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Imaging & Radiology

Nuclear Medicine

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What Is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear medicine is a type of medical imaging where tiny amounts of radioactive material known as radiopharmaceuticals are swallowed, inhaled, or injected into the body. A special kind of camera called a gamma camera is then used to pick up the radiation emitted by the radiopharmaceuticals, creating images from inside the body.

Nuclear medicine is useful for diagnosing many different medical conditions and may help identify diseases very early on. It can also be used to treat disease.

What You Need to Know Before Your Exam

  • Every nuclear medicine appointment is different depending on the exam. For some appointments, you may be asked to leave after the radiopharmaceuticals are given and return later for the scan. Others involve multiple scans. Your provider will provide you with specific information about your exam, so you know what to expect.
  • You may have to change into a gown, but many exams can be done in your street clothes.
  • Each exam has different guidelines regarding food, water, and medications. You will be given information specific to you before your exam.

During your exam, the equipment will be positioned over the area of the body that is being scanned.

  • Preparing for Your Exam

    Preparation for a nuclear medicine exam varies. Your doctor will provide you with information specific to your test.

    Please follow our general preparation instructions. In some cases, you might be asked to wear a gown to wear.

    Pregnant women should talk to their doctor before having a nuclear medicine procedure as they are generally not performed if you are expecting. Also, discuss your medications with your doctor to ensure they won’t interfere with the radiopharmaceuticals.

  • During Your Exam

    Depending on your particular test, you might be asked to sit upright or lie down on a table. The gamma camera will be positioned over the organ or area of the body that is being studied. The test will generally take 15-60 minutes.

  • After Your Exam

    Once the procedure is complete, a radiologist will review the images to confirm that they are usable, and then you can change, if necessary, and depart. Your doctor will discuss the results with you at your next appointment. You will not receive the results at the time of the test.

Nuclear Medicine Providers

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Nuclear Medicine

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