Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine uses a radiopharmaceutical to identify the biochemistry of internal organs. When injected into the body, the signals from these radioactive tracers are measured by a scanner to create images of tissue function. It is most useful in evaluating the function of the lungs, liver, spleen and gallbladder, as well as the metabolic activity in bones, which may indicate the presence of tumors or fractures.

Preparations:

• Gastric Emptying: Nothing to eat or drink since midnight. Patient must bring 1 scrambled egg meal. Exam time approximately 3 1/2 hours.
• Thyroid Uptake: Minimum 2 months after having an iodine study. No thyroid list-discication for 2 weeks. No iodine containing seafood 3 days prior to thyroid exam. Patients may not be pregnant or currently breast feeding.
• Hepatobiliary / Pipida: nothing to eating or drink since midnight. Exam time 2-3 hours.
• Renal w/Captopril: Off of ACE Inhibitors for at least 3 days.
• All other studies: No preparation needed, but good hydration(drink lots fluids) is essential.