Nuclear
Medicine
 Nuclear
Medicine scans are diagnostic examinations
in which radioactive material, or isotope, is injected
and travels through the bloodstream to the target organ.
These isotopes transmit a pattern of rays representing
the organ size, shape and function. The rays are detected
by a special camera which, when coupled with a computer
produce a characteristic image on a screen. The radiation
dose is quite small, with half the dose out of the body
in 6 hours and almost all is gone in 24 hours.
East River's Millenium MG
permits whole body and spot imaging as well as tomographic
slices like a CT scan. You will be asked to rest on
a padded table during the exam. Studies of the liver
/ spleen, gallbladder, kidneys, and breast are performed
right after the injection. Bone scans are performed
between 2 and 3 hours after, and a gallium scan is performed
2 to 3 days after receiving the agent. Depending on
the type of exam, the time required for scanning is
usually around one hour. Music is provided for your
comfort.
Normally,
there is little or no preparation required.
It is beneficial to increase your fluid intake following
the examination to help eliminate any radioactive material
that may still remain in your system. Our office staff
will inform you of any specific instructions. If you
are breast feeding or are pregnant, please let our schedulers
know before booking the examination. The radiation dose
is quite small.
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