Nuclear Medicine Scans

Nuclear medicine imaging uses small amounts of radioactive material, a special camera and a computer to create images of the inside of your body.  Because nuclear medicine procedures are able to pinpoint molecular activity within the body, they may detect disease in its earliest stages when it is most easily treated.

Learn More About Nuclear Medicine Scans

Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty of radiology that uses small amounts of radioactive material to create images of both the structure and function of the body. These studies help physicians see not only what organs look like, but also how well they are working.

The radioactive substance (called a tracer) may be given by injection, taken by mouth, or inhaled into the lungs. The level of radiation exposure is generally comparable to that of a standard X-ray exam.

Nuclear medicine imaging can be very helpful in diagnosing a wide range of conditions. By evaluating how an organ functions, doctors can detect tumors, infections, and other disorders.

Nuclear Medicine Procedures We Perform Include:

  • Bone Scan

  • Indium Scan

  • Gastric Emptying Study

  • Hepatobiliary (HIDA) Scan

  • Meckel’s Scan

  • Parathyroid Scan

  • DAT (Dopamine Transporter) Scan

  • Renal Scan

  • Thyroid Scan

  • Thyroid Therapy

How Should I Prepare?

Due to the variation of Nuclear Medicine procedures performed, you will receive preparational and instructional information specific to your appointment at the time of scheduling.

Benefits/Risks

Nuclear medicine examinations provide unique information—including details on both function and anatomic structure of the body that is often unattainable using other imaging procedures.

Because the doses of radiotracer administered are small, diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures result in relatively low radiation exposure to the patient, acceptable for diagnostic exams. Thus, the radiation risk is very low compared with the potential benefits.

Nuclear medicine diagnostic procedures have been used for more than five decades, and there are no known long-term adverse effects from such low-dose exposure. The risks of the treatment are always weighed against the potential benefits for nuclear medicine therapeutic procedures. You will be informed of all significant risks prior to the treatment and have an opportunity to ask questions

For more information on this or other procedures, please visit radiologyinfo.org

When Should I Receive Results?

Your exam will be reviewed by one of our board-certified radiologists, who will interpret the images and generate a detailed report. This report will be sent to your referring physician within five business days. Once finalized, your results will also be available through our online patient portal for your review and reference. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your results, please contact your referring doctor directly.