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Nuclear Medicine is the use of very small amounts of radioactive material to diagnose – and sometimes treat – disease. Nuclear medicine can provide:
- Accurate images that help healthcare professionals study organs and tissues.
- Valuable information on how organs and tissues work.
- Therapy as a way of fighting some diseases.
How does nuclear medicine work?
In general, the basic procedure involves 5 steps:
- The patient receives a radioactive material called an isotope by injection or mouth.
- The isotope travels to target organs and tissues. Different isotopes are matched with different compounds that go to specific organs and tissues.
- The isotope gives off gamma rays—a form of radiation that can be seen only with special equipment.
- Special equipment provides images and readings of target organs and tissues. This equipment does not give off any radiation.
- The images and readings are studied by a radiologist and the patient’s healthcare provider.
Preparing for the exam.
Preparing for the exam is easy. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you should prepare. You may also call Fort Sanders West Diagnostic Center at (865) 531-5400 if you have any questions. Please inform the technologist if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
During the exam . . .
A nuclear medicine exam is simple. Our technologists will position you on an exam table and, in most cases, you may wear your own clothing or change into a gown.
The Nuclear Medicine Services of Fort Sanders offers a patient a friendly environment dedicated to performing the highest quality nuclear medicine exams. Our nuclear medicine technologist is registered by CNMT