Nuclear Medicine

What is Nuclear Medicine?

Nuclear medicine is a branch of radiology based on the detection of energy emitted from a radioactive substance given either intravenously or by mouth. Nuclear medicine studies can be used to:

• Evaluate blood flow and the function of the heart
• Identify bleeding into the bowel
• Analyze kidney function
• Identify blockage of the gallbladder
• Measure thyroid function
• Image lungs for respiratory and blood flow problems
• Locate the presence of infection
• Evaluate bones for fracture, infection, arthritis or tumor

How is the study conducted?

During a nuclear medicine study, you are given a small dose of a radioactive material either intravenously or orally, that collects in a specific body part or area. This material gives off energy as gamma rays which are detected by a specialized nuclear imaging camera.

During most exams, you lie on the scanning table of the camera while the images are being obtained. It is important to remain as still as possible to get the best images. Imaging times vary, but generally range from 20 to 60 minutes.

After the procedure is complete, the remainder of the radioactivity passes out of your body in urine or stool. The amount of radiation exposure is similar to that resulting from a standard x-ray procedure.

How do I schedule an appointment?

A physician's order is required to perform a nuclear medicine study. Appointments can be scheduled by calling Central Scheduling at 520-469-8810.

How do I get my results?

The results of the nuclear medicine study are interpreted by one of our board-certified radiologists. The report is sent to your physician who can discuss the results with you.