This division of Diagnostic Imaging performs diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures as well as bone mineral density testing.
In diagnostic nuclear medicine, radiopharmaceutical, formulated to target specific organs, bone or tissues, is introduced into the body. The radioactivity emits gamma rays from the patient's body. These signals are mapped using highly specialized "gamma cameras," creating an image on photographic film. Most nuclear medicine studies today are further processed with the aid of computer digitization and manipulation of these images.
Nuclear medicine scans provide unique information about both the structure and the function of major organ systems within the body.
The sensitivity of these studies means that the diagnosis can be made at an earlier stage in the progression of the disease.
Therapeutic nuclear medicine is also performed in our department.
Bone mineral density testing is performed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). A scan is taken of both the patient's hip and lower spine using a small x-ray source. With input from the technologist, a computer analyzes the strength (density) of the bone from the images presented. Your doctor is then provided with a baseline measure of bone health. Osteoporotic patients may be treated and the results of the therapy can be followed up with subsequent scanning.
Imaging tests include the following:
- biliary tract study
- bone mineral density testing
- cisternogram
- dacrocystogram
- gallium
- gastric empting study
- hemangioma scan
- liver/spleen scan
- lung ventilation and perfusion scanning
- Mechel's diverticulum study
- voiding cystouretergram
- thyroid uptake and scan
- thyroid treatment (hyperthyroidism)
- salivary gland scan
- Schillings test
- renal scanning
- parathyroid scan
Hours
- Nuclear Medicine - 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
- Bone Density - 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Contact
- Senior Technologist
- Phone: 743-2121 Ext. 3338
Related Links
- Society of Nuclear Medicine