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
Jennifer
“My tech Jennifer was extremely kind and helpful. I appreciate her patients and professionalism very much.”
Lisa, Shawn
“Special thanks to scheduler, Lisa, and orders person, Shawn. They were exceptional… help expedite the process for an urgent exam.”
Vanessa
“I wish to especially thank Vanessa in Scheduling. She went above and beyond to make sure this test was completed.”
Nishell
“I called to schedule my daughter for an exam… Nikki took that all away for me.”
Camille
“She was extremely warm and kind. I was very nervous and she walked me through the whole process.”
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.