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Reading scan on monitor

Nuclear Medicine


In imaging, nuclear medicine is a method of producing images by detecting radiation from different parts of the body after a radioactive tracer is given to the patient. The images are digitally generated onto a computer and interpreted by the fellowship-trained radiologist for diagnosis.

Pearland
3322 E Walnut St, #105, Pearland, TX 77581 | (713) 797-1919

 

Richmond
3310 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77098 | (713) 797-1919

 

Nuclear Medicine Procedure

When a radiotracer is injected into the body, it builds up in certain areas and go to the area of the body that needs to be examined, such as a cancerous tumor or inflamed area. They can also bind to certain proteins in the body.

Soft tissues, such as intestines, muscles and blood vessels, are hard to see on a standard X-ray. With the use of the radiotracer in nuclear medicine, organ and tissue structures are more visible. The extend to which a tracer is absorbed, or “taken up,” by a certain organ or tissue also shows how well the organ or tissue is working.

Radioactive tracers used in nuclear medicine are, in most cases, injected into a vein. These tracers are not dyes or medicines and they have no side effects. The amount of radiation a patient receives in a typical nuclear medicine scan tends to be very low.

Nuclear imaging is used primarily to diagnose or treat illnesses. Conditions diagnosed by nuclear imaging include:

  • Blood disorders
  • Thyroid disease, including hypothyroidism
  • Heart disease
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Lung problems
  • Bone problems, including infections or breaks
  • Kidney disease, including infections, scars or blockages
  • Cancer

Nuclear medicine imaging can also be used to treat conditions or evaluate how treatment is working.

Locations


Houston Medical Imaging has 14 convenient outpatient radiology centers across the Houston metro area. Find a location near you to schedule your radiology exam.

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