Nuclear Medicine is a branch of radiology that uses radioactive materials to determine if certain organs such as the heart, kidneys, lover, thyroid, brain and lungs are working properly. It is also used to examine the bones for cancer, infection or trauma.

Nuclear medicine scans offered at our outpatient imaging center:

• Bone scans
• 3-phase bone scans
• High scans/Hida plus Kinevac
• Thyroid scans and uptakes
• Liver scans/Liver spleen scans
• Meckel’s scans
• SPECT capabilities
  

What Kind of Nuclear Medicine Tests Are Available?
There are several types of Nuclear Medicine tests available for diagnostic purposes, including: Bone, Liver, HIDA (a scan of the gallbladder and/or bile ducts); Thyroid, Gallium Scans and SPECT studies. Though each scan is different, they share in common the use of radioisotopes to show not just the appearance of the body part, but also the function.

How Does Nuclear Medicine Work?
Before the test begins, you will be given a small amount of radioactive material called a radioisotope, that will be injected or swallowed. How the test is performed depends on the type of scan your physician has ordered. In many cases there will be a delay between the time you are given the isotope and the time the scan is actually made. This will allow the isotope time to flow trhough thre body and concentrate in the oragn that is being examined. In some cases, a series of scans will be taken with a delay of an hour or two between them.

By tracking the isotope as it moves through the organ, it can give your doctor invaluable information about how a specific bodily organ is working.

In most studies the patient lies comfortably on a table. A large camera is positioned over the body and is moved or rotated around the patient. The camera senses the radioactive substance and highlights and displays this information on a screen or film.

How Safe Is This Procedure?
Nuclear Medicine procedures are very safe. The radioisotopes are given in the smallest doses needed to achieve quality imaging results. The radioactivity is quickly eliminated from the body after the test is completed. There is usually no reaction to any of these tests. You can resume normal activity as soon as the test is complete.

How Do I Prepare For The Test?
There is no general set of instructions for all Nuclear Medicine examinations. Your physician will give you instructions on how to prepare for the exam, or feel free to call our office. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure the most accurate diagnostic results.

Nuclear Medicine studies are not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers.

How Long Will The Exam Take?
The length of the exam varies with the type of exam you are having. Please check with us for the estimated time required for your exam.

Who Interprets The Results And How Do I Get Them?
A radiologist, a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report to your referring physician, who will share the results with you. In some cases the radiologist may discuss results with you at the conclusion of your exam.