Nuclear Medicine

What Is Nuclear Medicine?

A nuclear medicine examination involves an injection of a radioisotope (radiopharmaceutical) into the bloodstream. Special 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.

As a diagnostic tool, nuclear medicine is unique because it evaluates physiological function rather than anatomical structure. So, for example, nuclear medicine scans enable SJRA 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 carries no greater risk than a standard X-ray procedure. It requires only very small doses of radiation, often less than a conventional x-ray procedure.

What Do Nuclear Medicine Studies Detect?

A nuclear medicine study has the ability to detect a lot abnormalities and after effects of certain conditions. Nuclear medicine can assess tissue health of various organs before and after major health crises including heart attacks. Nuclear medicine is used to diagnose conditions and irregularities such as tumors, infections, and enlarged organs.

How Do I Prepare For A Nuclear Medicine Scan?

A nuclear medicine scan requires minimal special preparation prior to your appointment. The details are provide by your referring physician and our team of specialists at SJRA. You will be asked to fast for a certain time period prior to your appointment. Certain medications and diet changes will be advised before your appointment. Avoid caffeine and smoking prior to your appointment.