Nuclear medicine

General Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine images body functions based on energy emitted by a radioactive substance ingested prior to examination. Involving only a small dose of radiation (about equivalent to the amount in a regular x-ray) that carries near zero risk of allergic reaction, nuclear medicine is a non-invasive alternative to exploratory surgery. The main drawback is the amount of time needed for each test – absorption of the radioactive material can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, and the scan itself can last as long as three hours.

First, the radioactive material (called a tracer) required for imaging is administered orally or by intravenous injection. Once inside the body, the tracer spreads, collects in certain areas and reacts with body tissue to produce gamma radiation. After sufficient time has elapsed for full absorption of the tracer, the patient lies down on the scanning table and is placed beneath or within the scanning device. Cameras detect the emitted gamma radiation, and a computer processes and displays the images.

Neither the injected tracer nor the scans themselves cause any pain, although there may be some discomfort associated with the actual injection, with having to lie still during the scan, or (if one is necessary) with a catheter placed in the bladder.

Nuclear Thyroid Scan

A nuclear thyroid scan is a minimally invasive nuclear medicine procedure that uses a radioactive iodine tracer and images taken by a gamma camera to see how well the thyroid gland is working.

Where do you offer this procedure?

Kingsway Diagnostic Imaging

Who is this procedure for?

This procedure is commonly used to determine the size, shape and position of the thyroid gland, as well as its function and any nodules or lumps in the area. The results of this procedure can help diagnose an overactive thyroid gland, cancer and other thyroid problems. A nuclear thyroid scan can also be used to determine the efficiency of cancer treatments or if thyroid cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

What happens during this procedure?

During a nuclear thyroid scan, the radioactive tracer material is administered through intravenous injection, swallowing or inhaled as a gas. Depending on the method of intake, a short waiting period may be required to allow the tracer to travel through the body. The patient will then lie on a moveable table and will move through the exam system so that images of the thyroid gland can be taken from three different angles with a gamma camera. This procedure takes less than 30 minutes to perform.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

The results of this procedure cannot be obtained from any other type of imaging procedure, and are often useful in making an accurate diagnosis for a wide range of thyroid conditions. A nuclear thyroid scan is also a less expensive and less invasive alternative to exploratory surgery.