Understanding Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine uses radioactive material (radiotracer) to create images of organs and body function to help diagnose several conditions, including tumors and infection.
Nuclear scans can help diagnose many health problems. Some of the common tests include:
- Renal scans: Look at the kidneys and may find problems with function or an obstruction in blood flow.
- Thyroid scans: Check how the thyroid is working. They also may look at a thyroid nodule or mass.
- Bone scans: Check the joints for arthritis. They also may find problems in the bones, such as diseases, tumors or the cause of pain or inflammation.
- Gallium scans: Can diagnose infectious or inflammatory diseases, tumors and abscesses.
- Heart scans: Can spot problems with blood flow to the heart. They also can gauge how well the heart is working and determine the extent of damage to the heart after a heart attack.
- Brain scans: Check for problems in the brain or the flow of blood to it.
- Breast scans: Often used with mammograms to find cancer in the breast.
- Gallbladder (HIDA scans): Assess gallbladder function and bile flow.
Learn more about nuclear medicine
Accredited Nuclear Medicine for Advanced Diagnostic Care
At ThedaCare, we’re proud to offer nuclear medicine services that meet the highest national standards for quality and safety.
The following locations are accredited in Nuclear Medicine by the American College of Radiology (ACR):
- ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton
- ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah
ACR accreditation ensures skilled technologists perform imaging using advanced technology, with board-certified radiologists reviewing all results. You can trust ThedaCare to deliver expert nuclear medicine imaging with care and accuracy — close to home.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
You’ll receive a small amount of radioactive material, either to swallow or through a small injection in the vein of your arm. You’ll then lie still on an imaging table, and the camera will pass over your body to take the image. The entire imaging session may take 30 minutes or up to three hours to complete, depending on the exam requested.
Nuclear Medicine Scan Results
A board-certified physician will review your images and provide the results to your ordering provider. You’ll be notified of results. If you have MyThedaCare, you can view and reference your results there as well. Your provider will contact you if you require any follow-up.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your ordering provider. We’re here to help and ensure you have the support you need.
To locate your ordering provider in MyThedaCare, simply log in and check the “Visits” or “Test Results” sections, where the provider is typically listed. You may also find this information under “Messages” or “Care Team.”
If you’re still unsure, feel free to send a message through MyThedaCare, and a member of our staff will be happy to assist you further.
