What Is Nuclear Medicine?
Using small trace amounts of radioactive materials (radiotracers) that are typically injected, inhaled or swallowed; a nuclear medicine test can help determine the cause of a medical condition based on the function of tissue, bone, or organ. A special camera detects the gamma rays produced by the radiotracers to create computer generated molecular information images of the inside of the body that cannot be obtained using other imaging options.
Nuclear Medicine Diagnostics
The images provide diagnostic information that has the potential to identify early stage disease. Nuclear medicine, a branch of imaging services, is used to diagnose, treat, or determine disease severity for many conditions including:
- Endocrine disorders, thyroid, parathyroid
- Gastrointestinal conditions, gastric emptying abnormalities
- Heart disease, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy
- Lung function
- Many types of cancer
- Metastatic bone disease, other bone & joint conditions
- Neurological issues, seizure, memory loss, Parkinson's disease
- Other abnormalities
Modern Imaging Equipment
At UCSF Health Saint Francis Hospital, our Nuclear Medicine technologists use the GE Infinia scanner to perform nuclear medicine screenings and single proton emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scans, one of the most powerful diagnostic tools available. The Infinia delivers continuous 360 degree imaging with an open comfortable table to enhance the patient experience. The Infinia provides high image quality with low injection dose, and shorter exam times.