Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses safe, painless, cost-effective techniques to document the structure and function of organs inside the body. An integral part of patient care at ChristianaCare, nuclear medicine is used in the diagnosis and management of diseases. For example, a positron emission tomography test, or PET scan, is often used to evaluate cancer, check blood flow or see how organs are working.
Nuclear medicine uses a very small amount of radioactive materials —called radiopharmaceuticals —to diagnose and treat disease. Radiopharmaceuticals are substances that are attached to specific organs, bones or tissues. The radiopharmaceuticals emit gamma rays that can be detected externally by special types of cameras: gamma or PET cameras. These cameras work in conjunction with computers to form images that provide data and information about the area of the body being imaged.
The images produced by your nuclear medicine scan will be reviewed by a certified radiologist, and a report will be sent to your doctor, usually within 24-48 hours. Your doctor will explain the results to you.
Nuclear medicine services are currently provided on an inpatient and outpatient basis at ChristianaCare Union Hospital. To schedule an appointment please call 410-398-5050.