The Knoxville Hospital and Clinics is utilizing new nuclear medicine technology to better serve the people of Knoxville and the surrounding communities. Nuclear Medicine deals with the use of radioactive substances in research, diagnosis, and treatment of patients. Nuclear Medicine Technician with the Knoxville Hospital and Clinics, Brian Clarke tells KNIA/KRLS News here in Knoxville about 80 percent of the nuclear medicine used, is used in regards to nuclear cardiology where Clarke can monitor blood flow, evaluate the pumping function of the heart as well as visualize the size and location of a heart attack. He says the hospital will also use the technology to look at gall bladders for dysfunction, bone scans for cancer or fractures as well as thyroids for abnormalities. According to Clarke, if there is a radioactive agent that has a target for a specific organ, the hospital can do a scan on that organ.

Clarke says with the new equipment at the hospital, the Knoxville Hospital and Clinics can provide the same service to residents they may have had to previously drive to Des Moines to receive. He says his department now has a spect camera that creates three dimensional images for doctors and technicians to better analyze a specific area. Clarke says the hospital also has a new Dexa system or bone density machine that can measure the amount of bone, muscle, and/or body fat. He says at this point the Knoxville Hospital has newer and better equipment than most bigger hospitals in the area. To hear the complete interview with Clarke, tune in to today’s Let’s Talk Knoxville.