Nuclear medicine is a specialized area of radiology that uses very small amounts of radioactive materials, or radiopharmaceuticals, to examine organ function and structure. This branch of radiology is often used to help diagnose and treat abnormalities very early in the progression of a disease. Nuclear imaging enables visualization of organ and tissue structure as well as function. The extent to which a radiopharmaceutical is absorbed, or “taken up,” by a particular organ or tissue may indicate the level of function of the organ or tissue being studied.
SERVICES
- PET Scan – reveals the metabolic or biochemical function of your tissues and organs. Able to identify a variety of conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and brain disorders.
- Esophogram – evaluates the esophagus for patients experiencing frequent heartburn, gastric reflux, aspiration, difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing.
- Cystogram – a procedure used to visualize the urinary bladder.
- Modified Barium Swallow – evaluates the ability to swallow safely and effectively
- Myelogram – detect pathology of the spinal cord, including the location of a spinal cord injury, cysts, and tumors.
- Upper GI Scan (UGI) – examination of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- Bone Scan – shows the effects of injury or disease or infection on the bones.
- MUGA Scan – evaluate the pumping function of the ventricles (lower chambers of the heart)
- Lymphoscintigraphy – evaluate your body’s lymphatic system for disease
- Hepatobiliary Imaging