What is Nuclear Medicine?
Nuclear Medicine is a medical specialty in which the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases are made by the use of a small amount of radioactive tracers. After administration of the tracer, images of the organ of interest in the patient’s body are obtained with a gamma camera that show the localization of the tracer in the organ, and physicians interpret them for the diagnosis of the disease. Also, certain diseases are treated with radiotracers in nuclear medicine.
How long does the nuclear medicine test take?
It depends on the type of test. Since the localization of the radiotracer varies with the physiological behavior of the organ and the characteristics of the tracer, the time for optimal localization may vary from organ to organ. Sometimes two tests are needed for some disease entities such as cardiac studies. For example, a lung scan needs only half an hour, a heart study may take 2 hours, and yet for some specific tests, it takes 24 – 48 hours.
How is the tracer administered?
The tracer is administered commonly by injection through the vein, and for some tests orally or by inhalation.
Are there any side effects from these studies?
Because the administered dosages contain only a minimal amount of the carrier drug, no significant adverse or allergic reactions from the drug are encountered. A patient receives a low amount of radiation.
What are the benefits of nuclear medicine?
- Nuclear medicine tests are very sensitive and can detect many diseases at early stages. Unlike MRI and CT scans that give only structural information, nuclear medicine tests provide information about the functional status and viability of different organs and tissues.
- See the specific test below for more information about study preparation and how nuclear medicine tests are performed.
- More information on nuclear medicine can be found at the Society for Nuclear Medicine website
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