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 Nuclear Medicine 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 remain in your body for a short period and are cleaned through natural bodily functions. Drinking plenty of fluids after the test will help eliminate the material rapidly. 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.

The Nuclear Medicine Department in Al Noor Hospital-Airport Road is the only department in private healthcare in Abu Dhabi to provide such specialized services