Our Services - Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine uses radioactive materials to help diagnose a variety of diseases and disorders. It can be helpful in assessing how different parts of your body are functioning, such as your thyroid, heart, bones, brain, lung, liver and gallbladder.

During the procedure, you are given a low-level radioactive compound that accumulates in the organ being examined. That organ will then continuously emit radiation that is detected by a special camera and processed through a computer. Patients typically do not experience side effects or allergic reactions since most of the compounds used in nuclear medicine are naturally-occurring substances in the body.

• Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment and bring your prescription or referral. If you need to reschedule or cancel, call 24 hours in advance.

• Let us know what medications you take, including non-prescription medicines and supplements.

• Tell us if you are or may be pregnant or are breastfeeding.

• You will receive an injected, oral, or inhaled preparation of an isotope (a radioactive material) before your exam. This material highlights the part of your body being examined and allows the radiologist to see how certain organs are functioning.
 

Special instructions for Gallbladder (HIDA) and Gastric Emptying scans:

• Do not eat or drink for 8 hours before the exam.

• Do not take any prescription pain medication 48 hours prior to the exam.

• The exam may take up to 4 hours to complete.

Special instructions for thyroid exams:

• No iodinated oral (Gastroview-CT) and or IV contrast studies 30 days prior to your thyroid scan.

• No thyroid replacement medications such as Synthroid two weeks prior to your exam. You should talk to your doctor to get permission to stop your medication.

• If you have any questions, please call our Nuclear Medicine Department.

• Prescription or referral from your physician

• Form of identification

• List of medications you take

• Insurance cards

• Previous nuclear medicine scans and reports performed outside of our network

• Medical history

Upon Arrival

• A technologist will take you to the exam room, ask you some medical questions, explain what you can expect during your test, and answer any questions.
 

During Your Nuclear Medicine scan

• You will be given a radioactive compound called an isotope which will be injected, inhaled, or swallowed, depending on what type of test you are having.

• If your test requires you to return at a later time after the isotope is administered, the technologist will tell you when to return.

• The length of your test will vary depending on what type of exam is being performed.

After your Nuclear Medicine scan

• You can leave immediately after your test and resume your normal activities.

• The radiologist will review your scans and send the results to your physician. Urgent findings will be called or faxed in to your physician.