Radiologists see from the inside out

  • Published
  • By Airman James B. Bauer
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  When doctors need to look inside a patient, they call on a team of radiological professionals to reveal the answers that lie beneath.

The eight-person 35th Surgical Operations Squadron Diagnostic Imaging team, commonly known as Radiology, at Misawa Air Base performs an average of 500 image-gathering exams per month, including X-rays, ultrasound, mammography and fluoroscopy, to assist in doctors' diagnoses.

"We provide diagnostic imagery to caregivers in an effort to aid in the diagnosis of patients," said Staff Sgt. Adam Hershey, 35th Surgical Operations Squadron diagnostic imaging journeyman.

Radiologists obtain imagery by X-ray, which is similar to still photography, and is typically used for imaging bones.

Another method, ultrasound, is used for obstetrical (pregnancy) scans. Ultrasound uses sound waves to acquire an image and no radiation is involved.

"Obstetric sonography makes sure unborn babies are healthy and that a pregnancy is going well," said Staff Sgt. Amanda Munoz, 35th Surgical Operations Squadron ultrasound technologist. "We also do ultrasounds for imaging organs inside the abdomen, such as the kidneys, as well as pelvic and testicular ultrasounds."

Mammography is a type of X-ray designed to image the breast, for detection of breast cancer.

Another process, fluoroscopy, is similar to a video camera, which captures moving photographs and is used to view the digestive tract and urinary tract.

"With the fluoroscopy machine, we see live feed on what's going on inside of the body," said Sergeant Hershey.

On occasion, radiologists use contrast, or dye. Contrast chemicals are an additional exam option used to highlight organs.

"Contrast agents are like highlighter fluid for your insides," said Sergeant Hershey. "If we wanted to get a good look at your bladder, we would inject contrast into your bladder and fill it up so it is nice and bright, allowing us to see the outlines of the bladder so we can determine if it looks as it should."

The Picture Archive Communications System is a system of networked computers which allows the Radiologist to view all imaging exams on high-resolution computer monitors.

"PACS provides access to several different hospitals within Pacific Air Forces," he said. "A car accident could happen in Yokota and our Radiologist here would be able to look at the images done in Tokyo and assist the Yokota doctors, if their local Radiologist were unavailable."

To further their diagnostic imaging capabilities, the Misawa radiology unit will be installing a computed axial tomography machine, or a CAT scanner, in spring 2011.

CAT scan patients in the past have been sent to the local Japanese community hospitals, added Sergeant Hershey. Misawa AB will now be able to provide this service, making it more convenient for doctors, and the patient will be provided with immediate care.

"Our goal is to deliver state of the art diagnostic imaging capability to the 35th Medical Group, in support of its mission to sustain a healthy force that's ready to fight," said Maj. Paul DiDomenico, 35th Surgical Operations Squadron diagnostic imaging flight commander.