New System Optimized for Oncology Imaging and a Faster Way to “See and Treat”

ALTUS, OK (June 2, 2011) – Jackson County Memorial Hospital now offers the Discovery ST, a redesigned PET/CT system completely optimized for cancer care. This system integrates a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner with a multi-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner and is capable of 2D and 3D imaging with a larger bore for all patient studies or sizes. This Discovery ST system provides physicians with more sensitivity, speed, resolution, and diagnostic confidence when treating cancer patients.
The “ST” in Discovery ST stands for “See and Treat,” which is what this new system allows physicians to do. Built from the ground up with Six Sigma methodology, the Discovery ST assists our physicians in seeing the disease and planning radiation therapy treatment. The new Discovery ST system will shorten scan times as well as provide improved image quality in both 2D and 3D modes.
“Less time on the table means faster results and greater patient comfort,” said Frank Festa, Director of JCMH Radiology Services. “With the Discovery ST, we will all encounter better image quality and greater confidence in image interpretation. The new Discovery ST allows you to not only ‘see’ the disease, but to begin to ‘treat’ it.”
“The Discovery ST is another example of Jackson County Memorial Hospital’s commitment to innovation and technology for early disease detection supporting physicians in improved diagnosis and treatment,” said Festa.  “With its larger bore size (70cm) and shorter tunnel length (100cm), physicians have more flexibility in positioning larger patients and for better radiation therapy planning, and helps claustrophobic patients,” said Festa.
GE’s Discovery ST combines the fastest and most sophisticated computed tomography (CT) technology with the most advanced Positron Emission Tomography (PET) technology – all  in a single exam. PET creates images of high metabolic activity in the body, rather than creating
images of anatomy only. CT scans allows our doctors to see the internal structures within the human body. Together, a PET/CT scan allows our physicians to view metabolic activity and pinpoint where abnormal lesions are located so that they may target the disease.
Before having a PET/CT scan, the patient receives a dose of a radiopharmaceutical tracer containing substances that mimic those normally used in the body including water, sugars, proteins and oxygen. These tracers accumulate in diseased cells. During the scan, the tracers are detected by the system creating an image of the patient and highlighting any abnormal physiology. This image helps our physicians determine if disease is present, the location and extent of disease, and track how rapidly it is spreading. 
 The GE Discovery ST is manufactured by GE Medical Systems of Waukesha, Wisconsin. GE Medical Systems is a global leader in medical information and technology.
 Jackson County Memorial Hospital in Altus, Oklahoma, was established in 1949 and is the second largest employer in Jackson County following Altus Air Force Base.  With over 800 employees, JCMH continues to expand its services to enhance the health of residents. 
Comprehensive ancillary services include Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Laboratory with blood banking services, The Sleep Lab, and Rehabilitation Services that includes Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy. 
Other top-rated services are the JCMH Counseling Center, Home Health Products, Tamarack Assisted Living Center, Home Care and Hospice.  Outpatient clinics include: The JCMH Pediatric Clinic, Women’s Health Associates, JCMH Medical Clinic, and Southwest Orthopedics.