Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine imaging procedures can identify abnormalities very early in the progress of a disease—before many medical problems may be apparent with other diagnostic tests. Nuclear medicine uses very small amounts of radioactive materials (radiopharmaceuticals) to diagnose disease. The radiopharmaceuticals are detected by special types of cameras that work with computers to provide precise pictures of the body area being imaged.

Nuclear medicine differs from an X-ray, ultrasound or other diagnostic test because it determines the presence of disease based on biological changes rather than changes in anatomy. Nuclear medicine imaging is unique because it provides doctors with information about both structure and function.

During a nuclear medicine procedure, the doctor inserts a special dye into the patient through injection or other means. The dye then works its way to the designated area and highlights body parts in other imaging tests such as a bone scan or PET scan. This allows radiologists to get a better view of dark, hidden areas of the body and check for abnormalities.

Hours of Operation

Mercy Fitzgerald

7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon – Fri

St. Mary Medical Center

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon – Fri

Nazareth Hospital

Call for hours.

Saint Francis Hospital

Call for hours.