The Medical Testing Center - An extension of your doctor's office!

The Family Care Network Medical Testing Center (MTC) is an extension of your doctor's office which provides specialized diagnostic testing that is ordered by your physician. Tests available include exercise treadmills, cardiac perfusion studies, nuclear medicine imaging, peripheral artery disease testing, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and bone density testing for osteoporosis. In addition, anyone may self refer for an inexpensive body fat analysis test. The testing offered at the Medical Testing Center focuses on screening for fundamental health issues, and the diagnosis of disease, the control of which is crucial for good health.

Dr. Thomas Heston is our medical director. He is a specialist in Nuclear Medicine and Nuclear cardiology, who supervises and interprets all nuclear imaging. Our facility is the only center in Whatcom County to have every test interpreted by a specialist certified by the American Board of Nuclear Medicine. We are the only complete nuclear medicine testing facility in Whatcom County to be located outside of a hospital.

Dr. Denis Foster supervises and directs our bone density testing. Dr. Foster is certified by The International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD), and provides interpretation of DXA scans and VFA (vertebral fracture analysis) studies.

Dr. Dave Lynch serves as our lead physician for administration issues, and works with patients at the center to administer exercise treadmill testing, along with several other Family Care Network doctors.

Testing Services

Exercise Treadmill Testing: this is an exercise test, performed on a treadmill under the direct supervision of one of our physicians. During this test, your heart rate, EKG, blood pressure and blood oxygen level will be closely monitored, in order to learn about your hearts response to exercise. After the test is complete, all of the information is analyzed, to look for signs of strain that might indicate underlying disease. In many cases, the physician in attendance is able to discuss the results of the test with you at the end of the procedure. Patients who have this test are asked to wear comfortable clothing appropriate for exercise, not to eat food for 4 hours before the test, and to refrain from caffeine (coffee, tea, cola), and to not take their regular medication before the test, unless told to take them by their doctor.

Cardiac Perfusion Imaging: this test is performed in order to observe blood circulation to the heart muscle during rest and during stress from exercise or a special medication. During this test an IV is started to allow the use of a small amount of a nuclear tracer, which goes to the heart and allows us to see t he blood circulation. Images are taken at rest and during exercise (or medication). By studying the difference in these images, it is possible to see areas of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle itself. By making the diagnosis in this way, treatment can be offered to prevent serious future events that might occur. Patients who have this test are asked to wear comfortable clothing appropriate for exercise, not to eat food for 4 hours before the test, and to refrain from caffeine (coffee, tea, cola), and to not take their regular medication before the test, unless told to take them by their doctor.

Nuclear medicine scans: these tests are done to visualize various areas of the body, and to assess function. Common scans done in our office include bone, liver, kidney, thyroid and stomach empying scans.

Bone Density (DXA) scans: This test is done to assess the mineralization and strength of the bones in order to diagnose osteoporosis ( weak bones that are at risk of fracture from minor injury). The test is painless and rapid, using the latest, state of the art technology. When osteoporosis is diagnosed, treatment is possible to prevent worsening and help to strengthen the bone and prevent fractures!

Peripheral Vascular Disease Testing: this is a painless and rapid test which is performed using blood pressure cuffs on both arms and legs, which are conected to a special computer system that can analyze blood pressure in all extremities using a Doppler wave form analysis. The tests are interpreted from this information by Dr. David Jessup and Dr. Andrew Colletti, of North Cascade Cardiology. Patients who have this test are asked to wear comfortable clothing with easy access to the arms and legs.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Testing: this test is an innovative way to assess blood pressure readings throughout a 24 hour period, to make sure that the diagnosis of blood pressure trouble is made accurately, or to assess if treatment is adequate. The test is done by fitting the patient with a blood pressure cuff that is connected to a small device which is worn by the patient as they go about their normal daily activities. The results are then analyzed and sent to the patient's physician for decision making.

Body Fat Analysis: this test can be an aid to achieving fitness, and it is one you can refer yourself for! Body fat analysis is a painless and rapid test which analyses the percentage of body fat a person has. We offer the same test that was featured on the TV show "The Biggest Looser". The test is helpful for those who wonder if their weight is healthy for them. Weight does not allways give enough information! For example, some individuals are heavier than normal due to bone and muscle structure, but have a normal body fat. Others can be of normal weight, but be fat dense and deconditioned. Still other individuals have a distorted idea of what is normal fortheir body, and this test can be helpful for them. The resultts of the test are provided, along with a quide for interpretation and analysis.

Although the Medical Testing Center is sponsored by Family Care Network doctors, any licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician's assistant can refer patients to us. We encourage all individuals to visit with their physician for the purpose of discussing their health and any concerns they have, before any of these tests are ordered, in order to make sure that they are needed and appropriate.

For questions, or to schedule an appointment, call: 360 756-0382
600 Birchwood Avenue, Suite 102
Bellingham, WA 98225