Nuclear Medicine Unit Nuclear medicine studies provide information about the function of specific organs. Red blood cells or small proteins are tagged with a special tracer, and the machine records how the tracer is carried through or metabolized by the body. Usually, studies are performed to diagnose a disease or determine if the organ is functioning properly. In some cases, radiation is used to treat a condition, such as an overactive thyroid or thyroid cancer. What is Radiation Radiation is a type of energy which comes from both natural and man-made sources. Examples of natural radiation include light and heat. Man-made radiation is used daily in microwave ovens as well as radio waves. Everyone is exposed to natural background ionizing which comes from outer space, the sun, the earth, the air, our food and drink, and from building materials such as concrete, bricks and mortar. Is Nuclear Medicine Safe Nuclear medicine is safe because the radioactive tracers, or radiopharmaceuticals, used are quickly eliminated from the body in the urine or stool. The dose of radiation is very small and the tracers lose their activity very quickly. The amount of radiation exposure is typically less than a bicoastal airplane trip. Airline personnel can get as much radiation exposure as our patients get in all of their diagnostic tests combined. Indications Nuclear medicine scans can study any organ in the body, including the bloodstream. The most common tests are scans of the bones, heart, lungs, kidneys, gallbladder, and thyroid. The purpose of these exams is to analyze kidney function, visualize heart blood flow and function, scan lungs for pulmonary embolism (blood clot), evaluate the gallbladder for inflammation (cholecystitis) or poor function, evaluate bones for fractures, infection, arthritis and tumors, determine the presence or spread of cancer in various parts of the body, identify location of bleeding in the bowel confirm and identify the location of infection, measure thyroid function in patients with symptoms of overactive or under active thyroid, and localize abnormal lymph nodes before surgery in patients with breast cancer or melanoma. What to Expect Depending on the scan ordered, the radiopharmaceutical may be given through an injection into the vein, swallowed, or inhaled through a nebulizer. The radiopharmaceutical will eventually concentrate in the organ of interest. A special camera called a gamma detector will be positioned close to the part of the body that is being scanned. The information is sent to a computer which processes and analyzes the amount and distribution of radiopharmaceutical in your body. The computer can display reconstructions or measurements. Depending on the test, the scan may be performed immediately or after a few days. Some scans may require multiple visits. The radiopharmaceutical will naturally lose its radioactivity over time. It may pass out of your body through your urine or stool during the first few hours or days following the test. You may be instructed to take special precautions after urinating, to flush the toilet twice and to wash your hands thoroughly. You should also drink plenty of water. Preparation You may be asked to switch into a gown for the procedure. You should inform the technologist of all medications that you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. They will ask you about recent surgeries, medical conditions, and history of cancer. You should tell the technologist if you have any allergies. Also, let them know if you have diabetes or have had a blood test that detected abnormal kidney function at any time in your past. You should always inform the technologist about any possibility that you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding. They will give you special instructions for these two conditions. Jewelry and any other items with metal should be left at home since they can interfere with the study. You will be offered a locker to store personal items prior to the exam. You will receive specific instructions on the day of your scan. If you are having a radioactive iodine (I-131) treatment, you will be given advance instruction and will meet with the radiologist on the day of the exam. Information The Radiology Information Resource for Patient Nuclear Medicine Locations • Memorial Regional Medical Center • Richmond Community Hospital • St. Francis Medical Center • St. Mary's Hospital Commonwealth Radiology, P.C. 1508 Willow Lawn Dr. Ste. 117 Richmond, Virginia 23230 804-288-8327 www.commonwealthradiology.com