VA North Texas Health Care System
Dallas VA Medical Center Achieves Elite Accreditation
February 4, 2010
DALLAS – The nuclear cardiology section of the Dallas VA Medical Center (VAMC) nuclear medicine service has achieved accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Nuclear Medicine Laboratories (ICANL).
Nuclear cardiology involves complex imaging techniques to noninvasively detect the presence of cardiovascular disease. The heart is evaluated both at rest and during a period of stress, which may be through exercise or pharmacologic means. Images are acquired that allow specialty trained physicians to evaluate cardiac function and blood flow. These exams may provide important information regarding the potential occurrence of future heart attacks. In addition to advanced imaging equipment, nuclear cardiology testing relies on the experience and training of an entire team of physicians, nurses, and technologists, which the Dallas VA has been able to successfully recruit.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and accurate patient evaluation and early detection of coronary blockage is a point of emphasis. This three-year accreditation demonstrates the Dallas VA’s commitment to quality patient care and diagnostic evaluation. This accreditation was sought voluntarily as a marker of excellence in clinical Nuclear Medicine practice. The Dallas VAMC is only the second VA in the country to achieve ICANL accreditation.
