Nuclear Medicine Center

PET Scan Services  is one of the most sophisticated and least invasive ways to diagnose disease and monitor treatment. Using a combination of chemistry, physics, mathematics and computer technology, this specialty uses tiny amounts of a special type of radioactive substance to provide important health information that other tests cannot show.

How Nuclear Imaging Helps Doctors Diagnose Hard-to-Detect Conditions

In a nuclear scan, the tracer is injected into a vein or swallowed and then travels to specific areas of your body. It then emits radiation, called gamma rays, that are detected by specially designed cameras. The images are then digitally processed and interpreted by a nuclear medicine physician to make a diagnosis.

Different types of nuclear scans include Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography or SPECT and Positron Emission Tomography or PET. These scans give your doctor a clear picture of how your organs and tissues are working. For example, a SPECT scan may reveal if your thyroid gland or heart is not functioning correctly. It can also detect bone problems, such as an infection or a break.

The tracers used for nuclear medicine are FDA-approved and meet strict standards for safety and performance. Although the tracers are radioactive, the amount of radiation you receive from a nuclear medicine test is very low and does not increase your risk for cancer. You should talk to your doctor if you have concerns about radiation exposure from medical imaging exams. They will be able to answer any questions you have.