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 obstetrics and 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 an exam offered for any sort of complication in the breast.

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

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

Radiologists use contrast chemicals, or dye, as an additional exam option 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 another resource the radiology team uses to provide more expedient care to patients.

"PACS provides access to several different hospitals within the Pacific Air Forces," he said. "A car accident could happen in Yokota and our radiologists here would be able to look at the images done in Tokyo and provide aid to the Yokota doctors."

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

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