Nuclear Medicine

Bone, Thyroid, Hemangioma, Parathyroid, Gastric Emptying, Tumor Imaging, MUGA, Gallium, Kidney.

NM Scintigraphy scans are diagnostic examinations in which a trace amount of radioactive material is injected and travels through the bloodstream to the target organ. These tracers transmit a pattern of gamma rays representing the organ size, shape and function. The rays are detected by a special gamma camera which when coupled with a computer produce a characteristic image on a screen. The radiation dose is quite small, with half the dose out of the body in 6 hours and almost all is gone in 24 hours.

Our equipment permits whole body and spot imaging. The patient will be asked to rest on a padded table during the examination. Studies of the liver/spleen, gallbladder, kidneys and breast are performed right after the injection. Bone scans are performed between 2 and 3 hours after, and a gallium scan is performed 2 to 3 days after receiving the agent.

Normally, there is little or no preparation required. Our office staff will inform you of any specific instructions. If the patient is breast-feeding or pregnant, please let the scheduler know before booking the examination.