Nuclear Medicine

In nuclear medicine, very small, safe doses of radioactive material are administered by mouth, IV, or they are inhaled as a gas. They then localize in a specific organ and special cameras produce images of organ function. At Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital Diagnostic Imaging Centers, we use nuclear medicine to detect tumors, infections and other disorders.

How is Nuclear Medicine performed?

You will be positioned on an examination table. If necessary, a nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm.  Depending on the type of nuclear medicine exam you are undergoing, the dose of radiotracer is then injected intravenously, swallowed or inhaled as a gas.

It can take anywhere from several seconds to several days for the radiotracer to travel through your body and accumulate in the organ or area being studied. As a result, imaging may be done immediately, a few hours later, or even several days after you have received the radioactive material.

A camera will take a series of images either by rotating around you or by staying in one position and you will be asked to change positions in between images. While the camera is taking pictures, you will need to remain still for brief periods of time.

The length of time for nuclear medicine procedures varies greatly, depending on the type of exam. Actual scanning time for nuclear imaging exams can take from 20 minutes to several hours and may be conducted over several days.

How do I prepare for a Nuclear Medicine procedure?

You will receive specific instructions based on the type of scan you are undergoing. Women should always inform their physician or technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant or if they are breastfeeding their baby.

You should inform your physician and the technologist performing your exam of any medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. You should also inform them if you have any allergies and about recent illnesses or other medical conditions.

Jewelry and other metallic accessories should be left at home if possible, or removed prior to the exam because they may interfere with the procedure.

 

For more information, please contact your physician or our main Radiology (Diagnostic Imaging) office at (847) 535-6300.