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Nuclear Medicine |
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 | Nuclear medicine uses a safe and painless technique to monitor, diagnose and treat medical conditions or other abnormalities within the body. Nuclear medicine is most commonly used to analyze the thyroid gland, lungs, gallbladder, kidneys and bones. It can also treat hyperthyroidism/Graves' disease, goiters, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer.
Nuclear medicine exams use very small amounts of radioactive materials, called radiopharmaceuticals or tracers. The tracer collects in the area of the body being studied and is detected by a special camera, called a gamma camera.
For information on radiation safety, click here.
The gamma camera is connected to a specialized computer system. Together, the camera and computer show how and where the tracer travels through the body and measures the amount of tracer absorbed. The camera and computer produce images that show the function and structure (size, shape) of an organ, tissue, bone or body system. |
The images captured by the gamma camera and computer system are then studied and analyzed by a subspecialty board-certified radiologist, a doctor who has extensive training and expertise in medical imaging.
Nuclear medicine procedures are among the safest diagnostic exams available. Radiopharmaceuticals are formulated and ordered specifically for each patient and exam requested, resulting in minimal radiation exposure. The radiation risk is very low compared with the potential benefits.
Other Nuclear Medicine Exams and Procedures Before Making Your Appointment
Let your technologist know about any of the following: - Pregnancy – known or possible
- If you are a nursing mother
- Allergic or sensitive to any substances or drugs
Radiopharmaceuticals are formulated and ordered specifically for each patient and requested exam. They can only be used within a short period of time. Please notify us 48 hours in advance if you have to cancel your appointment.
Patient Preparation
You will receive specific preparation instructions depending on the type of exam you are having. In general, the following guidelines apply to all exams: - Arrive 15 minutes early to complete registration
- Bring with you any previous x-rays
- Bring your appointment form
- Bring your complete insurance information, including your insurance card
- Bring a list of current medications, including vitamins and herbal supplements
- Continue taking prescribed medications, unless directed otherwise
- Wear comfortable clothes without metal fasteners, including zippers, buttons and snaps
- You may be asked to lie on your back for an extended period of time. If this should cause discomfort, you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) before the exam is performed.
Patient Experience
The first step in most nuclear medicine exams is administration of the tracer. Depending on the type of exam, tracer will be injected or swallowed. The tracer can take seconds, hours or days to travel through your body and collect in the area being studied. Consequently, the next step of the exam - the imaging portion - may be performed immediately, a few hours later or a few days after you receive the tracer.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Radiopharmaceuticals (tracers) are formulated and ordered specifically for each patient and exam requested. They can only be used within a short period of time, so we must be notified 48 hours in advance if you have to cancel your appointment.
The second step of the nuclear medicine exam is the imaging portion, or scan. You may be asked to change into a gown. During the scan, you will lie on a cushioned exam table. For the best quality images, you must remain as still as possible. Any movement may distort the images, making them difficult to interpret.
To capture the images, the gamma camera may be in close proximity to you, but will not completely surround you. There is no radiation from the camera. Depending on the exam, the imaging portion varies in length of time - from 20 minutes to a few hours and may be repeated for several days.
After Your Exam
Your images will be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist specializing in body imaging. The findings will be sent to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will contact you to discuss the results.
Unless directed otherwise, you may drive, resume your normal diet, exercise and take all prescribed medications. The tracer remains in your body for a short time and is cleared through natural bodily functions. Drinking plenty of fluids will help flush it through your body more quickly.
Some exams may require extra precautions. The nuclear medicine technologist will give you specific instructions to follow at the time of your exam.
Nuclear Medicine is available at: Southdale and Coon Rapids. |
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