Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive material combined with a carrier molecule. This compound is called a radiotracer or radiopharmaceutical. Doctors use nuclear medicine tests to diagnose, evaluate, and treat various diseases. These include cancer, heart disease, gastrointestinal, endocrine, or neurological disorders.
When a radiotracer is injected into the body, it builds up in certain areas of the body. Radiotracers go to the area of the body that need to be examined, such as a cancerous tumor or an inflamed area. They can also bind to certain proteins in the body.
Doctors use nuclear medicine imaging procedures to see what’s happening at a cellular level and to better understand how the body is functioning.
In adults, doctors use nuclear medicine to:
Heart
Lungs
Bones
Brain
Other Body Systems
Doctors also use nuclear medicine to:
Cancer
Renal
Before arriving
Tell your doctor, the scheduler and the technologist if you're pregnant or might be pregnant.
Women should always tell their doctor and technologist if they are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Tell the scheduler, doctor and technologist about any medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. List any allergies, recent illnesses, and other medical conditions.
Leave jewelry and accessories at home or remove them prior to the exam. These objects may interfere with the procedure.
Your doctor or the scheduler will tell you how to prepare for your specific exam.
During the test
You may wear a gown, or the technologist may allow you to wear your own clothing during the exam.
Nuclear medicine scans may be performed on many organs and tissues of the body. Each type of scan employs certain technology, radionuclides, and procedures.
A nuclear medicine scan consists of 3 phases: tracer (radionuclide) administration, taking images, and image interpretation. The amount of time between administration of the tracer and the taking of the images may range from a few moments to a few days. The time depends on the body tissue being examined and the tracer being used. Some scans are completed in minutes, while others may need the patient to return a few times over the course of several days.
One of the most commonly performed nuclear medicine exams is a heart scan.
What does the equipment look like?
Gamma Camera
The gamma camera detects the energy from the radiotracer in your body and converts it into an image. The gamma camera itself does not emit any radiation. It has radiation detectors called gamma camera heads. These are often shaped like a box and attached to a round, donut-shaped gantry. The patient lies on an exam table that slides in between two gamma camera heads that are above and below the patient. Sometimes, the doctor will place the gamma camera heads at a 90-degree angle over the patient's body.
SPECHT
In SPECT, the camera heads rotate around the patient's body to produce highly detailed, 3D images.
You will lie on an exam table. A nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) catheter into a vein in your hand or arm.
You will receive an injection of the radiotracer. Or you may swallow it or inhale it as a gas.
The radiotracer will travel through your body and build up in the area of your body being studied. This may take anywhere from several seconds to several days. Your doctor will tell you when imaging will begin and how long the procedure will last.
When imaging begins, the camera or scanner will take a series of images. The camera may rotate around you or stay in one position. You may need to change positions during the test. You will need to remain still for brief periods. In some cases, the camera may move very close to your body. This is necessary to get the best quality images. Tell the technologist if you have a fear of closed spaces.
The length of time for nuclear medicine test varies. The actual imaging time ranges from 20 minutes to several hours. Your test may be done over a period of several days.
After the exam, you may need to wait to make sure no more images are needed.
If you have an intravenous (IV) line for the procedure, your technologist will remove it. If you have another procedure scheduled for the same day, your IV will be left it in place.
What will I experience during and after the procedure?
Except for intravenous injections, most nuclear medicine procedures are painless. Significant discomfort and side effects are rare.
You will feel a slight pin prick when the technologist inserts the needle into your vein for the intravenous line. You may feel a cold sensation moving up your arm during the radiotracer injection. Generally, there are no other side effects.
Radiotracers have little or no taste. Inhaling a radiotracer feels no different than breathing the air around you.
It is important to remain still during the exam. Nuclear imaging causes no pain. However, having to remain still or in one position for long periods may cause discomfort.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you may resume your normal activities after your exam.
A technologist, nurse, or doctor will provide you with any necessary special instructions before you leave.
The small amount of radiotracer in your body will lose its radioactivity over time through the natural process of radioactive decay. Much of it will pass out of your body through your urine or stool the first few hours and days after your test. Drink plenty of water to help flush the radiotracer out of your body. You will need to follow safety precautions to keep from exposing other people to radiation.
Risks
RESULTS
Brighton’s board-certified radiologist studies your Nuclear Medicine exam and provides the results to your doctor.