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Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine

Whether you've been in the hospital or watched a lot of medical shows on TV, you have probablly seen examples of Nuclear Medicine. Whether it is raditation therapy for cancer or PET or SPECT scans to diagnose patient - these are all apart of nuclear medicine.

Nuclear medicine uses radioactive substances to image the body and treat the disease. In the past, exploratory surgery was the only way to find out what may be causing problems. Now, non-invasive imaging in nuclear medicine produces three-dimensional images of tissue and bone, allowing doctors a way to peek inside the body to find disease or damage as early and accurately as possible.

During a nuclear medicine procedure, a technician injects a small amount of radioactive dye into the IV where it is tracked by a special camera. A computer then sends the data to a screen that produces realistic images of the tissue or bone. When this radiation exits the body, a special camera system is used to detect the gamma rays and then create images which are interpreted by specialists. A written report is sent to your physician for review.

Most patients undergo a nuclear medicine examination because their primary care physician has recommended it. Some common nuclear medicine testing includes assessing the blood flow to the heart and evaluating the bones, skeletal system or function of a patient’s gallbladder. Usually, no special preparation is needed for a nuclear medicine examination. However, if the procedure involves evaluation of the stomach, you may have to fast before the test. If the procedure involves evaluation of the kidneys, you may need to drink plenty of water before the exam.

 Nuclear medicine is useful for detecting:

  • Tumors

  • Aneurysms

  • Irregular or inadequate blood flow to various tissues

  • Blood cell disorders and inadequate functioning of organs, such as thyroid and pulmonary function deficiencies

  • The presence or spread of cancer in various parts of the body

  • Urinary tract obstruction

  • Sites for biopsy

  • Abnormalities in the brain, such as seizures, memory loss and abnormalities in blood flow

If your physician has recommended a nuclear medicine procedure for you, our Nuclear Medicine Department is available Monday, Wednesday and Friday. To schedule an appointment, call 217-322-4321, ext 271.


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