Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine Scans are a space age technology for the early detection and diagnosis of health care needs. The scans can be performed on any part of the body, and work on exactly the opposite principle of the more common X-ray.

A patient receives an inoculation with a very low dosage of a chemical element called a radioactive isotope which travels through the bloodstream. After a few minutes, the patient is asked to lie comfortably on a table, while an overhead camera records the amount of radiation emitted from the test area.

Each image takes only a few minutes to record on a computerized screen, and several images may be taken to give the information required by your physician. You feel nothing during the entire process, and you are in no danger as there are no allergic or side effects. The amount of radiation is very small, and will disappear from your system in a few hours.

Preparation

No special preparations are required. You may eat as normal and take any prescriptions. No special clothing is required, and you may wear whatever is most comfortable.

Results

You will be able to go home in about an hour, and a radiologist who specializes in interpreting the results will review your scans with your physician. Diagnosis and recommendations for treatment will then be made in consultation with your doctor in a day or two.

Questions

If you have questions regarding your nuclear scan, please feel free to ask your physician or any technician at Brooks Memorial Hospital. They are here to help you feel better, and we're looking towards a healthy future.