Nuclear medicine is a specialized imaging technology that uses small amounts of radioactive material called radiotracers (or radioisotopes) to evaluate various organ systems. Radiotracers can come in the form of a pill, injection, or gas depending on the body part being imaged. It allows radiologists to diagnose many conditions in their earliest stages.
When would nuclear medicine be the best option?
Nuclear medicine is safe, fast, effective, non-invasive, and painless. It uses only a small amount of radiation – just enough to create the images. Radiologists can use radiotracers to see the internal structures of the body as they work and function. Nuclear Medicine can be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease, evaluate transplant organs or even monitor cancer treatment.
Are there other ways in which Nuclear Medicine is used?
In addition to being a useful diagnostic tool, nuclear medicine can also be used as a therapeutic procedure for some forms of cancers such as those of the thyroid.
Learn how nuclear medicine can be useful for you.