Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine imaging uses very small amounts of radioactive materials to diagnose and treat disease.

It can detect abnormalities much earlier in the onset of disease than other kinds of tests. The procedures are safe, painless, and cost effective.

• Cancer
• Neurological problems
  • Alzheimer's Disease
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Stroke
• Cardiovascular problems
• Liver/Gallbladder disease
• Kidney disease
• Bone problems
  • Fractures
  • Arthritis
  • Osteoporosis

Nuclear Cardiology

A Nuclear Stress Test allows your doctor to evaluate your heart function. An exercise stress test is performed on a treadmill. Or your doctor may order a test that uses medication to mimic the effects of exercise on the heart.

You will be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the exam. You may be asked to stop taking some kinds of medications before the test. A small amount of a tagged (with a tiny amount of radiation) medication will be injected into a vein to make the blood flow in your heart visible to the special camera used for this test. ECG (electrocardiogram) electrodes will be attached to your body to monitor your heart rate.

Two sets of images will be taken to show your heart at rest and under stress. Each set of images will take 15-30 minutes. Be sure to let the person performing the test know if you experience chest pain, palpitation, shortness of breath, or any other symptoms during the exam.

The results of your imaging will be read by a physician experienced in interpreting this type of test result. Your doctor will receive a copy of the report.

Bone Scans

A small amount of a tagged (with a tiny amount of radiation) medication, which your body uses like calcium, allows the scan to determine how much calcium is absorbed by each part of the skeleton. Sick and injured bones tend to take up more calcium as they work to repair themselves.

You may eat and drink normally before the exam. When you report for your scan, the tagged medication will be injected. It will not make you sick or sleepy. The amount of radiation it contains is roughly equivalent to the exposure from common X-rays. It has no side effects.

It takes two hours for the medication to be absorbed by your bones. You may leave the hospital during this waiting period but it is vital that you return on time for the test to be valid. The exam takes about 1 hour.

The Radiologist will interpret your scan and report to your doctor.

Diagnostic Imaging - Nuclear Medicine
2nd Floor Medical Pavilion
Hunt Regional Medical Center
903-408-5005