.

9.              Who are the technologists in the nuclear medicine department? What are there credentials?

Our Nuclear Medicine Technologists are Dual Certified by the Professional Regulatory Commission and by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, DOST. They have undergone a rigid and comprehensive in-house training program and are among the most competent and experienced technologists in the country capable of performing complex imaging procedures.

The department is headed by Senior Area Manager Lulu Paco, RMT. In charge of Nuclear Imaging and DEXA is Area Manager June Anne Danao, RMT. For Radioimmunoassay Laboratory, Area Manager is Novy Barrientos, RMT.

10.          Why should I undergo an executive check up (ECU)?

You should undergo an ECU to help identify or reveal early existing disease. If you are healthy, a health professional will help you by providing guidance and advice on things to do and look out for to remain healthy.

11.          Why should I undergo an executive check up?

In general, everyone, especially those above 40 years old, must undergo ECU at least once a year. ECU is a MUST for:

o      Busy/Stressed out Executives/Individuals

o      Obese

o      Smokers/Heavy Drinkers

o      People without exercise

o      Family history of diabetes

o      High blood pressure

o      Family History of Heart Disease

12.          I don’t think anything’s wrong with me. Should I still undergo one?

It is always best to seek professional help in determining the status of one’s health.

13.          What is the ideal time or day to be admitted for an ECU?

Admission time and day is 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Sunday to Thursday.

14.          If I want to have one, what do I need to do?

Call our Industrial Medical Services Department (IMSD) at 5243011 ext 3350, 3870. A competent staff will care of you.

15.          What packages will be appropriate for me?

We have several packages. Our representatives at IMSD will tailor a package for you.