Nuclear Medicine

What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear medicine is an imaging modality that uses small amounts of radioactive material combined with a carrier molecule. This compound is called a radiotracer or radiopharmaceutical. Doctors use nuclear medicine tests to diagnose and/or treat various diseases. These include cancer, heart disease, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and neurological disorders. They are non-invasive and usually painless.

Diagnosis
Radiotracers are usually given by injection into a vein in the arm, but they may also be swallowed or inhaled. When a radiotracer is administered into the body, it builds up in certain areas of the body. Radiotracers go to the area of the body that needs to be examined, such as the gallbladder, bones, stomach, lungs or heart.

How does the procedure work?

Imaging
The radiotracer accumulates in the area being scanned, where it gives off gamma rays. Imaging devices, such as our gamma camera, detect these gamma rays and, with the help of a computer, create images. These images show how your organs and tissues are functioning.

The nuclear medicine technologist will administer the radiotracer. Depending on the type of exam, imaging may be performed immediately or later that day. When imaging begins, the camera will take a series of images. The camera may rotate around you or stay in one position. You will need to remain still while imaging is in process. The camera will move very close to your body. This is necessary to get the best quality images. Tell the technologist if you have a fear of closed spaces. Imaging may take 1 to 4 hours to complete. Nuclear medicine tests are done on an outpatient basis. You may also have a test while you are hospitalized.

Results
Images are sent to a radiologist for interpretation. A report will be sent to the provider who ordered your test.