Nuclear Medicine Imaging

Types of Nuclear Medicine Scans We Offer 

Nuclear imaging studies we frequently perform include:

Bone Scans

Bone scans help us detect fractures that might not appear on standard imaging tests, like X-rays. They also show signs of arthritis, cancer, infection, poor blood supply and damaged bone tissue.

Gallium Scans 

This test uses a particular type of tracer, gallium. This substance has unique properties that enable it to bind to cells showing irregular activity. You may need a gallium scan if you have a fever, and we can’t pinpoint the source. This scan also helps detect cancer, primary pulmonary hypertension and inflammatory conditions like pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis. 

Multigated Acquisition (MUGA) Scans 

This test shows how well heart muscles contract and relax. It enables us to measure your heart’s pumping ability (as measured by ejection fraction) more precisely than an echocardiogram. Ejection fraction shows how much blood the heart pumps out each time it contracts. You may need a MUGA scan if you are showing signs of heart failure. 

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans 

PET scans show whether organs and supportive tissues are working as expected. We use this nuclear imaging study to show heart issues such as coronary artery disease. You may also need it if you are experiencing seizure activity that is not responsive to standard therapies.

PET scans also enable us to detect changes in cell activity, like cancer, earlier than it would show on a CT scan or MRI. This scan helps us diagnose cancer and determine whether therapies are working. 

Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) Scan

SPECT shows how well blood flows through arteries, veins, organs and bone. You take a special type of tracer that emits high-energy gamma rays. We use a gamma camera to detect the location and activity of the gamma rays. A computer converts this information into 3D images. 

Thyroid Scans

This scan makes it possible to evaluate thyroid structure and function. You may need a thyroid scan if you are showing signs of an overactive or underactive thyroid. It involves taking a small amount of radioactive iodine by mouth. We perform a nuclear scan a few hours later. 

Refer a Patient

UMass Memorial providers can refer patients through EPIC. Community providers can receive assistance through Physician Concierge Services (PCS). You can also reach PCS by calling 800-431-5151 or emailing pcs@umassmemorial.org.