IMAGING MODALITIES
Nuclear Medicine
About
Nuclear medicine is a subspecialty within the field of radiology. The images are developed based on the detection of energy emitted from a radioactive substance given to the patient, either intravenously or by mouth. Generally, radiation to the patient is similar to that resulting from standard x-ray examinations.
What To Expect
You are given a small dose of radioactive material, usually intravenously but sometimes orally, that localizes in specific body organ systems. This compound, called a radiopharmaceutical agent or tracer, eventually collects in the organ and gives off energy as gamma rays. The gamma camera detects the rays and works with a computer to produce images and measurements of organs and tissues. Afer you are given the dose of radioactive material, you will lie down on a scanning table. A camera positioned above and below you then measures and takes pictures of the radioactive material that is being given off from your body. The amount of radioactive material you are given is very small and the radioactivity wears off very quickly within a matter of a few hours.
Some exams, such as bone scan require you to receive the injection and return a few hours later for the imaging portion.
Patient Preparation
While there are differences, most conventional x-ray procedures are basically similar:
Depending on the type of nuclear medicine exam you are having it may require preparation. Please call us at 888-1180 #3 to find out if there is a specific preparation for the exam you are having.
The exams average from 1-4 hours. Many times the patient is injected with a radioisotope and then returns a few hours later for the imaging.
Because nuclear medicine uses radiation, females of childbearing age are asked to verify that they are not pregnant, nor trying to get pregnant. Nuclear medicine patients register on the 3rd floor.
Common Uses for the Test
Nuclear medicine images can assist the physician in diagnosing diseases. Tumors, infection and other disorders can be detected by evaluating organ function.
Specifically, nuclear medicine can be used to:
-Analyze kidney function
-Image blood flow and function of the heart
-Scan lungs for respiratory and blood-flow problems
-Identify blockage of the gallbladder
-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
Risks and Benefits
Benefits:
The information provided by nuclear medicine examinations is unique and currently not attainable by other imaging procedures. For many diseases, nuclear medicine studies yields the most useful information needed to make a diagnosis and to determine appropriate treatment, if any.
Risks:
Because the doses of radiopharmaceutical administered are very small, nuclear medicine procedures result in exposure to a small dose of radiation. Nuclear medicine has been used for more than five decades, and there are no known long-term adverse effects from such low-dose studies.
As with all radiologic procedures, be sure to inform your physician if you are pregnant. In general, exposure to radiation during pregnancy should be kept to a minimum.
