Nuclear Medicine Services

Nuclear medicine, a diagnostic imaging specialty, is based on the detection of energy emitted from a radioactive substance given either intravenously or by mouth. Generally, the amount of radiation is similar to that from standard X-ray examinations.

Nuclear medicine images can assist the physician in diagnosing diseases. Tumors, infection and other disorders can be detected by evaluating organ function.

Uses of Nuclear Medicine

• Analyze kidney function
• Image blood flow and function of the heart
• Scan lungs for respiratory and blood-flow problems
• Identify blockage of the gallbladder
• Evaluate bones for fracture, infection, arthritis or tumors
• Determine the presence or spread of cancer
• Identify bleeding into the bowel
• Locate the presence of infection
• Measure thyroid function to detect an overactive or underactive thyroid