Nuclear Medicine Imaging
Nuclear medicine imaging employs small amounts of radioactive materials referred to as radiotracers. The radiotracers are usually injected into the bloodstream, swallowed, or inhaled. The radiotracers move through the part of the body being examined and emit energy in the form of gamma rays which are identified by a special camera and a computer to create images of what’s inside your body.
Nuclear medicine imaging provides unique and special information that typically cannot be obtained using other imaging procedures. The greatest benefit of nuclear medicine, therefore, is that it offers the potential to identify the disease in its earliest stage and infancy.
Before your exam, you will fill out a screening form asking about anything that might create a health risk or interfere with the imaging. The screening form will be reviewed by your technologist prior to entering the imaging suite.
To ensure an optimal exam, all patients will be asked to change into a gown or scrub suit provided by the facility. Your technologist will advise you to remove all external objects when changing into the approved garments. This includes hearing aids, hairpins, and all jewelry, to include body piercings when possible. Lockers are available to secure your personal items.
