{"id":797,"date":"2026-08-05T16:34:01","date_gmt":"2026-08-05T16:34:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clients.armadamedical.com\/urg\/?page_id=797"},"modified":"2026-11-11T17:32:04","modified_gmt":"2026-11-11T17:32:04","slug":"nuclear-medicine-and-molecular-imaging","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/clients.armadamedical.com\/urg\/services\/nuclear-medicine-and-molecular-imaging\/","title":{"rendered":"Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging"},"content":{"rendered":"

Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging<\/h1>\n

What to Expect<\/a> | Frequently Ordered Tests<\/a> \u00a0| Nuclear Stress Test<\/a> | Pluvicto\u00ae Radioligand Therapy<\/a>|\u00a0 Results<\/a> | Radioactive Iodine Therapy<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Nuclear medicine is a radiology specialty that uses radioactive tracers to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of medical conditions. The tracers are usually administered through an IV or by mouth. A special camera, called a gamma camera, is then used to create nuclear images. This helps doctors understand organ function, blood flow, and detect abnormalities in early stages. Nuclear medicine tests may be used in conjunction with other radiology procedures like X-rays<\/a> and CT scans.<\/p>\n

As their name suggests, the radioactive tracers given in nuclear medicine studies use radiation. The amount of radiation varies depending on the test, but is similar to X-rays. Children receive a lower amount of radiation that is based on their weight. In general, there are no side effects from the tracers.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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University Radiology has extensive experience using these tracers. All our physicians and technologists are trained and certified in nuclear medicine procedures by the American College of Radiology<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A Note Regarding Pregnancy Testing: While nuclear imaging tests only use small amounts of radioactive material, patients will be asked whether or not they may be pregnant. Most nuclear medicine scans are avoided or postponed if there is a possibility of pregnancy. Even if you are certain that you are not pregnant, University Radiology protocols may require a blood pregnancy test to guarantee patient and fetus safety.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

What to Expect During a Nuclear Medicine Scan<\/h2>\n

All nuclear medicine procedures require a written prescription or referral specifying the exam needed and the patient\u2019s signs and symptoms indicating the medical necessity of the procedure.<\/p>\n

Patient preparation for nuclear scans is highly variable depending on the type of nuclear medicine images needed. Before your appointment, a nuclear medicine technologist or nurse will contact you and go over any special preparation that is required.<\/p>\n

At your appointment, the nurse and\/or technologist will go over the procedure and answer any questions you have. They’ll also ask you relevant questions regarding your medical history. This information helps the nuclear medicine physician interpret the study.<\/p>\n

You can usually wear your own clothing during your exam, but you’ll need to remove all jewelry beforehand. If wearing a bra, make sure it does not contain underwire.<\/p>\n

Depending on the test ordered, you’ll be given the radioactive agent through an IV or by mouth. Then, you’ll lie down on a special medical table under the gamma camera. You’ll need to stay as still as possible to ensure a clear picture(s).<\/p>\n

The duration of the test varies depending on the specific organs and tissues being studied. Some tests take less than an hour to complete, while other tests may take several hours. The nurse or technologist will check in with you regularly to make sure you are comfortable throughout the procedure.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

Frequently Ordered Nuclear Medicine Tests<\/h2>\n