Nuclear Medicine Specialists

Nuclear Scans Medicine Specialists are medical doctors who use radioactive materials to diagnose and treat disease. They use a combination of techniques, including scintigraphy, to evaluate organ function and visualize certain diseases. The radioactive material, called a radiotracer, is administered either by injection or swallowed. The radiotracer then accumulates in the specific area of the body that is being evaluated or treated. It emits radiation that is detected by a special camera, such as a gamma scan, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) or Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Nuclear medicine imaging tests show both cellular and metabolic activity; unlike other types of radiographic exams, they are able to assess the function of a body part rather than just its structure.

During your procedure, you will lie very still as the nuclear medicine imager takes pictures of the nuclear medicine agent as it distributes in your body. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours depending on your test. The images are then analyzed by your nuclear medicine physician or referring doctor.

What Is Nuclear Medicine? A Beginner’s Guide to Modern Diagnostics

Nuclear medicine technologists operate the gamma cameras and have extensive training in physics, instrumentation and the clinical applications of nuclear medicine. They have the responsibility of working closely with patients, physicians and other members of the team. They obtain important patient history, discuss imaging procedures and answer questions, monitor the physical condition of patients during testing, record results and report to the physician. Some technologists may have additional responsibilities, such as nuclear pharmacy, which requires a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and 500 hours of hands-on training in handling unsealed radioisotopes under supervision.

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