Nuclear medicine is a specialty area of radiology. Unlike the other imaging studies, nuclear medicine looks at how organs are structured and how they work, instead of how they look.
Since nuclear medicine tests can look at the function of any organ or system in the body, it can be used to diagnose a variety of diseases and conditions, such as cancer, respiratory problems, circulatory problems, abnormalities in the brain and more. Nuclear medicine cameras are extremely sensitive to changes in function, which may help identify diseases or problems earlier than some other types of tests.
Spalding Regional Medical Center’s Nuclear Medicine department conducts studies on an outpatient basis and on hospitalized patients as well. The department is accredited by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Radioactive Materials Program.
The Spalding Regional Nuclear Medicine department boasts a new, state-of-the-art GE Infinia Nuclear Medicine camera, which offers several benefits. The camera has a more open design to make patients feel more comfortable, a faster scan cycle and is easier to maneuver.
How Nuclear Medicine works
Depending on the test, a very small amount of a radioactive tracer is either injected into a vein or given to you to swallow or inhale. While it may sound scary, the tracer actually exposes you to less radiation than many standard x-ray studies.
After you are given the tracer, you may be asked to wait a period of time before the study begins. This varies from a few hours to a few days, depending on the test. This waiting period is necessary because the tracer needs time to go to and accumulate in the area of your body being studied.
When you are ready for your study, you will be positioned on an examination table. The nuclear medicine camera may rotate around you or stay in one position to capture the images needed. The camera will transmit to a computer, which picks up on gamma rays from the area being studied and produces special pictures showing the structure and function of the organs being examined. Procedures can range between 20 minutes to several hours, depending on the test.
When the pictures have been completed, a nuclear medicine physician will review them and discuss the results with your primary care physician within three business days. Your physician will then use the results to help diagnose a problem and/or determine a type of therapy.
Preparing for a test
Most studies do not require any special preparation. If anything is needed, your physician will tell you in advance of your appointment. In some cases, a patient may need to fast overnight, avoid certain foods or caffeine beverages, or avoid certain medications until after the study. You may also be asked to wear a gown during the exam or may be allowed to wear your own clothing. Leave jewelry and other accessories at home, if possible, or you may be asked to remove them prior to the exam. After the study is complete, your daily activities should generally not be affected as a result of the scan.
Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about Nuclear Medicine.
For additional information, call the Spalding Regional Nuclear Medicine Department at (770) 228-2721, ext. 3164, or visit the Health Resources portion of our website.