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Nuclear
medicine
Nuclear Medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose and treat disease.
These specially formulated pharmaceuticals contain substances called tracers that are attracted to specific organs, bones, or tissues, depending on the test that your physician has ordered. Nuclear Medicine is unique in that it documents organ function and structure. Other types of radiology exams typically demonstrate structure only.
Patient
Preparation
For most tests, no special preparation is needed.
If there is preparation required you will be notified
before the test.
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let us know: |
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If
you are or think you may be pregnant |
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If
you are allergic or sensitive to any substances |
Exam
Nuclear medicine tests are safe and painless.
In a nuclear medicine test, the tracers are given
by injection, swallowed or inhaled. The amount
of the material used is carefully selected to
provide the least amount of radiation to the patient,
but still ensure an accurate test.
Imaging
protocols are varied depending on the study. The
actual scanning time lasts from 30 minutes to
2 hours. Some studies are done immediately after
the tracer is administered. Others require a delay
before imaging of up to 6 hours, allowing the
patient to leave the facility and return for scanning.
Special
circumstances for each test will be explained
when the test is scheduled.The tracer remains
in your body for a short time and is cleared from
the body through natural bodily functions. Drinking
plenty of fluids will help speed this process.
When
the exam is completed, one of our board certified
radiologists will review your images, prepare
a report and discuss the results with your doctor.
Your doctor will notify you with your results.
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