Nuclear Medicine
A special kind of imaging, nuclear medicine creates images of the body and its functions by capturing the energy of a safe radioactive substance as it flows through the body. It's used to detect tumors and infection by bringing to light a number of bodily processes from kidney function to blood flow through the heart and lungs. Nuclear medicine can also be used to find blockages in the gallbladder and bleeding into the bowel.
Dukes Memorial Hospital offers nuclear medicine studies including nuclear cardiology (such as stress tests), SPECT (offering several types of imaging in one machine) and tumor-seeking isotope studies. In addition, isotope therapy for thyroid disease and bone cancer is available. Nuclear medicine involves injecting small amounts of radioactive isotopes to highlight internal organs, cardiac function or suspected bone abnormalities. You will receive instructions based on the type of test you're having. You may be asked to wear a gown or you may be able to wear your own clothes. Many nuclear medicine studies are performed with a gamma camera, which detects small amounts of radiotracers and creates images. SPECT cameras revolve around the body and combine aspects of CT scanning with nuclear medicine images for more detailed views.
For more information, please call: (765) 472-8000