Nuclear Medicine
Overview
Nuclear medicine imaging uses small amounts of radioactive material to evaluate how your organs and tissues are functioning, not just how they look. Our nuclear medicine team performs a wide range of diagnostic studies, including scans to assess gastric motility, gallbladder and liver function, thyroid and parathyroid function, cardiac amyloidosis, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, and lymphatic drainage.
We also provide bone scans to evaluate for arthritis, stress fractures, infection, and cancer, as well as imaging to monitor response to Y-90 and theranostic therapies.
Patient Testimonials
Dr Petersen, Hartlee
“They made me so comfortable and took my sarcasm (humor) really good. I thought his assistant was 13… but was the sweetest girl.”
Amy K.
“Calling for my appointment was a real blessing that I got Amy who went beyond in what was expected to get me in appointments quickly…”
Laura G.
“The technician today were fantastic. Very attentive to my needs and very educational.”
Danelle
“She was great! Very good at positioning and explaining what she was doing or going to do and when to breathe. Good guidance through procedure.”
Brett, Kristin, Ashley
“Ashley, Brett, and Kristin were totally professional! Thank you for the weekend appts.”
Makayla P., Brooke H., Riley H.
“The receptionist was friendly and extremely helpful, and the clinicians were kind and sensitive.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, nuclear medicine is considered very safe. The amount of radioactive material used is extremely small and carefully controlled. The radiation exposure is comparable to or less than what you would receive from other common diagnostic tests like CT scans. The radioactive material leaves your body naturally within a few hours to a few days. However, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, be sure to inform your doctor, as special precautions may be necessary.
While X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs primarily show the structure and anatomy of your organs, nuclear medicine provides unique information about how your organs and tissues are functioning at a cellular level. This makes nuclear medicine particularly valuable for detecting diseases in their early stages, often before structural changes become visible on other imaging tests. Nuclear medicine can identify cancer spread, heart function problems, and metabolic disorders that other imaging may miss.
Nuclear medicine is versatile and can diagnose a wide range of conditions including various types of cancer and cancer metastasis, heart disease and cardiac function problems, thyroid disorders, bone diseases and fractures, kidney and liver function issues, neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, gastrointestinal problems, and infections or inflammation throughout the body.
Preparation varies depending on the specific type of imaging you’re having. Generally, you may be asked to fast for several hours before certain procedures, avoid caffeine or specific medications, wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners, and arrive well-hydrated. Your doctor or the imaging center will provide you with specific instructions tailored to your particular scan. Always inform your doctor about any medications you’re taking, allergies, and if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.