Attention New Patients
Save time by printing and filling out our new patient packet : PDF
If you have further questions, feel free to call our office at
(702) 732 - 6000
Nuclear medicine is available at the following SDMI locations:
What is Nuclear Medicine?
Common uses of this procedure.
How does it work?
Benefits vs. Risks of a Nuclear Medicine procedure.
Patient Comfort.
Preparation required.
After the test.
Results of the test.
I am ready to schedule an appointment.
Common uses of this procedure.
How does it work?
Benefits vs. Risks of a Nuclear Medicine procedure.
Patient Comfort.
Preparation required.
After the test.
Results of the test.
I am ready to schedule an appointment.
TOP
Nuclear medicine is a branch of radiology that uses radioactive materials to determine if certain organs such as the heart, kidneys, liver, thyroid, brain and lungs are working properly. It is also used to examine the bones for cancer, infection or trauma.
A unique aspect of a nuclear medicine test is its extreme sensitivity to abnormalities in an organ's structure or function. As an integral part of patient care, nuclear medicine is used in the diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of serious disease. Nuclear medicine imaging procedures often identify abnormalities very early in the progression of a disease --long before some medical problems are apparent with other diagnostic test. This early detection allows a disease to be treated early in its course when there may be a more successful prognosis.
Although nuclear medicine is commonly used for diagnostic purposes, it also has valuable therapeutic applications such as treatment of hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, blood imbalances, and pain relief from certain types of bone cancer.
Although nuclear medicine is commonly used for diagnostic purposes, it also has valuable therapeutic applications such as treatment of hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, blood imbalances, and pain relief from certain types of bone cancer.
Before the test begins you will be given a small amount of radioactive material called a radioisotope, this will be injected or swallowed. There should be little or no discomfort involved in the test. Nuclear medicine procedures are safe, effective and painless.
How the test is performed depends on the type of scan your physician has ordered. In many cases there will be a delay between the time you are given the isotope and the time the scan is actually made. This allows the isotope time to flow through the body and concentrate in the organ that is being examined. In some cases, a series of scans will be taken with a delay of an hour or two between them.
By tracking the isotope as it moves through the organ, it can give your doctor invaluable information about how a specific bodily organ is working.
In most studies the patient lies comfortably on a table. A large camera is positioned over the body and is moved or rotated around the patient depending on the test. The camera senses the radioactive substance and highlights and displays this information on a screen or film.
How the test is performed depends on the type of scan your physician has ordered. In many cases there will be a delay between the time you are given the isotope and the time the scan is actually made. This allows the isotope time to flow through the body and concentrate in the organ that is being examined. In some cases, a series of scans will be taken with a delay of an hour or two between them.
By tracking the isotope as it moves through the organ, it can give your doctor invaluable information about how a specific bodily organ is working.
In most studies the patient lies comfortably on a table. A large camera is positioned over the body and is moved or rotated around the patient depending on the test. The camera senses the radioactive substance and highlights and displays this information on a screen or film.
| Benefits | Risks |
| Nuclear medicine is a safe, painless, and cost-effective way of gathering information that may otherwise be unavailable or require more expensive and risky diagnostic test | |
| Nuclear medicine imaging procedures often identify abnormalities very early in the progression of a disease --long before some medical problems are apparent with other diagnostic test. This early detection allows a disease to be treated early in its course when there may be a more successful prognosis. | |
| Nuclear medicine imaging procedures often identify abnormalities very early in the progression of a disease --long before some medical problems are apparent with other diagnostic test. This early detection allows a disease to be treated early in its course when there may be a more successful prognosis. |
Unless your doctor advises otherwise, you may resume normal diet and activities immediately.
There is no general set of instructions for all nuclear medicine examinations. Your physician will give you instructions on how to prepare for the exam. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure the most accurate diagnostic results. Nuclear Medicine studies are not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers.
The patient may leave immediately following the exam because the Nuclear Medicine has no side effects.
At SDMI, we have a radiologist on site at all times so the test will be interpreted promptly. The results will be phoned, faxed, mailed, or delivered electronically to the referring physician. He/she will share the results with the patient.
To schedule a Nuclear Medicine exam with SDMI, please call 732 - 6000.
For Scheduling call
(702) 732 - 6000
(702) 732 - 6000
For Scheduling call
(702) 732 - 6000
(702) 732 - 6000
For Scheduling call
(702) 732 - 6000
(702) 732 - 6000
For Scheduling call
(702) 732 - 6000
(702) 732 - 6000
For Scheduling call
(702) 732 - 6000
(702) 732 - 6000
For Scheduling call
(702) 732 - 6000
(702) 732 - 6000
For Scheduling call
(702) 732 - 6000
(702) 732 - 6000
