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Nuclear medicine involves the use of small amounts of radioactive materials (or tracers) to help diagnose and treat a variety of diseases. Nuclear medicine determines the cause of the medical problem based on the function of the organ, tissue or bone. |
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Millions of nuclear medicine tests are performed each year in the United States alone. Nuclear medicine tests (also known as scans, examinations, or procedures) are safe and painless. In a nuclear medicine test, the radioactive material is introduced into the body by injection or swallowing. Generally, nuclear medicine tests are not recommended for pregnant women because unborn babies have a greater sensitivity to radiation than children or adults. If you are pregnant or think that you may be pregnant, your doctor may order a different type of diagnostic test.
No Preparations Required
Click here to view types of Nuclear Medicine procedures that do not require any special preparation.
Certain types of Nuclear Medicine procedures require special preparations.
Special Preparations Required
Click here to learn important information about special preparations for certain types of Nuclear Medicine tests, including the following exam types:
- Brain Imaging
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Gallium Scan
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HIDA/Gallbladder Scan
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Liver/Spleen Scan
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Meckel's Scan
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Renal Scan with Captopril
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Thyroid Metastases Study (Whole Body 1-131 Study)
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Thyroid Scan and Uptake (1-123 Radionuclide Iodine Uptake)
Other guidelines to consider for studies that involve radiopharmaceutical administration:
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