Nuclear Medicine

  • Looks at organ and tissue function
  • Administers a radioactive tracer
  • May require subsequent imaging

Everything to know about Nuclear Medicine

How Nuclear Medicine scans work

Nuclear Medicine scans use a radioactive tracer called a radiopharmaceutical. This radiotracer is usually injected or swallowed, then images are taken using a gamma (SPECT/CT) camera. Different radiotracers are used to assess different parts of the body.

Nuclear Medicine can be used on many parts of the body, including:

  • Bones and joints
  • heart and lungs
  • Gastrointestinal
  • Endoctrine system

What to expect

Nuclear Medicine is a non-invasive way to assess organ function.

When you arrive, a technologist will take a brief medical history. Please bring a list of your medications and any recent imaging you've had. The radioactive tracer will be administered, usually through a vein in the arm. You may be lying on a scanner bed for up to an hour during imaging.

You may also need to return later for delayed imaging. If so, the technologist will give you a time to return.

Request a nuclear medicine appointment
Our locations

The day of the scan

1 - 2 days before the scan
Stop medications if required
Morning of scan
Fast if required
30 - 60 mins procedure
The scan
Up to 4 hrs later
Delayed imaging (time provided on day)
All imaging complete
Time to go home

FAQ