Nuclear Medicine and Nuclear Cardiology are available at our Voorhees and Turnersville locations.

Nuclear Medicine Examination
As a diagnostic tool, nuclear medicine is unique because it evaluates physiological function rather than anatomical structure.

Nuclear medicine "scans" enable our physicians to determine how much heart tissue is still alive after a heart attack, or whether a kidney is operating as an effective filter, even when there are no detectable changes in organ appearance.

A Nuclear Medicine examination involves injection of a radioisotope (radiopharmaceutical) into the bloodstream. Spect Gamma cameras are used to detect signals given off by the radioisotope. Specially trained technologists use sophisticated computers to analyze this data to provide valuable information about the human body.

Is a Nuclear Medicine test painful?
No. Some studies require you to swallow a small amount of liquid or take a pill. Others require a small pinprick for injection of a radiopharmaceutical. The procedure is otherwise painless.

Testing methods
By using small safe amounts of radioactive tracers, Nuclear Medicine provides information about the structure and function of various organs such as the heart, thyroid, kidneys, liver and bones. One noteworthy example of this technique is our ability to view the function and structure of the heart without performing surgery.

What about the radioactivity used in a Nuclear Medicine Test?
A Nuclear Medicine examination carries no greater risk than a standard x-ray procedure. A Nuclear Medicine test requires only very small doses of radiation, often less than a conventional x-ray procedure.

What is a Bone Scan?
Bone scans are performed in two parts. During the first part, you will be injected with a small amount of a radioactive tracer in a vein in your arm. The tracer is carried in the blood stream to the skeletal system where it is distributed throughout the bones. Depending on the study ordered, the Nuclear Medicine Technologist might take images as the tracer is moving through your blood stream before it reaches your bones (3-phase bone scan).

After the tracer injection, you may leave the Department for 2 or 3 hours. The period allows the tracer to be absorbed by the bones. During this time, you will be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids and to empty your bladder frequently. This helps produce a clearer image.

On returning to the Nuclear Medicine Department images will be taken of your entire body or close-ups of specific areas. You should plan on being in the Department approximately one hour.

What preparation do I need for my Bone Scan?
There is no prep required for a bone scan.

What is a Thyroid Uptake and Scan?
Thyroid uptake and scans are performed in three parts. On the morning of the study you must swallow a capsule of a small amount of radioactive iodine. This capsule is specifically ordered for you on the morning of your exam. It must be taken in the department and cannot be picked up before the exam. After swallowing the capsule, you may leave the Department and return six hours later.

When you return a count of your neck will be taken to determine the amount of iodine concentrated in your thyroid gland, thus determining the function of your thyroid. Three close-up images of your thyroid gland are then taken. These images show the anatomy of your Thyroid gland. You should plan on being in the Department approximately one hour. You will be asked to return to the Department 24 hours after taking the capsule for a second count or uptake. This appointment should take approximately 10 minutes.

Treatment of Hyperactive Thyroid.
If it is determined that your thyroid gland is hyperactive, your physician may recommend that you follow up with a therapeutic dose of Radioactive Iodine-131. The technologist will provide you with a pamphlet of guidelines and explanation for this treatment if it is recommended.

What preparation do I need for a Thyroid Uptake and Scan?
Many foods and medications affect the trapping mechanism of the thyroid. Because of the very small dosage of Radioactive Iodine tracer being administered for this study, extreme care must be taken to follow the prep. Even patients who are allergic to iodine can have this test without concern. If you are taking thyroid medications such as Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tapazole, or Propylthiuracil, please make sure to tell the technologist scheduling the study.

Avoid foods and medication that contain iodine. Things to avoid include seafood for three days prior to the study. Vitamins, antihistamines or cold medications containing iodine for one week prior to the study. If you have had an x-ray procedure where an iodine contrast agent has been injected including Cat scan, IVP or Urogram you should postpone the examination for four weeks. The contrast used for MRI does not contain Iodine and does not interfere with this study.

What is a Renal Scan?
A renal scan is performed to assess the blood flow and function of the kidneys. The camera will be placed below the imaging table. You will be injected with a small amount of radioactive tracer. Images will be started immediately upon injection. The imaging will be continuous for 40 minutes and it is important that you remain as still as possible.

If your physician requests that you have a Lasix Renal Scan, lasix (a diuretic) will be injected during the course of the imaging and requires no additional time.

What preparation do I need for a Renal Scan?
No preparation is required.

What is a Hepatobiliary Scan (HIDA or DISIDA Scan)?

Hepatobiliary scans demonstrate gallbladder function. You will be injected with a small amount of radioactive tracer. While lying flat on the table, the camera will be positioned over your chest and abdomen. Periodic images will be taken. It is important that you lie as still as possible. Depending on your gallbladder function, this study can take anywhere between one and four hours.

Your physician may order a gallbladder emptying study. This procedure starts the same as the Hepatobiliary scan then CCK an enzyme is given to stimulate your gallbladder to empty. You might experience some cramping or nausea. This should disappear within approximately 10 minutes. Additional images will be taken to see how your gall bladder contracts.

What preparation do I need for a Hepatobiliary Scan?
Nothing by mouth for four hours before the study. No pain medication on the day of the study.