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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.

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
Gallium Scan
HIDA/Gallbladder Scan
Liver/Spleen Scan
Meckel's Scan
Renal Scan with Captopril
Thyroid Metastases Study (Whole Body 1-131 Study)
Thyroid Scan and Uptake (1-123 Radionuclide Iodine Uptake)

Other guidelines to consider for studies that involve radiopharmaceutical administration:

If you are pregnant, or think you are, tell your doctor because radioiodine should not be given during pregnancy. If you are planning to become pregnant, ask your doctor how long you should wait after the treatment.
If you have been breastfeeding your baby, you must stop because radioiodine is secreted in breast milk. Talk to your doctor to find out when you can resume breastfeeding.