Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine performs diagnostic imaging to look at the function of organs and detect diseases in the body. A radioactive material is injected into the arm or given by mouth so imaging may be performed. The material will not make you sick and gives off about the same amount of radiation as a chest x-ray.
Do I need a physician’s order to get a nuclear medicine exam?
Yes, your physician must order the nuclear medicine exam. If you are given a written order (script) for your test, bring it with you or the exam may be delayed.
Is the injection a dye?
No, it is a radioactive material and it does not have side effects like some dyes.
Can I take my medications?
With most nuclear medicine exams, taking medications will not interfere with the test. However, medications may interfere with stress tests or thyroid scans. Check with the Nuclear Medicine Department if you are not sure.
How much radiation am I getting?
Most scans will give the amount of radiation similar to one chest x-ray. Therapy doses and PET scans provide more radiation but are still within safe limits as required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Appointments
Hours
Monday through Friday: 6 am to 4 pm