Much of radiology deals with examining the internal forms of the human body. Is a tumor present? Are there any bones broken? Are there detectable internal changes or abnormalities in the body? In contrast, Nuclear Medicine is a branch of radiology that provides a picture of the body's systems in action. Are the key organ systems working the way they should? Is brain activity normal? Is the digestive system working properly? Is chronic pain the result of a tiny bone fracture too small to detect? Nuclear Medicine answers these questions and more with the help of safe, short lived radioactive materials that move through the patient and show how the body's organ systems are functioning.

When there is difficulty identifying the cause of a disorder, EPIC's Nuclear Medicine specialists are often called upon to help provide answers. Tests are conducted using a radioisotope and a sophisticated scanner or special nuclear medicine camera. A radioisotope is either swallowed or injected. As it moves through the body, images are taken. In this way, we can determine if the heart, kidneys, liver, thyroid, brain and lungs are working properly. We can also examine the bones for cancer, infection or trauma.

EPIC Imaging has been a pioneer in outpatient nuclear medicine. We were one of the first non-hospital based, nuclear medicine facilities licensed by the Oregon Health Division in 1983. In a field that requires longer procedure times, the relaxed outpatient environment greatly enhances patient care.

Since that time, EPIC has maintained its commitment to providing patients with the best technology has to offer in this ever evolving field. Our most notable acquisition, is the recent addition of the first PET scanner in Oregon, a revolutionary new technology changing the face of cancer treatment.