Your support brought clearer, faster imaging to patients at Sault Area Hospital!
When most people think of Medical Imaging, they think of X-rays, CT scans or MRIs. But Sault Area Hospital (SAH) also has specialized imaging areas like Nuclear Medicine, or “NucMed.”
NucMed uses a small amount of radiation to help care teams watch how different parts of the body are working. Last year alone, the NucMed team performed more than 2,300 procedures at SAH.
The SPECT/CT is an important part of patient care in NucMed. It helps care teams diagnose problems and plan treatments. Last year, our SPECT/CT was reaching the end of its life. SAH is the only hospital in Algoma with this equipment, so replacing it was critical.
Thanks to your donations, a new SPECT/CT arrived this summer! This new technology is already providing clearer images, faster scans, and answers sooner.
"Thank you to the donors, including Alamos Gold Inc. and Franc-Nevada Corporation, who helped fund this equipment! Your support is giving patients and families peace of mind." - Kelin Longo, Nuclear Medicine Senior Technologist and Radiation Safety Officer
Two images, one clear picture
A SPECT/CT takes two images at the same time - a SPECT image and a CT scan!
SPECT stands for “Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography”. The SPECT scan uses a small amount of radiation to create 3D images that show how parts of the body are working. The CT scan uses X-rays to create a map, showing where a problem may be located. The SPECT/CT system brings these two images together. This gives care teams a clear, detailed picture of what is happening inside the body. The more complete the picture, the easier it is to diagnose and plan next steps in a patient’s care.
From heart health to cancer care
Patients rely on the SPECT/CT daily, most often in cardiac and cancer care. One of the most common tests is called a Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MIBI) scan. This scan looks at blood flow to the heart. A MIBI scan can help find areas where blood flow may be reduced or blocked. More than 500 MIBI scans are performed at SAH each year.
The equipment also provides new 3D imaging for scans that show how well the heart pumps blood. The new unit gives more detailed information, with faster scans and lower radiation doses.
The SPECT/CT also supports cancer care. Bone scans can help find and track cancer that may have spread. Sentinel node studies can help surgeons plan treatment. About 75 sentinel node studies are performed each year at SAH.
With new equipment comes new possibilities
Thanks to new features with SPECT/CT, SAH can now provide pyrophosphate (PYP) scans. This scan can identify a type of abnormal protein buildup in the heart that can lead to heart failure. This helps care teams determine the right treatment for early intervention.
Clearer images, faster scans
For the NucMed team, the difference is easy to see. “Image quality has significantly improved,” shared Trina Milligan, CT and Nuclear Medicine Technologist.
The new unit can make scanning faster and more comfortable for patients. The smart machine moves automatically into the best position, helping to produce a clear image. Because SPECT and CT imaging can be done in one scan, it can mean less tests. If a patient is older, unwell, or struggles to sit still, spending less time in the scanner makes a big difference. It saves time, and avoids stress and anxiety that can happen around diagnosis.
Specialized care, close to home
Having this equipment at SAH is about more than high-quality images. It’s about high-quality care right here in the Algoma District.
Without NucMed at SAH, patients would have to travel for scans. Thanks to you, specialized Medical Imaging care is available right here.
As the NucMed team learns more about the SPECT/CT, there may be opportunities to bring more new treatments to SAH. Donors like you are helping provide outstanding care today, while preparing for the care our community may need tomorrow.
Donations help us deliver outstanding care.
