WHAT IS NUCLEAR MEDICINE?
Nuclear medicine imaging uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers that are injected into the bloodstream. The radiotracer travels through the area being examined and gives off energy which is detected by a special camera to create images of your body. The special camera and imaging techniques used in nuclear medicine include the gamma camera with single-photon emission-computed tomography that is interfaced with a low dose CT scanner (SPECT/CT).
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Nuclear medicine imaging provides unique information and offers the potential to identify disease in its earliest stages. Nuclear medicine scans have helped improved millions of lives over the past 50 years. Apart from an injection of radiotracer, nuclear medicine scans are non-invasive and safe. The amounts of radioactivity administered are relatively small and are designed to provide the highest quality diagnostic information possible while minimizing the radiation dose.
You can go about your day as normal after any nuclear medicine scan.
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Tell your doctor if there’s a possibility you are pregnant or breastfeeding and discuss any recent illnesses, medical conditions, allergies and medications you’re taking.
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Your results will be ready between 2-7 business days. Our nuclear medicine technologists, scientists and physicians will process your scans and create report which is then sent directly to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the report with you when you have your next appointment.
OUR NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND IMAGING SERVICES
These scans allow visualisation of blood flow through your heart to detect any areas of poor blood flow or ischemia. They involve a resting phase and a stress phase which allow doctors to compare the blood flow to your heart when you are at rest and when you exercise.
Myocardial Perfusion scans
These scans are used to find fractures, infections or loosening of prosthetics, or to identify metastatic bone disease.
Bone Scans
A thyroid scan is used to assess the function of your thyroid to see if it is over or under active. It is also used to identify abnormalities such as nodules.
Thyroid Scans
This scan is used to show us the size, shape and location of your 4 parathyroid glands which sit very closely to your thyroid scan in your neck. Like the thyroid gland, the parathyroid glands produce hormones and this scan is used to check if they are over or under active.
Parathyroid scans
Lung perfusion scans are used to detect pulmonary abnormalities such as pulmonary embolisms, bronchial carcinoma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Lung Perfusions Scans
Renal scintigraphy scans are used to evaluate your kidneys’ function, anatomy and drainage of the urinary system to identify any blockages or functional abnormalities.
Renal Scans
A HIDA scan, or Hepatobiliary scan is used to capture images of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and small intestine to help diagnose medical conditions related to those organs such as cholecystitis, bile duct blockages, bile leaks and fistulas, or abnormal connections between different organs.
HIDA Scans
Lymphoscintigraphy is an imaging technique used to identify the lymph drainage and lymph nodes that drain tumours in your lymphatic system. Radiotracer flow through the lymphatic system can also help identify points of blockages or lymphedema.
Lympho-
scintigraphy
A Gated Heart Pool Scan is a scan that helps determine how efficiently a part of your heart called the ventricles is contracting.
Gated blood pool scan
A Gallium Scan is used to detect and assess the extent of any infections in the body, as well as certain types of cancer such as Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and Sarcoidosis.
Gallium Scans
A DEXA Bone Mineral Density Scan is determines how rich your bones are in minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. The higher the mineral content, the denser and stronger your bones are
Bone Mineral Density Scans (DEXA)
A DEXA body composition scan is used to determine relative masses of fat, muscle and bone to provide insight into your body composition and improve fitness outcomes. You do not need a referral from a doctor to book this scan.
Body Composition Scans (DEXA)
A full suite of additional nuclear medicine examinations are available.
Please contact our team for further information.
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