Radiology
Nuclear Medicine
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A nuclear medicine procedure is sometimes described as an "inside-out" X-ray because it records radiation emitting from the patient's body rather than radiation that is directed through the patient's body. Nuclear medicine procedures use small amounts of radioactive materials, called radiopharmaceuticals, to create images of the anatomy. Radiopharmaceuticals are substances that are attracted to specific organs, bones or tissues. They are introduced into the patient's body by injection, swallowing or inhalation. As the radiopharmaceuticals travel through the body, it produces radioactive emissions. A special type of camera detects these emissions in the organ, bone or tissue being imaged and records the information on a computer screen or film.
Nuclear medicine is unique because it documents function as well as structure. For example, nuclear medicine allows physicians to see how the heart is functioning, not just what it looks like. Most other diagnostic imaging tests, in comparison, reveal only structure. Nuclear medicine procedures are performed to assess the function of nearly every organ. Common nuclear medicine procedures include thyroid studies, brain scans, bone scans, lung scans, cardiac stress tests, and liver and gallbladder procedures.
There are more than 100 different nuclear medicine examinations. We will try to offer a general introduction to ten of the most common tests. For more detailed information, visit the Society of Nuclear Medicine's Web site at http://www.snm.org
Procedure: Before your examination, a nuclear medicine technologist will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you might have. Advise the technologist if you have any allergies or if you are undergoing radiation therapy. These factors may require adjustments in how examination is performed. Advise the technologist if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Nuclear medicine tests usually are not recommended for pregnant women.
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