June 3, 2003

Pet Scanning Arrives at the Jameson South Campus

New Castle, PA - Jameson Health System announced today that it will enhance its diagnostic imaging capabilities with the addition of a new, state-of the-art PET (Positron Emission Tomography) system, which offers early and highly accurate detection of cancer.  PET (Positron Emission Tomography) allows doctors to diagnose, prescribe treatment, and monitor disease in a single procedure.

PET is an imaging procedure that provides physicians with information about the body’s chemistry, cell function and exact location of disease. The precise images obtained with PET are different from images obtained from technologies, such as CT, MRI or x-ray.  The difference lies in the ability of PET to study body function rather than giving radiological images of anatomy or body structure.

For oncology patients, PET is used to determine the exact location and stage of cancerous tissue and can provide physicians with data necessary to improve treatment regimens and in some cases avoid invasive surgeries or unnecessary procedures. “PET will have a major impact on our clinical evaluations of cancer patients, and in many cases will enable our physicians to begin treatment earlier and increase the odds for successful patient outcomes,” said Linda Cody, Director of Public Relations and Marketing.

“Physicians and health care organizations are now beginning to grasp the tremendous impact that PET technology can have in delivering high quality, cost-effective health care, especially in the oncology field,” said Cody.  “Jameson Health System’s investment in PET technology shows they understand the powerful impact PET can have on patients’ lives.”

This new weapon in the battle to detect cancer, PET or Positron Emission Tomography is sophisticated technology, a type of nuclear medicine imaging.   An average PET scan takes about one hour although pre-study preparation may require an additional hour. The PET scanner is similar in shape to a CT or MRI scanner, but not as confining and makes no noise.  The bed on the scanner moves during the exam, allowing the physician to evaluate the entire body if necessary.  PET scanning requires a physician order and is available at the South Campus Medical Imaging Department.   PET imaging will be available every other Friday, with appointments available beginning at 8:00 A.M.  Vantage Healthcare Network will provide the mobile PET imaging services at South Campus.  Scheduling and PET imaging questions should be addressed to Vantage Healthcare Network by calling the toll free number 866-348-3607 or fax information to 866-251-7838. 

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