Nuclear Medicine

What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty within radiology. It comprises diagnostic examinations that provide both anatomic and functional information of the body. The images are derived based on the detection of energy emitted from a radioactive substance given to the patient, either intravenously or by mouth. Generally, the radiation administered to the patient is similar to that resulting from standard x-ray examinations.

What are some of the common uses of the procedure?

Nuclear medicine images can assist the physician in diagnosing tumors, infection, and a variety of other organ specific disorders of structure and function. Specifically, nuclear medicine can be used to:

• Analyze kidney function
• Image blood flow and function of the heart
• Scan the lungs for respiratory and blood-flow problems
• Identify blockage of the gallbladder leading to cholecystitis
• Evaluate bones for fracture, infection, arthritis or tumor
• Determine the presence or spread of cancer
• Identify bleeding into the bowel
• Locate the presence of infection
• Measure thyroid function to detect an overactive or underactive thyroid gland and to evaluate thyroid nodules

How should I prepare for the procedure?

The preparation needed for a nuclear medicine examination depends on the organ system to be evaluated. The MDR staff will instruct you on how to prepare for your study when scheduling your appointment. Female patients of reproductive age must verify that they are not pregnant.

What should I expect during the procedure?

The patient is given a small dose of radioactive material, usually intravenously, but sometimes orally, that localizes in a specific organ or organ system. This compound, called a radiopharmaceutical or radiotracer, eventually collects in the organ and emits energy as gamma rays. These rays are detected by the nuclear medicine camera and images are derived with a computer. Depending on which type of scan is performed, the actual imaging will be performed either immediately after isotope administration, a few hours later, or even several days later. While the images are being obtained, you must remain as still as possible because any motion will degrade the scan. This is especially true when a series of images is obtained to show how an organ functions over time.

There is no risk of allergic reaction or side effect from the radiotracer. Most of the radioactivity passes out of your body in urine or stool. The rest simply disappears through natural radioactive decay.