Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine tests involve analyzing functionality, structure and disease in organs, bones or tissue, by using radio-isotopes and special cameras.

Nuclear medicine is a specialized area of healthcare that involves the application of radioactive substances to help in the diagnosis and treatment of many different conditions and diseases.

A radioactive compound, known as a radiopharmaceutical, is used to target a particular organ to help it appear clearly in the image. To do this, depending on your procedure, the radio-isotope will usually be injected into your bloodstream. The images will either be taken immediately or after a period of time, depending on what is required for your procedure.

Depending on what type of examination you are having, you may have images completed right away. You may have to come back to the department within a few hours to have your images taken. For certain examinations, you may even have to come back on different days.

The images will be sent to a radiologist who will analyze them. Your doctor will receive the results in approximately seven – 10 days, and discuss them with you. Please note that the person conducting the test will not be able to give you the results of your test. Only a doctor, primary care provider, or specialist can provide you with that information.