Nuclear Medicine is a safe, painless and commonly performed procedure. It provides valuable information to your doctor in evaluating the function and structure of body organs.

The imaging of various organs and/or systems is made possible by the injection of a compound containing a small amount of radioactive substance. This compound will collect in the organ/system, depending upon the way that organ/system is functioning.

The radioactive substance will then give off energy by emitting gamma rays. A special detection device called a gamma camera picks up the rays and records where they originated. Because the radioactive substance collects in an organ varying by the way the organ is functioning, the energy given off will also vary, allowing for diagnosis. This information is then transferred to x-ray film for permanent record.

Procedure

When you have a nuclear medicine procedure, called a "scan", a compound containing a small amount of radioactive substance is administered, usually by injection into your vein. After the injection, you may be asked to wait a period of time before the actual scan can begin. This waiting time will vary for each scan, while some scans may begin immediately. This waiting period is necessary because the compounds take different amounts of time to accumulate in the area of your body being studied.

When it is time for your scan, you will be positioned next to a special detector, called a gamma camera, which will be placed close to the part of your body being studied. These images will be seen on a screen and copied onto film for later study. The camera does not produce radiation. It detects signals from the radioactive substance you received earlier. Multiple pictures, without additional radiation exposure, make it possible to gather more diagnostic information with no increased risk to you.

Post Exam

The radiologist will review your examination before you leave to make sure adequate images have been obtained. He will then interpret the images and send a written report to your doctor. You doctor will discuss the results with you.