Bone Density Testing Now Available

Thursday, March 02, 2006

For Immediate Release

Teton Valley Hospital - (03/02/2006) - Bone Density Testing Now Available at Teton Valley Hospital & Surgicenter

The Medical Imaging department at Teton Valley Hospital & Surgicenter has implemented new bone densitometer equipment as part of an overall expansion of diagnostic imaging services. The new equipment offers fast, highly accurate bone density testing to detect osteoporosis, a condition commonly known as thinning of the bones.

�We�re excited to have the QCT-5000 bone mineral analysis system up and running,� says Alisa Egan, Director of Medical Imaging. �This type of equipment allows the technologists to take measurements in three separate trabecular regions of the spine; the trabecular bone is where the first signs of osteoporosis appear. This makes the QCT-5000 BMD exam (Bone Density Exam) an extremely accurate measurement of bone density.�

Osteoporosis is a progressive skeletal disease that can develop without warning signs and result in bone fragility. If detected early, this condition may be treated. Women have a higher incidence of osteoporosis particularly those over the age of 50, postmenopausal, or undergoing long-term steroid treatment.

The QCT-5000 was acquired as part of a grant award that is also funding the purchase of a new mammography suite for the hospital. The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust has provided funding of $200,000 toward the campaign with remaining support coming from private donations from community members. The mammography suite is scheduled to arrive the end of March.

�The level of community support for this project was remarkable,� says Martha Austin, Executive Director of Teton Valley Hospital Foundation. �Everyone will benefit from these updated diagnostic services.�

For further information please contact Ann Loyola at 354-6301 or aloyola@tetonvalleyhospital.com.