WHAT IS NUCLEAR MEDICINE?

Nuclear medicine imaging uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers that are injected into the bloodstream. The radiotracer travels through the area being examined and gives off energy which is detected by a special camera to create images of your body. The special camera and imaging techniques used in nuclear medicine include the gamma camera with single-photon emission-computed tomography that is interfaced with a low dose CT scanner (SPECT/CT).

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Nuclear medicine imaging provides unique information and offers the potential to identify disease in its earliest stages. Nuclear medicine scans have helped improved millions of lives over the past 50 years. Apart from an injection of radiotracer, nuclear medicine scans are non-invasive and safe. The amounts of radioactivity administered are relatively small and are designed to provide the highest quality diagnostic information possible while minimizing the radiation dose.

You can go about your day as normal after any nuclear medicine scan. 

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Tell your doctor if there’s a possibility you are pregnant or breastfeeding and discuss any recent illnesses, medical conditions, allergies and medications you’re taking. 

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Your results will be ready between 2-7 business days. Our nuclear medicine technologists, scientists and physicians will process your scans and create report which is then sent directly to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the report with you when you have your next appointment.