Nuclear Medicine

A nuclear medicine image or scan involves the intravenous injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer. After a variable waiting time, images are taken from several angles with a scintillation camera. Since the radioactive drugs are very low concentration, reactions are nonexistent and the radiation dose is approximately equal to that of a chest X-ray.

Preparation
Most nuclear exams require no preparation.

Length of Procedure
Most Nuclear Medicine studies require approximately 45 minutes to one hour of imaging time. However, some procedures require a time between injection of the material and the actual imaging.

Special Notes
Ask your doctor for details on your procedure.