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.
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.
Preparing for Your Nuclear Medicine Scan
Preparation varies depending on the type of nuclear medicine exam you are having. You’ll receive detailed instructions before your appointment.
Your preparation may include:
- Some exams require you to avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand. You may also be asked to avoid caffeine or tobacco before certain studies.
- Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements you take. Follow any instructions about medications before your exam.
- Tell your provider if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are breastfeeding. Special precautions may be needed.
- Let your healthcare team know if you’ve recently had another nuclear medicine scan, a barium study or imaging with contrast.
- Some exams require waiting time after receiving the radiotracer, so your appointment may last several hours. Consider bringing a book, tablet or other quiet activity while you wait.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
You’ll receive a small amount of radioactive material (radiotracer), either by injection, swallowing or inhalation, depending on the type of exam. In some cases, imaging begins right away. For other exams, you may need to wait several hours to allow the tracer to collect in the area being studied.
During the scan, you’ll lie on an imaging table while a specialized camera moves close to your body to capture images. It’s important to remain as still as possible to produce the clearest images. Depending on your exam, the imaging portion may take about 30 minutes to several hours, and some studies require more than one imaging session.
After Your Scan
Most of the radiotracer leaves your body naturally through urine and stool over the next few days. Drinking plenty of water after your exam can help flush the tracer from your body.
Your healthcare provider will let you know if you need to take any temporary precautions after your exam, such as limiting close contact with pregnant individuals or young children.
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.
