Nuclear Medicine in Artesia
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Overview
Advanced Imaging That Shows How Your Body is Functioning
Nuclear medicine is a unique and powerful branch of medical imaging that provides information unavailable through other techniques. While scans like CTs and X-rays reveal physical structure—what your organs look like—nuclear medicine shows physiological function—how your organs are working.
This is accomplished by administering a tiny, safe amount of a radioactive material, called a radiotracer, into your body. This tracer is designed to collect in a specific organ or tissue. A special gamma camera then detects the energy emitted by the tracer, creating detailed images of biological processes. This allows our physicians to diagnose diseases in their earliest stages, often before they would be visible on other scans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the radioactive material used in nuclear medicine safe?
Yes. The amount of radiotracer used is extremely small and exposes you to about the same amount of radiation as you would receive from a standard CT scan. The tracer is designed to lose its radioactivity quickly and is eliminated from your body naturally within a day or two. Our facility is ACR-accredited, ensuring we follow the strictest safety protocols.
What are some common reasons to have a nuclear medicine scan?
Nuclear medicine is used to diagnose a wide variety of conditions. Common exams include cardiac stress tests to check blood flow to the heart, bone scans to detect hidden fractures or cancer, HIDA scans to evaluate gallbladder function, and thyroid scans to analyze how the thyroid gland is working.
How is the radiotracer given?
Most often, the radiotracer is injected into a vein in your arm. For some scans, it might be given as a liquid to drink or a gas to inhale. You will not feel the tracer working inside your body.
How long does a nuclear medicine scan take?
This varies widely depending on the exam. After receiving the tracer, you may need to wait anywhere from a few minutes to several hours for it to accumulate in the target organ. The actual imaging time with the camera can then range from 20 minutes to over an hour. Our team will give you a clear time estimate for your specific procedure.
Do I need to do anything special after my scan?
Usually, no special precautions are needed. You can typically resume all normal activities immediately. We recommend drinking plenty of water for the 24 hours following your scan to help flush the tracer from your system more quickly.
