Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of a radioactive material called radiopharmaceuticals, or radiotracers. The radiotracer is injected into the body, swallowed, or inhaled as a gas. It eventually accumulates in the organ or area of the body being examined, and a special camera detects the radioactive emissions from the radiotracer, providing pictures and detailed molecular information. Optimized radiation doses are comparable to that of an x-ray.

Because nuclear medicine procedures are able to pinpoint molecular activity within the body, they offer the potential to identify disease in its earliest stages, as well as a patient’s immediate response to therapeutic intervention.

Studies Include:

• Bone Scan
• SPECT Bone Scans
• Bowel Imaging
• Brain Scans
• Cardiac Stress Testing
• Disease and Treatment Monitoring
• Gastric Emptying
• HIDA Scans
• MUGA Scans
• V/Q Lung Scans
• Liver/Spleen Studies
• Parathyroid Scans
• Renal Scans
• Radio-immunotherapy
• Sports Injuries
• Thyroid Scans
• Thyroid Therapy
• Tumor Studies

Technology

Jupiter Medical Center utilizes the Infinia™ Nuclear Medicine Scanner from GE and offers state-of-the-art Infinia dual head cameras. This technology offers highly detailed image quality with SPECT/CT system for multi-modality imaging.

The table is ergonomically designed for a comfortable patient experience, allowing patients to easily hold still, ensuring high-quality studies and low likelihood of re-scans.

If you are scheduled for a Nuclear Medicine exam please review the Nuclear Medicine Prep Sheet and complete the Medication Reconciliation Sheet.