Made for more peace of mind: New PET/CT machine brings another tool in fight against cancer
Adventist Health Ukiah Valley recently unveiled its new PET/CT machine which will offer faster results and peace of mind for patients and physicians. This addition is another crucial tool in our ongoing battle against cancer in our community and reinforces Adventist Health’s commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered, close to home.
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body. PET/CT scans show detailed images and functions of internal organs for diagnosing conditions like cancer, heart disease and neurological disorders. This will be an important tool in helping us fight cancer in our community and will mean getting answers for our physicians and providing peace of mind for patients sooner.
"As a rural community, we’ve faced significant challenges in accessing timely cancer diagnostics. This is a monumental step forward for our cancer care and has truly been a long time coming. The arrival of a permanent PET/CT scanner here at Adventist Health Ukiah Valley significantly enhances our ability to diagnose and treat cancer more quickly and effectively. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical to improving outcomes, and this technology will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of our patients.
This permanent installation removes many of the barriers our patients have faced for years. It brings cutting-edge technology close to home, eliminates the need for long-distance travel, shortens wait times, and allows us to deliver more timely, efficient, and personalized cancer care," explains Dr. Hengbing Wang, oncologist at Adventist Health Ukiah Valley’s Cancer and Infusion Center.
The new PET/CT unit will offer greater access to care close to home. Previously, PET/CT scans were available only once a week, with the nearest alternative being more than an hour away and limited to one day each week. This will be the only permanent PET/CT unit available 5 days a week in Mendocino and Lake Counties. This means quicker, more accurate diagnostics and better monitoring for those in the fight against cancer.
“This brings in a new era in cancer care for our community. Access to this important technology will improve outcomes for our patients and their families. Faster scanning will also improve efficiency and provide a more comfortable experience for our patients. We remain committed delivering the latest advancements in diagnostic imaging, enhancing patient care, and improving access to care to our rural community,” shares Jeff Mock, Operations Executive for Adventist Health Ukiah Valley.
Designed with the latest in imaging technology, the Canon PET/CT scanner provides exceptionally detailed images in about half the time of traditional scans. It delivers clearer images, which enable our physicians to make informed decisions regarding patient care and next steps. This advanced system also enhances patient comfort and safety with faster, lower-dose scans and improved diagnostic accuracy thanks to higher-resolution images.
