|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Nuclear Medicine |
|
|
 | Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses a safe, painless, and cost-effective technique both to image the body and treat disease. Nuclear medicine documents both body anatomy and function. It has the ability to gather medical information that may otherwise be unavailable or accessible only through more expensive diagnostic tests.
Nuclear medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and treat disease. These specially formulated pharmaceuticals contain substances called tracers that are attracted to specific organs, bones, or tissues. The amount of radiation from a nuclear procedure is comparable to that received during a diagnostic x-ray. |
The tracers emit gamma rays that can be detected externally by a gamma camera. The camera works in conjunction with computers to produce images and information about the area of the body being imaged. There is no radiation from the camera.
Other Nuclear Medicine Exams and Procedures Before Making Your Appointment
Let your technologist know about any of the following: - Pregnancy – known or possible
- You are a nursing mother
- Allergic or sensitive to any substances or drugs
Radiopharmaceuticals are formulated and ordered specifically for each individual patient and requested exam. They can only be used within a short period of time. Please notify us 48 hours in advance if there is a cancellation.
Patient Preparation
You must have with you: - Previous x-rays if requested by your healthcare providers office
- Your appointment form
- Complete insurance information, including your insurance card
For most tests, no special preparation is needed. If the procedure involves evaluation of the stomach, you may have to skip a meal before the test. If preparation is required, you will be notified before the test. For most exams, you need not worry about stopping your regular daily activities nor should you stop taking previously prescribed medications.
You may be asked to be on your back for extended periods of time. If this should cause discomfort, you may take a pain reliever before the test is performed.
Patient Experience
You will be given a small dose of a tracer (radiopharmaceutical), either intravenously, or orally. Depending upon the type of scan being performed, the imaging will be done either immediately, a few hours later, or even several days after the tracer has been given. The amount of material used is carefully selected to provide the least amount of radiation to the patient, but still ensure an accurate test. An imaging procedure typically lasts 30 to 90 minutes, depending upon the type of information requested by your healthcare provider.
Your exam will be performed by a highly skilled technologist. You will lie on a moveable table, and the gamma camera will be placed near your body to gather data. The camera does this by detecting the tracer in the organ, bone or tissue being imaged and then recording this information as an image on a computer screen or on film.
When the exam is over, you will be assisted from the table and out of the room. The tracer remains in your body for a short time and is cleared from the body through natural bodily functions. Drinking plenty of fluids will help clear this through your body more quickly.
After Your Exam
Your images will be interpreted by a board certified radiologist and the findings will be given to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will contact you to discuss the results.
Nuclear Medicine is available at: Southdale and Coon Rapids. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
