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Nuclear Medicine
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WHAT IS NUCLEAR MEDICINE ?
Nuclear Medicine is a medical specialty that uses safe, painless
and cost-effective techniques both to image the body and treat
disease. Nuclear Medicine imaging is unique in that it provides
information on both the function and structure of an organ or
tissue, unlike an x-ray, which looks at the structure alone.
Nuclear Medicine uses very small amounts of radiopharmaceuticals
(tracers) to diagnose and treat a variety of diseases. When
introduced into the body by injection, swallowing or inhalation,
these tracers produce emissions, which are picked up by a
special piece of equipment called Gamma camera. The camera
transforms the emissions into images that are studied by
experienced Physicians.
Nuclear Medicine tests (also called Scans) are extremely safe
procedures. For example, the amount of radiation from a Nuclear
Medicine procedure is comparable to that received during a
diagnostic x-ray. These studies are, however, not recommended in
pregnancy because unborn babies have greater sensitivity to
radiation than children or adults.
The radioactive tracers you are given remains in your body for a
short period and is cleaned through natural bodily functions.
Drinking plenty of fluids after the test will help eliminate the
material rapidly.
Remove jewelry, coins, belts and any other metal objects prior
to the examination.
You should be able to resume your normal daily activities after
the tests.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to discuss
them with Nuclear Medicine Physician before the examination
begins. When the examination is completed, the Nuclear Medicine
Physician will report on the images, and discuss the results
with your Doctor. Your doctor will then explain the test results
to you.
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